Never Let A Child Think...

Never let a child think that they are not wanted. So many kids I have taught have come to me, at one time or another, and have expressed how they have not felt loved. That is probably the most painful feeling a child could ever endure. For a teacher, it’s the most painful thing to hear.

I remember a few years ago, there was a student that came into my classroom. She was upset, hysterically crying, and in disbelief of what she had heard. Apparently, a teacher was using the student's weight as an example in the lesson. The student was already feeling uncomfortable and asked if she could sit back down. Of course, the teacher obliged her; not after saying to her out loud in front of the class, "If you're worried about your weight, maybe you should put the fork down once in awhile." Needless to say, that individual's teaching career was short-lived.

We have to remember that everyone is vulnerable sometimes. Being vulnerable is not always a bad thing. We must remember not to take advantage of those who are going through their own personal struggles.

I recently read an online article from “Tiny Buddha.” I suggest that we all look at these different stages, and focuses on how we can be better with ourselves and with others. Not just as educators, but as human beings. So if you are able to, give someone affirmation once in awhile. Tell them that they're loved and appreciated. 

Be Aware.

Open yourself up. Understand what makes you experience this fear. As I stated above, until I realized my fear was based on how much I cared, I was held hostage. This is the first step. If you aren’t in tune with this, there’s no way to embrace or overcome it.

Be Honest.

Don’t try to fool yourself. Just because you’re putting yourself out there in some capacity, that doesn’t mean you’re not letting fear get the best of you the other 95% of the time. Find one thing to focus on. Get your first victory, and then go from there.

Be okay with it.

I know, it’s hard to say you’re scared or vulnerable. It’s really freaking hard. It’s normal.  Your ability to be okay with vulnerability will bring exponential results when it comes to experiencing joy. I bet if you asked every person you’re close to whether or not they experience fear, you would get 80% to say yes. The other 20% would be lying.

Jump.

You’ve got to break free at some point. Take the shield off. Go write that letter you’ve been thinking about for the last five years. Tell someone you’re sorry, even if you think it should be them coming to you. Write that novel that’s dying inside of you. Just jump. I promise it won’t be as bad as you think it will be.


There is infinite power in embracing your vulnerability. It means letting go—letting go of failed relationships, failed projects, and anything in your past that felt like a failure—and putting yourself out there in the now. Until you let go and focus on the present, joy is just a myth.


Don’t wait. Take off your armor. Embrace your vulnerability. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Marianne Williamson.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us…Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do…and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”