Celebrate All Your Me-s
The lessons in “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree.
Several years ago, after a frustrating high school theater season, I went to my principal and said I wanted to be considered for a raise because I was more than a teacher: I was a mentor. I was a counselor. I was a nurse. I was a mediator. The list went on.
My principal’s response? “All of that comes under the title of being a teacher.”
It got me thinking of the various responsibilities I had during any specific day: The “me-s” at work. The “me” as a parent. The “me” as a spouse. The “me” as a homemaker. And, the personal “me.”
I went as far as making a list of the job titles I could hold: nutritionist, cook, hygienist, laundress, mediator (both at home and at work), trouble shooter, nurse, teacher, editor. The list went on.
Then there were the qualities I found I needed just to get through the day: I needed to have a positive attitude. I needed to be confident (or at least appear that way). I needed to be empathetic. I needed to be able to negotiate. This list goes on.
In the 90s, Des’ree came out with the song “You Gotta Be.” You’ve got to be bad, bold, wiser; hard, tough, stronger; cool, calm, stay together. There were days I just needed to listen to this song so I could forge ahead despite what life handed me.
Today, I celebrate and embrace all the “Me-s” that I am because they make me who I am. They shaped my teaching. They shaped my parenting. They shaped my life.
Sometimes that celebration takes the form of reciting affirmations to my reflection in the mirror; sometimes giving myself a break to engage in something relaxing; sometimes rewarding myself with a massage. There are any number of ways to celebrate the “me-s” that make me who I am.
What jobs and qualities do you posses that you need to celebrate and embrace? How do you or can you celebrate yourself?
“You Gotta Be” lyrics
Thanks for reading.
AND
As you move through your day-to-day activities and responsibilities, please remember to
Live Life –
Keep Things Simple –
Look for the Positive –
AND
Smile.
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