Gratitude often fills our hearts and minds throughout November! It is the season to reflect on our lives, give thanks for all we have, and spend time with those we cherish. Consider to whom you would like to show gratitude towards this season, when you will thank them, and how you will show it in a meaningful way.

Remember to show gratitude to those with whom you collaborate frequently. Do you recognize the strengths your family, friends, and colleagues possess? Often, we look beyond the walls of our home, inner circle, or company for guidance, support, or inspiration. However, some of the most skilled people may sleep, live, or work directly beside you. Do you utilize them as a resource? Have you acknowledged their contributions to you? Have you thanked them for the personal and professional gifts they have given to you? We often forget to thank those closest to us. Nevertheless, it is necessary.

Consider making your show of gratitude meaningful. In an article I wrote about gratitude in November 2018, I discuss ways we can give thanks to those who support, educate, and inspire us. Don't wait. Show gratitude and mean it.

For years, I have loved how American Education Week is intentionally scheduled the week before Thanksgiving! It allows us another opportunity to give thanks to those who serve our students, schools, and communities. How will you celebrate this special week? How will you thank those who educated/supported you or who are educating/supporting your loved ones? 

I am thankful for the opportunity to share my love of music-making with students, staff, and communities everywhere. This academic year, I am thrilled to have been invited to guest conduct 7 honor bands in a handful of states. I was able to commit to conducting 5 of these ensembles. The first of these performances recently occurred in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania for Centre County. The student musicians were dedicated, focused, and eager to perform after a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic. I look forward to the upcoming opportunities to lead more students and collaborate with band directors! In addition, I have space in my schedule to design/present a few more professional learning opportunities for the winter/spring. Please reach out if your school, organization, or company is interested in collaborating.
  
Please continue to support and celebrate one another.  Most importantly, tell those you admire, love, and respect what they mean to you.

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” — John C. Crosby

I suggested writing a letter of gratitude to the most influential people on your educational journey. For my part, I initially thought of my father and mother, grade-school teachers, private instructors, collegiate professors, student-teaching cooperating teachers, administrators, and recently retired colleagues. In reflecting on these amazing mentors throughout my life, I also began recalling past and present colleagues with whom I worked the closest. I thought about how they have supported and inspired me, too. They have taught me (and continue to teach me!) invaluable lessons. As I write this message to you, I realize I have even more gratitude letters to send!

• Read the full article: Friendship as Mentorship: Colleagues Can Be Your Best Resource Professionally and Personally

Ask Lori to design and/or present reflective sessions to mentor or motivate staff or students in your organization. Review popular sessions.
 

Lori offers mentoring sessions on your topic(s) of choice. Schedule a session. Popular consultations include:

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