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A key component of our AVA culture is affirmations. In our fast-paced and challenging lives it is easy to miss, or fail to focus on, the countless good things happening around us each day. We all have peers, coworkers, family members, and even strangers passing through our days who are working hard, committing acts of kindness, or just being decent people. It is simple to gloss over those nuggets of goodness and focus our energy on the problems and challenges. As the old saying goes, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease," and sometimes we forget to squeak until we are unhappy.
While it can be difficult to find the time to affirm the people around us, there are powerful benefits to doing so. After all, being good is not always a simple task either. Each day the students, parents, teachers, and staff of AVA are putting tremendous effort into doing the best that we can, and that deserves recognition.
In walking the halls at Aspen View, it is not unusual to sees notes of praise,
encouragement, and gratitude taped to a locker, a classroom door, or even an
administrator's door. Small as they may be, these acts of encouragement are
nourishment for the spirit. Whether it is a parent getting a positive email about their child, a teacher getting a thank you card, or a student earning a Wolf Buck, it is a wonderful feeling to know that members of our community notice and value what you are doing. It is easy to fire off an email when we are upset or concerned, but much more difficult to remember to do this when things are going well, when needs are being met, and when people are happy.
In addition to the benefit it has on others, there is great personal benefit in practicing gratitude. When we slow down and focus on who/what we appreciate, we are reminded of the many aspects of life for which we are grateful.
As we continue another excellent school year, I encourage everyone to take stock of that for which we are glad and spend a moment sharing that gratitude. Let us lift each other up and encourage those around us to continue their good work.
Bob Barber
AVA Principal
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