RULES TO LIVE BY: inside AND outside of the classroom (Genre Reflection)

          We live in a society where people are afraid to truly be themselves out of the fear of not being accepted. I know this because I too am guilty of this feeling; however, this is not because I want to be accepted by everyone else, but because I am not even accepting of my own flaws and afraid to face them head on.

        There comes a point where you have to learn to remember the good things instead of dwelling on the negative things you cannot change and to know that no matter what, it is O-K. The following is a list of things that I plan to live by and to introduce to my students.

It's okay to be so overly optimistic, even if it means always trying to find the good in a person or a situation that seems to always let you down. -- In a way, this is making you stronger.

It's okay to tell someone NO! -- If it something you don't agree with or that doesn't benefit you, do not be afraid to voice it.

It's okay to give compliments, AND to receive them. -- One small act of kindness can be life changing in some circumstances. Not to mention, it's nice to feel bubbly inside.

It's okay to love food more than you love people. -- Seriously. I condone a gluttonous lifestyle.

When it rains, cuddle under the covers and indulge in your favorite treat while watching your favorite movie or reading your favorite book.

Take risks, set goals, and follow them through until the end. You will be rewarded with a sensational amount of gratification.

Be creative. Life is more interesting this way.

Cry. I mean really cry.  It's healthy sometimes.

30 second dance parties can instantly better your mood. ESPECIALLY when dancing with a two year old.

There is no wrong way to interpret any song or piece of literature. REMEMBER THIS.

Do not be ashamed of feeling heartbroken because you have finished reading your favorite series and will no longer be able to read about your book-boyfriend. --This applies to TV series as well.

Do not be afraid to change your mind. What are the chances of getting everything right the first time around anyways?

Remember to floss your teeth and clean out your ears, -- These are two of the best feelings anyways....and putting in a fresh pair of contacts.

also remember absolutely everything you were taught in Kindergarten!
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Don't hit others
Clean up your own mess
Wash your hands before you eat.
Remember the Golden Rule, If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
LOOK! - everything you need or want to know is there somewhere.

and last but not least, a quote from one of my favorite poems:

"Think of what a better world it would be if we all- the whole entire world- had cookies and milk around 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together," -- Robert Fulghum, All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten