I've mentioned before that, at times, themes seem to present themselves. As of late, I've concluded that these themes are largely the making of my own subconscious, much like the experience you've had after buying a new car or truck. Soon after your purchase you realize, suddenly, all the other automobiles that look exactly like yours. That thing that has been there all along but never seen is suddenly visible. That thing suddenly matters because it now matters to you.

My perceived "themes", I believe, come and go in much the same way.Here is my most recent one: Ownership. And it has manifested itself in three quotes:

1. "Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it's about collecting the scars to prove you showed up for it." - Unknown

2. “In our schools and in our classrooms, every interaction matters . . . A single interaction can change a person’s life forever” (pg 30) Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences That Impact a Lifetime, by Thomas C. Murray

3. “We must own our actions. We must own our mindsets. We must own the opportunities that we take and those we pass on. We must own our roles in creating the cultures our kids need to thrive” (pg 30). Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences That Impact a Lifetime, by Thomas C. Murray

For me, these have been encouraging and inspiring. They are reminders to be radically intentional - with everything - to take on and absorb blame and responsibility for the things I've done wrong, but then and always to get up and try again because, as the old faithful saying goes, "Chicks dig scars." And so do our students.