If you want to…
@RiverMSDdog
January 1, 2025
If you want to…..
Often, the best advice or motivator is the simplest. We hear, “Just do it.” When I just _____ fill in the blank - write, read, walk, eat healthy, meditate, connect with friends, create, and all my many desires- I feel better. The experts say to put yourself on your schedule, so I will start listening to the positive voices and ignoring the negative. Today is the day to start, and with Ray and River, I began with a walk; it felt good. Now I’m writing, and another daily goal is completed. Let’s see how I handle the remaining 364 days of 2025.
I know I can’t do everything at once, but I can make small steps to get there. I’ve learned that in my profession, in the MSD library, I build on the foundation that is set. I strive to make it the best program for our school community. When I mentor students and colleagues and talk with my children, that’s what I tell them. Be the best version you can be in the library and yourself. I need to have the same plan for me. If I want to be the best Diana I can be.
I attended professional development in 2024 that helped me build a better program for my school community. The year started off better than I could imagine being one of the honored for the I Love My Librarian Award at LIBLearnX in Baltimore. I attended Boward District training and the Broward Education Foundation Teacher Idea Expo; I connected with other Teacher Librarians at BCAMS, our district professional organization meetings, and social events. Facilitating author interviews at the Conference for Childrens literature was fun I spoke with Kerry O’Malley Cerra and Natalia Sylvester on stage, while Carmen Agra Deedy, Mitali Banerjee Ruths, and Betty Culley were on line Zoom style. I learned about them and their books. I’m glad I didn’t miss the Florida Association for Media in Education FAME Conference, and I learned more about AI, talked with authors, and connected with my library peeps. I laughed and was motivated by the keynote speakers, podcaster librarian Amy Hermon and the entertaining storyteller, author Carmen Agra Deedy and thrilled that I could hug them and thank them both in person. Oh, I brought River and Ray there too. River, the Official MSD therapy dog worked at putting smiles on faces while being petted in just the right spots. Maybe that is a secret inspiration; bring a friend or loved one to cheer you on.
There is much to look forward to professionally in 2025, including FETC the Future of Education Technology Conference January 14 -17. I am thrilled to be on the team at the Library Leaders Summitwith Martha Bongiorno, Education Evangelist - Adobe for Education, Bill Bass, Innovation Coordinator - Parkway School District and Shannon McClintock Miller, District Teacher Librarian - Future Ready.
I am going to, and when I stumble, I’m getting up and trying again to make it better, make it right, and glorious. Afterall, that is how I healed last year from a fall that broke my hand and nose, yes, I was a mess but with the love, kindness, and patience from Ray Haneski and thinking of Yoda’s mantra Do. Or do not. There is no try; every day, I get better. So, really, it’s what I did last year, but instead of therapy to get my hands to work again, the focus is on the rest of me.
It worked for me in 2024; I wrote a book with colleague Dione Mila. We were inspired at AASL in Tampa while celebrating Susan Ballard and Sara Kelly Johns for their book, Elevating the School Library: Building Positive Perceptions through Brand Behavior. We accomplished it by scheduling time to write together and separately, and we did it. I’ve wanted to finish a book for years. I started many, and now I know it can be done. But I have to put my goal and me on my schedule for the day.
I wanted to read 52 books in 2024, that was my Goodreads goal. I was short of the goal by eight books. There was a time when I would have been disappointed in myself, or at least run to Barnes and Noble and read 8 picture books to get to 52. But this time, I reasoned, how could I have read more, I was writing more. So now, I’ve added those eight books to my 2025 Goodreads challenge for 2025; I’ll try to read 60 books this year.
I am grateful for the time off during winter break; it’s allowed me time to rest and think about what I want. And to read more books!
I want to read, write, exercise, eat healthy, paint, plan time with friends, meditate, and more, and I’m going to “Just do it.” But let me get on my calendar first.
I’d love to hear from you; please comment.
Do you have a secret to putting yourself on your Calendar?
Do you struggle with getting to you on your to-do list?
“No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.”~Yoda
Reader’s Digest features an article 39 Powerful Yoda Quotes to Master Your Inner Jedi.
I’m reading:Everyone Knows You Go Home, by Natalia Sylvester
Take a breath and listen to Dr. Jim Gordon lead soft belly breathing:
