5 Monday Morning Inspirations
Dr. Shonta Smith
Dr. Shonta Smith presents 5 of her Monday Morning Inspirations, which she began writing in 2011. After writing a number of these she created the book The Essence of Education: Daily Meditation for the Soul. Every Monday she sends them out to many engaged parents and dedicated educators to get them to think about making a difference.
Below are 5 Monday Morning Inspirations from Dr. Shonta Smith, we believe will make a difference in your daily walk through life!
1. Monday Morning Inspiration
For the past week, we have heard the outcry “No Justice No Peace.” Is there truly any justice, and will there be any peace during these perilous times? A tragic incident has not only changed the lives of two men; it has changed the lives of their families, community and the nation. America we have work to do. If we continue to move in the current direction as a nation, we will continue to be divided, misguided, and have no common interest for the greater good of society as a whole. There is a sense of hopelessness that feels the air and as a nation we are not comforting lost souls. The situation that took place between Michael Brown and police officer Darren Wilson is not something new. Whether you believe the shooting, which resulted in Michael Brown’s death is justified or is not justified the problem at hand is greater than Michael Brown and Darren Wilson. It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. It’s time to stop talking about it and be about it. You are either part of the problem or part of the solution; there is no middle ground. Stop pointing the finger at others and check yourself. We all have faults. Think about the country you live and what it is YOU need to do to make it a better place. If YOU don’t take action things will remain the same. If YOU remain silent and say it is not my problem things will never change. Remember you are either part of the problem or part of the solution there is no middle ground.
We all want justice and need peace; however, there will be no justice nor peace if YOU don’t stay steady in the present and coming storm. It does not make a difference what your religious, racial, ethnicity, political party or educational background is during these trying times. What matters is how you handle and deal with the situation. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 it reads for men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these. YOU better stay steady in the present and coming storm. What is taking place is not a joke. What happens today impacts tomorrow? Life is too short, and before you know it, you will be asking yourself how did this happen? Is this really real? What is the world coming to? What are we going to do? The writing is on the wall and the answer is looking each of us in the face. The question you need to ask yourself is what are YOU going to do to effectively implement change. There is no struggle without progress. Be the change you want to see by being the best you can be.
2. Monday Morning Inspiration
The art and science of teaching requires one to be in tune with their mind, body and soul. When you teach you exalt your essence. If your essence just happens to not be in alignment with the art and science of teaching, you will be off balance. When educating our children it is imperative that we are centered and focused on the "Essence of Education". The essence is preparing our children to be productive citizens who contribute to society in a positive manner. In order to ensure that the essence we exalt is in alignment with the art and science of teaching we must engage in strategies and techniques that are conducive to teaching and learning. Our minds, bodies and souls must have the proper nourishment, rest, and exercise to provide quality educational experiences for our children.
As you work with our children today I ask that you do the following as recommended by Dr. Harry Wong:
1. Teach students, not a subject or a grade level.
2. Maximize academic learning time.
3. Have students earn their own achievement.
4. Keep students actively engaged in learning.
Simply put, just teach. We all are capable, have the necessary skills and qualifications to educate our children, but often times we don't really apply what we know works. We get caught up in all the hoopla and bureaucracy of education and forget to do the simplest thing and that is teach. If we teach and teach to the learning styles of our children, our children will be successful. Our children are depending on us to help them succeed. It is up to us to make this happen. You are the "ESSENCE OF EDUCATION" and everything that you do impacts the success of our children. Remember your mind, body and soul must be in alignment with the art and science of teaching so that you can provide our children with quality educational experiences.
3. Monday Morning Inspiration
One of the greatest gifts life can give to each of us is a quality education. A quality education is a basic human right. This basic right affords each of us with opportunities to further our lives and experience what it means to be great. What it means to open a book and read words. What it means to add, subtract, multiply and divide. What it means to differentiate fact from opinion. What it means to have the capacity to understand. Education is the bedrock of what is yet to come. Education brings life into lost souls and opens doors that were once closed. It inspires growth and development. It encourages the power within. Education is a means to an end. It rocks the mind, body and soul.
As you reflect on what education has done for you and what it continues to do for you remember to always have a want, need and desire for education. Without an education, life is meaningless. An uneducated mind is thirsty. In order to fulfill that thirst, the mind absorbs what it is fed. If the mind is fed unhealthy habits, it exhibits unhealthy habits. If the mind is fed proper nutrients, it stimulates growth and development. Growth and development move you in forward motion, and by moving forward you allow your life to experience great and marvelous things. In essence, you experience what life truly means as your education has blessed you with options.
Options mean you have choices and there are several individuals that do not have choices because they did not fully understand the importance of a quality education. Think about how much better you are today as a result of you taking your education seriously. Now think about where you would be if you did not value education. You better recognize “The Essence of Education” allows you to be the best you can be. Live, love and enjoy your life and remember you would not be where you need to be without an education.
4. Monday Morning Inspiration
What brings you joy? I mean what really brings you joy. It could be a number of things or something as simple as the sun rising and setting. Whatever brings you joy cherish it. Allow that joy to feed your mind, body and soul with peace, love and understanding. Joy is happiness, the warm embrace of a lover’s gentle touch, the lovely smells of a home cooked meal, children playing, and you enjoying each and every moment because you understand that joy is what you make it. You can enjoy going to work. You can enjoy paying bills. You can enjoy falling down because you have the will to get back up. You can enjoy every challenge, obstacle, heartache and pain. Joy is the pleasure of life. In life, we all have our ups and downs, but through every trial and tribulation there is a lesson to be learned. Enjoy every lesson and respect what the lesson is teaching you. The joy of the lesson prepares you for what is yet to come. Joy cometh in the morning, however in the process of waiting for a joyous morning enjoy the course.
When you think about joy, a smile should be upon your face. Your spirit should be filled up with content, blessings overflowing, calmness, and faith. Joy is a place of authentic wellness. It soothes your being. It provides each of us with energy to rejuvenate our depletion of delight.
Joy gives you room to breathe. The laughter of joy energizes the soul; it is like a quiet storm. As Frankie Beverly and Maze say remember when you first found love how you felt so good. Kind that last forever more so you thought it would. Suddenly the things you see got you hurt so bad. How come the things that make us happy make us sad? Well, it seems to me that joy and pain are like sunshine and rain. In essence, the good comes with the bad and happiness comes with sadness, but if you stand steadfast in joy, the hills and valleys of life will brighten your day. You will look forward to whatever comes your way because the joy in it all is you had the opportunity to experience it so you can become a better person. Enjoy your life today and walk into your greatness with a joyous jubilant smile.
5. Monday Morning Inspiration
When you look at me what do you see? Be honest and tell the truth. Don’t tell me what you believe is politically correct. Speak the truth, and tell me what is the first thing that comes to your mind. We all form opinions when we see someone. So today what I would like for you to do is stop lying and have an honest conversation with yourself as to why we judge one another. Do not sit here and try to deny that you don’t do it. We all do it. We do it so much that it has become a part of who we are. It is in our nature to judge, yet we don’t want anybody judging us. So if we as a people don’t want people judging us then why judge them.
If we take the time to think about what it is we do and how it impacts others, we would be mindful of all that we do. Actions speak louder than words. What are your actions telling others? What are your actions telling you? Have your actions made things better or worse? Are you aware of the consequences your actions create? Will your actions propel you to the next level or set you back? Do your actions control you? Take action now and stop judging other people and begin to look at yourself and review where you currently are, where you were and where you want to go. Review what you are doing, how you are doing it, and if what you are doing is getting you the results you are looking for. Judgment requires that you judge yourself first. Now for some this will be a challenge. With this challenge, you will find that there are some things that you have been doing that are not in the best interest of getting you where it is you truly want to be. For example, when looking at why you judge others you will find that doing this allows you to be critical of everyone else but you. Take the time to get yourself together and stop worrying about what everybody else is doing.
Judge yourself so you can improve your life and live the life you were meant to live. Stop wasting time talking about other people’s problems and deal with your own problems and issues. When you begin to look at what you are doing you have no room to criticize what anyone else is doing. You are your greatest and best critic. You have the power to change your life. Live your life and stop living other people’s lives. Judgment starts and stops with you. So let us be reminded he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (John 8:7). Every living being has engaged in some form of sin. Whether you told a little white lie, kept a secret that needed to be told, or stood by and watched horrific acts and did absolutely nothing; you are in no position to judge. Check yourself and do us all a favor and get your life together and let everybody else worry about themselves.
To learn more about Dr. Shonta Smith click here.
Below are 5 Monday Morning Inspirations from Dr. Shonta Smith, we believe will make a difference in your daily walk through life!
1. Monday Morning Inspiration
For the past week, we have heard the outcry “No Justice No Peace.” Is there truly any justice, and will there be any peace during these perilous times? A tragic incident has not only changed the lives of two men; it has changed the lives of their families, community and the nation. America we have work to do. If we continue to move in the current direction as a nation, we will continue to be divided, misguided, and have no common interest for the greater good of society as a whole. There is a sense of hopelessness that feels the air and as a nation we are not comforting lost souls. The situation that took place between Michael Brown and police officer Darren Wilson is not something new. Whether you believe the shooting, which resulted in Michael Brown’s death is justified or is not justified the problem at hand is greater than Michael Brown and Darren Wilson. It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. It’s time to stop talking about it and be about it. You are either part of the problem or part of the solution; there is no middle ground. Stop pointing the finger at others and check yourself. We all have faults. Think about the country you live and what it is YOU need to do to make it a better place. If YOU don’t take action things will remain the same. If YOU remain silent and say it is not my problem things will never change. Remember you are either part of the problem or part of the solution there is no middle ground.
We all want justice and need peace; however, there will be no justice nor peace if YOU don’t stay steady in the present and coming storm. It does not make a difference what your religious, racial, ethnicity, political party or educational background is during these trying times. What matters is how you handle and deal with the situation. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 it reads for men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these. YOU better stay steady in the present and coming storm. What is taking place is not a joke. What happens today impacts tomorrow? Life is too short, and before you know it, you will be asking yourself how did this happen? Is this really real? What is the world coming to? What are we going to do? The writing is on the wall and the answer is looking each of us in the face. The question you need to ask yourself is what are YOU going to do to effectively implement change. There is no struggle without progress. Be the change you want to see by being the best you can be.
2. Monday Morning Inspiration
The art and science of teaching requires one to be in tune with their mind, body and soul. When you teach you exalt your essence. If your essence just happens to not be in alignment with the art and science of teaching, you will be off balance. When educating our children it is imperative that we are centered and focused on the "Essence of Education". The essence is preparing our children to be productive citizens who contribute to society in a positive manner. In order to ensure that the essence we exalt is in alignment with the art and science of teaching we must engage in strategies and techniques that are conducive to teaching and learning. Our minds, bodies and souls must have the proper nourishment, rest, and exercise to provide quality educational experiences for our children.
As you work with our children today I ask that you do the following as recommended by Dr. Harry Wong:
1. Teach students, not a subject or a grade level.
2. Maximize academic learning time.
3. Have students earn their own achievement.
4. Keep students actively engaged in learning.
Simply put, just teach. We all are capable, have the necessary skills and qualifications to educate our children, but often times we don't really apply what we know works. We get caught up in all the hoopla and bureaucracy of education and forget to do the simplest thing and that is teach. If we teach and teach to the learning styles of our children, our children will be successful. Our children are depending on us to help them succeed. It is up to us to make this happen. You are the "ESSENCE OF EDUCATION" and everything that you do impacts the success of our children. Remember your mind, body and soul must be in alignment with the art and science of teaching so that you can provide our children with quality educational experiences.
3. Monday Morning Inspiration
One of the greatest gifts life can give to each of us is a quality education. A quality education is a basic human right. This basic right affords each of us with opportunities to further our lives and experience what it means to be great. What it means to open a book and read words. What it means to add, subtract, multiply and divide. What it means to differentiate fact from opinion. What it means to have the capacity to understand. Education is the bedrock of what is yet to come. Education brings life into lost souls and opens doors that were once closed. It inspires growth and development. It encourages the power within. Education is a means to an end. It rocks the mind, body and soul.
As you reflect on what education has done for you and what it continues to do for you remember to always have a want, need and desire for education. Without an education, life is meaningless. An uneducated mind is thirsty. In order to fulfill that thirst, the mind absorbs what it is fed. If the mind is fed unhealthy habits, it exhibits unhealthy habits. If the mind is fed proper nutrients, it stimulates growth and development. Growth and development move you in forward motion, and by moving forward you allow your life to experience great and marvelous things. In essence, you experience what life truly means as your education has blessed you with options.
Options mean you have choices and there are several individuals that do not have choices because they did not fully understand the importance of a quality education. Think about how much better you are today as a result of you taking your education seriously. Now think about where you would be if you did not value education. You better recognize “The Essence of Education” allows you to be the best you can be. Live, love and enjoy your life and remember you would not be where you need to be without an education.
4. Monday Morning Inspiration
What brings you joy? I mean what really brings you joy. It could be a number of things or something as simple as the sun rising and setting. Whatever brings you joy cherish it. Allow that joy to feed your mind, body and soul with peace, love and understanding. Joy is happiness, the warm embrace of a lover’s gentle touch, the lovely smells of a home cooked meal, children playing, and you enjoying each and every moment because you understand that joy is what you make it. You can enjoy going to work. You can enjoy paying bills. You can enjoy falling down because you have the will to get back up. You can enjoy every challenge, obstacle, heartache and pain. Joy is the pleasure of life. In life, we all have our ups and downs, but through every trial and tribulation there is a lesson to be learned. Enjoy every lesson and respect what the lesson is teaching you. The joy of the lesson prepares you for what is yet to come. Joy cometh in the morning, however in the process of waiting for a joyous morning enjoy the course.
When you think about joy, a smile should be upon your face. Your spirit should be filled up with content, blessings overflowing, calmness, and faith. Joy is a place of authentic wellness. It soothes your being. It provides each of us with energy to rejuvenate our depletion of delight.
Joy gives you room to breathe. The laughter of joy energizes the soul; it is like a quiet storm. As Frankie Beverly and Maze say remember when you first found love how you felt so good. Kind that last forever more so you thought it would. Suddenly the things you see got you hurt so bad. How come the things that make us happy make us sad? Well, it seems to me that joy and pain are like sunshine and rain. In essence, the good comes with the bad and happiness comes with sadness, but if you stand steadfast in joy, the hills and valleys of life will brighten your day. You will look forward to whatever comes your way because the joy in it all is you had the opportunity to experience it so you can become a better person. Enjoy your life today and walk into your greatness with a joyous jubilant smile.
5. Monday Morning Inspiration
When you look at me what do you see? Be honest and tell the truth. Don’t tell me what you believe is politically correct. Speak the truth, and tell me what is the first thing that comes to your mind. We all form opinions when we see someone. So today what I would like for you to do is stop lying and have an honest conversation with yourself as to why we judge one another. Do not sit here and try to deny that you don’t do it. We all do it. We do it so much that it has become a part of who we are. It is in our nature to judge, yet we don’t want anybody judging us. So if we as a people don’t want people judging us then why judge them.
If we take the time to think about what it is we do and how it impacts others, we would be mindful of all that we do. Actions speak louder than words. What are your actions telling others? What are your actions telling you? Have your actions made things better or worse? Are you aware of the consequences your actions create? Will your actions propel you to the next level or set you back? Do your actions control you? Take action now and stop judging other people and begin to look at yourself and review where you currently are, where you were and where you want to go. Review what you are doing, how you are doing it, and if what you are doing is getting you the results you are looking for. Judgment requires that you judge yourself first. Now for some this will be a challenge. With this challenge, you will find that there are some things that you have been doing that are not in the best interest of getting you where it is you truly want to be. For example, when looking at why you judge others you will find that doing this allows you to be critical of everyone else but you. Take the time to get yourself together and stop worrying about what everybody else is doing.
Judge yourself so you can improve your life and live the life you were meant to live. Stop wasting time talking about other people’s problems and deal with your own problems and issues. When you begin to look at what you are doing you have no room to criticize what anyone else is doing. You are your greatest and best critic. You have the power to change your life. Live your life and stop living other people’s lives. Judgment starts and stops with you. So let us be reminded he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (John 8:7). Every living being has engaged in some form of sin. Whether you told a little white lie, kept a secret that needed to be told, or stood by and watched horrific acts and did absolutely nothing; you are in no position to judge. Check yourself and do us all a favor and get your life together and let everybody else worry about themselves.
To learn more about Dr. Shonta Smith click here.