kindness – Elyse Hahne

Beacon of gratitude

May 20, 2019May 20, 2019 Elyse Hahne

Several months ago, Chris and I were in discussion about a gratitude chat to highlight the good we spread, cultivate, and relish around us. A time to reflect upon the topic of gratitude in the form of a twitter chat. Something I really glean information from is twitter chats.

Therefore, #gratefuledu was born and is a bi-monthly chat that highlights gratitude through the good, the tough, and how we can still see gratitude in the midst of any point in our lives. Something that blesses me is the power of this chat and how I am encouraged by others every other week. It’s real talk, building up others as we go, reflecting on our current practices, and is something that I hope to continue.

Something that hits home is kindness through gratitude. It doesn’t have to be much. Just a simple gesture or kind word can make someone’s day. When you are intentional with your actions and words, people notice. It can be a simple gesture or a little thing to you that can make someone’s day better. The beacon of gratitude shines.

Kindness matters. A smile, a laugh, holding a door for someone whose hands are full, a bottle of water, a piece of chocolate, and simple words of encouragement all go a long way

People notice the gratitude and kindness when you make an effort. You can make someone’s day by your one action. That’s pretty powerful.

This past Sunday, many of the members that joined the #gratefuledu chat really touched by heart and made me smile as we shared ways to refill the gratitude cup. Y’all, May is tough for so many. With deadlines, paperwork, spring fever brewing, and more, it’s a good time to reflect on the beacon of gratitude. Gratitude, in itself, is the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Gratitude is a CHOICE and we CHOOSE to show appreciation for all. It’s something that can make the world go around and can make the stress of everything diminish.

No act of kindess, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

For me, random acts of kindness through gratitude is my jam. Noticing what others do and appreciating what they give forth matters. Having someone’s day change by one handwritten note or kind comment matters. Putting forth intention to make someone’s day matters. Giving someone a pat on the back and spreading gratitude through kindness matters.

Whatever your gift may be in gratitude, I challenge you to be a beacon of gratitude and go forth to spread kindness through intentional acts to support one another each and every day. Your one act matters!

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The impact we make

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019 Elyse Hahne

difference

As educators, we support students and staff every day. We pour of hearts into our people and we hope we make a difference in their lives too. It’s the work of the heart every day. Planning, organizing, and caring about the people we work to make the world for. The moments come alive when we share with our populations on a daily basis.

Every day, we make a difference. Not just in the classroom or with students and staff; with the people that see our work of heart and difference on a daily basis. The activities, the smiles, the relationships we build, and the care in our heart. We make decisions for many and see the results in front of us and live. Does it always work? Ha! But we work to do better next time.

One of my favorite hats as a teacher is listening to my students’ stories and seeing their GRACE for me. In turn, they are difference makers in my life. Seeing their reactions, their excitement, and their love makes all the difference. Our students have the biggest hearts and, while they may not always show it, they care. They make an impact in our lives by the memories they etch into our hearts and minds.

Somewhere around you, others see, read, or hear about your difference and impact you make. They notice your excitement, your heart, and your impact, sometimes before you. They notice the passion that overflows when you light up and take matters into your heart. They notice the difference and often give sayings like “you are awesome” or “thank you for your work as a teacher.” Those sentiments matter in the lives of educators. They fill your cup and are stops along your journey.

Every day, we are making a difference in the the lives of our students and their path to education. The difference we share matters. The difference we give matters. We are making an impact every day. Every day, however, others impact us too. I challenge you to take into heart how others impact you every day and hold that tight. Making a difference is serious and awesome business. Make your impact today!

make your impact matter

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Lighthearted comedy club

February 18, 2018February 18, 2018 Elyse Hahne

Wigman Self proclaimed “Wigman”

Laughter, it’s something that gets us through the day and makes a mark on many hearts. Laughter keeps us going, provides entertainment, and makes the world a better place. People respond well and it etches memories into the heart.

My students are smart, quirky, creative, and make my world go around and around on a daily basis. Just because they think and act differently doesn’t mean they don’t make the world go around for others.

This year, I have the opportunity to work with a group of students who have multiple and varied disabilities all together. To paint you a picture, I have Autism of different varieties, Intellectual disabilities, OHI, Learning Disabilities, and much more. Their labels don’t define my students and they LOVE becoming famous on my quotes of the day I post on social media. They’ve been coined “the comedy club” and it’s really a highlight of my and many others’ day.

A few highlights from my comedy club that make me smile & laugh.

“Flu symptoms are sore throat and other symptoms. I’m fine since I just look off. I don’t have that.” Earlier in the day, “I survived the worstest flu of the season this year.”

“Can I get a hair head or a hair and a head?”

“Miss Hahne, do I need to have condoms (he meant commas) in my composition?” After asking him to repeat it, he said “oh yeah, I meant commas. Duh!”

“Hey Aliens, it’s a great day today.” “Great day today, isn’t it?”

“When you behave bad, you go to the depths of hell.”

“Sit back and watch the clouds go by. Relax”

“I work-did already ready. Give me my reward.”

“No candy today. I lose control. No candy today.”

“How about no work and just free time today, I’m tired.”

“Take a deep breath and laugh.”

There you have it. A glimpse of the comedy club and their antics on a daily basis. They provide the laughter, smiles, and make the world go around and around each and every day. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be surrounded by such a fun and hilarious group of students daily. Their comedy makes the world a better place.

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Pour out joyful gratitude

November 27, 2017November 27, 2017 Elyse Hahne

Last week, I participated in the #Kidsdeserveit twitter chat & something that was brought up sparked an interest and had me thinking for the rest of the week. The question was posed and so many great responses were given.

How can we show gratitude all year long in meaningful and lasting ways? More than “tell them” or “write them notes”. Think deep!

Think about it. It’s not just about students. It’s about each person we encounter each and every day. Whether it is students, family, or anyone in proximity. It’s the people we smile at, say hello to, and are surrounded by each and every day. So the question remains, how can we show gratitude each and every day in a meaningful way?

It’s not hard…you SHOW others your appreciation by doing. You give back, you participate in random acts of kindness, you make their day, and you show kindness. Kindness goes beyond just the simple hello; kindness digs deeper. It allows you to make a connection with the other party. It’s the act of time that makes the world of difference.

The act of time and showing others how grateful you are for them day in & out goes above and beyond telling them. You act, curate a bond, show kindness, & build someone up with gratitude. Don’t overthink it! Get to know the people you are surrounded by each and every day. Take a moment to ask about their interests and their families. Notice what makes each person unique.

Act through joyful gratitude for the person! It will mean the world to someone each and every day. No act is too small or too great; it’s the act of gratitude that means the world to each person. Fill the world with joyful gratitude towards others each & every day.

Color the world with joyful gratitude through actions