Thrive As You

I've commented on this blog more than once how I don't take my own advice.  It's easy to do.  There are times when we are so close to a situation, we can't even see it for what it is.  We need to gain perspective. The last few months have brought about a lot of change for me.  I recently began a new job.  Leaving my previous position was a very difficult choice for me to make, and up until the very moment I walked into my new job, I regretted my decision to leave.  For a few years now I have worked with elementary students, my "babies."  I have developed amazing relationships with these kids and their families.  I have watched them grow, change, and develop right before my very eyes.  In fact, I think it's safe to say that I had at least a small part to do with that growth and change.  I love these children as though they are my own, and I don't say that lightly. But sometimes in a workplace, there is more than just "the work," and a...

S ometimes I have so much to write about, I end up not writing at all.  Kind of like this. http://thuglifeshirts.com/ A few weeks ago, I was talking with a dear friend about some extremely odd behavior of a grown man and she said, "I mean really , have some dignity" Dignity. And that got me REALLY thinking about that word.   I have a thing with words, maybe you've noticed?  Anyway, Merriam-Webster defines dignity as.... : a way of appearing or behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control : the quality of being worthy of honor or respect I'm not so sure about the "seriousness" part but self-control?   Yes.  Being worthy of honor and respect? Sign me up please.  I define dignity as Or some sort of version of that.  Dignity for me is really that thing buried deep inside of you, likely entangled with your soul and your self worth and things like pride and inner strength that tell you, "I'm be...

A lot of people are curious about how I, April Schmidt came to be baptized yesterday.  After all I've spent the last 20 years or so denouncing religion in general.  The truth is, I'm still not a major fan of "religion" but that's another blog post FOR SURE.  The thing about this wonderful church I've found, or rather was led to (more on that in a minute) is that they aren't really all that concerned with "religion" either.  All they want to do is help you have a relationship with God.  That statement alone is what got me to walk in the door. So a bit of history.............. I feel like I have to tell the story of HOW I got to this moment. I was teaching preK  and I had this student.  Looking back now, I can see that she wasn't "my favorite," but I was drawn to her light.  Every day I looked forward to seeing this little 4 year old angel and her smile just made my day.  I was going through my divorce, but not going through my A...