Ashley Dotson
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The Hidden Cracks

3/4/2014

1 Comment

 
    We spend so much time concentrating on our outward appearances.  I am just as guilty as the next person.  I like to have my nails painted, my hair done, and I don't want to go anywhere without make-up!  Sometimes I find myself a little too wrapped up in outward appearances.  We even judge others on how "together" they are.  My students make me laugh with their excessive mascara, outlandishly expensive jeans, and fauxhawks.

    I grabbed this stressball today off another teacher's desk.  I was stressed out myself having to spend the day testing.  I focused more on my own boredom than the student testing with me- HE was the one testing after all. And then I grabbed the stressball... Actually it was  a stress "heart" and I squeezed it on and off for the better part of an hour.  This heart was perfect, until I got my hands on it.  It began to crack down the middle.

   I kept working that heart with my hand, watching the crack appear and disappear as I  squeezed it.  I thought of people, trying to be perfect on the outside with their flaws hidden to most.  My brain zeroed in on my students like it so often does.  They try (in their own way) to look good, pimped out, stylin'!  Students arrive at school and many times I can't see the cracks they possess.  It's not until someone applies pressure, like the stressball, that the cracks are revealed.  I would never want to do that to them.

    This picture reminds me that we all have cracks, but when too much pressure is applied they can become worse.  Don't make that mistake- choose to be kind and loving to your fellow human beings, especially the ones you don't like.  Often they need your understanding and patience most of all.

   




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1 Comment
Melanie Macek link
3/5/2014 07:53:54 am

Great reminder Ashley. I've actually been thinking about this lately and trying bit to apply too much pressure to not only others, but myself as well.

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    2020  Writing Goals: 

    Practice writing sprints.

    Finish "How to Write Dazzling Dialogue"




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   It doesn't get any more real than this! Like all my social media indicates I am an English teacher at Reagan High School.  I love my students as much as I do my own four children.  I enjoy YA Lit and Cadbury eggs.  I spend most of my daylight hours in overdrive, like most mothers.  Many ask me how I manage to accomplish so much, and although I have answered in various ways, the one solid truth in my life is Jesus Christ who makes all things possible. 
   Borrego ​is the name of my current project. Check out this novel and more on my website or on Amazon.com.