A New Season

It's been a few months since I last checked in. In that time, I have been completely focused on my teaching career. I started teaching at a different university and getting settled in took some time. In addition to adapting to the new environment, I was teaching three academic writing courses. Although I enjoy teaching writing and grading essays, these activities take up most of my time.

Indeed, it has been a new season for me in several ways: meeting new students, new colleagues, teaching new courses, and learning new things along the way. As I write, I can picture my students smiling faces and I consider it such a privilege to be their professor.

Talking about seasons, "it is that wonderful time of the year". That song is playing in my head right now:) Christmas is in the air and it puts me in a festive mood. Wishing you all love, peace, and happiness.

Ciao :)

NixieJae

CHANGE IS ....

Change is constant. We see change in our environment, society, government, education, and individual lives. We experience change in our circumstances and know that it is a part of life. Change occurs in our finances, career, emotions, looks, health, lifestyle, relationships, and many other areas of life. 

Our reactions to change can range from excitement to trepidation. Change is exciting, scary, and many other things to many people. There are positive changes and there are negative changes. There are changes imposed by self and there are changes imposed by others and things. Either way, change is largely intimidating.

How then do we cope with change?

1.    Accept that change is a part of human existence
2.    Acknowledge your feelings about the change
3.    Have a positive attitude towards change and get rid of bitterness, anger
4.    Look for the light in the tunnel
5.    Know when to seek help from others
6.    Clarify the steps you need to follow to deal with the change
7.    Be diligent and disciplined enough to follow through
8.    Lift yourself up when you fall, and keep going
9.    Live a life of gratitude. There’s always something to be thankful for
10.  Give back. Think of ways the change can help you help others.

Be patient. Things will work out. Your best is yet to come!

Can you think of additional ways we can remove fear from and cope with change? Share with us!





Photo Credits: Arnould de Potesta de Tornaco photography. free theme for Windows. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/changing-seasons-download-theme

Hello Spring

It is always exciting to spring forward with daylight saving time which means more daylight, heralding the arrival of spring. Although spring 2015 officially begins tomorrow, the cherry blossoms and other early spring blooms make this time of year absolutely gorgeous. What are the things in your local environment in this global community that you are appreciative of?  

The first quarter of 2015 is gradually coming to a close. Are you living up to your New Year resolutions? Are you steadily working towards those SMART goals of yours? Every little step forward counts.

On the aside, smartwatch is the new buzz in the market.  Apple Watch launches on April 24. These smart watches have internet capabilities and allow the use of apps. It is a great technological advancement that has been in the offing for some time now. Would you like to get one? Do you already have one? What are your thoughts about smartwatch?

One thing I can say for sure is that the smartwatch will make examination invigilation around the world more difficult. This watch gives students who have the tendency to cheat another means to put their devious activity into action. Large class invigilators will have a herculean task catching culprits.

In spite of the cons associated with this new product, I have to say that the convenience and other advantages the product provides, make it a great product and I applaud the manufacturers.

What do you consider to be the pros and cons of smart watches?

Ways to Reduce Stress

Everyone has something to worry about but some choose not to engage in that negative behavior known as worrying. Anxiety is of no benefit to anyone. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.

Here are some suggestions to help you worry less and live a stress-free life:

1. Take one day at a time.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day in a relaxed manner.
4. Say 'No' to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and declutter your life. Maintain a work-life balance.
7. Know when to multitask and when not to. Multitasking does not always pay huge dividends.
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10.Pray
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what you should do about it and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; save a little from each paycheck.
13. Have backup plans; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, etc.
14. Have control over what you think and what you say. This piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the kid in you everyday.
16. Learn to say 'No' without having to explain yourself every time you do.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising, Walking, for example, is scientifically known to reduce stress.
19. Get organized. Have a daily to-do list and follow it. Prioritizing helps eliminate stress. Big time!
20. Listen to a CD while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down your thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Engage in acts of kindness. It helps give you better perspective of things and there's joy in giving.
24. Make friends with positive people.
25. Delegate and/or seek help as much as you can.
26. Engage in lifelong learning. Start a new hobby. Read books.
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but do not be so hard on yourself.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Talk less; listen more.
33. Adopt a lifestyle of humility and gratitude.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before going to bed, think of one thing you're grateful for.

Here's to a stress-free life!

Happy New Year 2015

2015 is here and so are we. I give thanks with a grateful heart.

It's back to work for most of us. And many of us are focusing on our new year resolutions. Hope you accomplish all the good things you hope for this year. Keep focused and receive grace to succeed. Our best is yet to come!

Wishing y'all an amazing year 2015!