30 Days of Gratitude - Day 10 - Teachers

"Teachers come in many different ways. Some are formal teachers with books and desks and degrees. Some are elders, mentors or friends. Some are reluctant, clumsy or even improbable, yet no less impactful. Who has taught you something important? "

I've written about teachers a few times in the past. And I want to take a bit different angle on it than usual.  Please don't get me wrong - I am so grateful for those that act on their passion to formally bring knowledge to others.  I am grateful for how they have stretched my mind and helped me to learn how to learn. 

Today I've been thinking about the accidental teachers.  The people who teach by example;  how to be kind, how to accept others, how to be giving.  The people who find a kind way to let you know you have overstepped, maybe said words that you didn't think were quite so harsh.  The people who helped you (ok, me) to correct flaws - and who loved you all the way through it.  The people who encouraged you to be true to yourself - regardless of public opinion.  The people who showed you, by example, that even if you had something difficult to say - you could find away for it to be building for both parties.

These are people who I've been counting my blessings for today.  The teachers who taught me when I didn't realize I was learning.  Thank you.

"30 Days of Gratitude" ~ Day 12 ~ Day Brightener

"Hopefully there are people in your daily life that make it better. But besides them, who is someone, while you don't connect often, always brightens your day when you do?"

There are people for whom I am deeply thankful.  Some of them are day brightners.  Some are life brighteners.  And many of them have already been mentioned in days 1-10. (Of course, I don't want to refer to any of them as weird.;-)  Or at least, I want them to *think* I don't think of them as weird.)

Here's a surprising thing - a mix of this project and Facebook.  The comments on these posts have been super uplifting!  It is a weird project to take part in... from my perspective, it feels like I'm opening myself up to something best left un-opened.  (Yet when I read over the previous posts, it all seems mostly innocuous.  Most likely that is the way that it is from the outside.)  I'm not posting *for* the comments.  None the less, the people behind the comments have become their own thing to be grateful for. Facebook keeps us connected to *way* more people than we could otherwise.  I've known I like you all - but I didn't realize how *kind* you are.  Thank you for showing who you are.  It is lovely to see, and it helps others to look forward to just assume that most people have similar kindnesses. :)

"30 Days of Gratitude" ~ Day 8 ~ Raising the World

"People who inspire us to think beyond the expected, to think bigger. They lead by example and they deserve our thanks."

A little trickier, maybe.  Until you put your thinking cap on.  Like the teachers taught us. :)  I think that there is a common theme to the people who have inspired me to think bigger.  They've all been teachers in one respect or another.  Mostly *actual* teachers who make thier living from teaching. Schools. Music. Dancing. Some have been employers, or leaders in groups I've been involved in.  But all have had a desire to teach others a 'better way.' 

I could easily come up with two handsful of teachers in my life, right now, for whom I am thankful. 

Curious, dontcha think, that the woman who I saw doing this is also a teacher? :) I'm pretty thankful for knowing about this project and having had someone to set the example.