Hope

This morning we continue on in my book and reach hope. We have now experienced ways for getting past hopelessness.
Ray of Hope
"A ray of light across the bars of my being lights my way, instills hope in my
heart." This is the verse that accompanies the photo above.
Hopelessness is defined as having no expectation of an event occurring, being despondent.
Despondent implies being in very low spirits due to a loss of hope and a sense of futility about continuing our efforts.
Hope, on the other hand, is defined as a feeling that what is wanted will happen, a desire accompanied by expectation. It is hope which we want to cultivate in order to dispel hopelessness.
We have come a long way in our journey and have learned several tools and ways to act and behave that will be useful in combatting hopelessness. We have learned to surrender the pretense that everything is fine with us and we have discussed awakening to awareness of what is going on around and within us.
We have learned to trust in a power greater than ourselves, and to have courage and humility. Ways to treat ourselves with such things as gentleness, kindness, and compassion have been discussed.
We have become honest about ourselves and heave learned to practice willingness,
to commit to the journey, to move forward. Finally, we have learned the tremendous tool of how to conduct a self-appraisal. Through that appraisal, we have come to forgiveness of both others and ourselves. Do you see how far we've come?
Now, after going through what we have, we have learned to accept ourselves.
All of these things in combination provide for us a ray of hope that life can and will get better for us. Hopefully, it already has begun to do so.
We focus on that ray of hope as we work on getting past hopelessness, allowing hope to grow.
We take a deep breath, reveling in this new-found hope, and we allow it to blossom.
Today, take a moment to reflect on how far you've come, and begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the way past hopelessness to sobriety and inner peace.
Carolyn CJJones
www.Facebook.com/carolyncjjones
Twitter: @carolyncjjones

How to Stop Bullying

During an era when there is increased bullying in our nation’s schools, we must support our legislatures as they attempt to implement a Bullying Prevention Program and enforce stricter sanctions in an effort to end bullying.

Administrators and teachers must begin to identify the bullies that walk the hallways of schools, and let them realize that they are being carefully watched.

Bullying defined:

·         Physical (hitting, kicking, pushing, stealing, hiding, or ruining others’ possession against his or her will.

·         Verbal (name calling, teasing, insulting, or threatening)

·         Social (refusing to talk to, or play with someone, making someone feel left out)

·         Cyber (using electronics such as computer to write mean, demeaning, truths or untruths about someone)

Research reveals that bullying victims may experience:

·         Depression

·         Loneliness

·         Anxiety,

·         Low self-esteem

·         Feelings of sickness

·         Poor eating habits

·         Dislike for school

·         Poor grades

·         Or the worst (think about, or commit suicide)

As parents and educators, we must help our children affirm who they are. We must enhance and build their self-worth as hearty and powerful individuals who are sure of themselves. Bullying will become a record low in our nation's schools if we talk to children about respecting differences and similarities of others.

My children’s chapter book, No Tildes on Tuesday, has arrived at a crucial time. It is unique because there is a worksheet entitled: I am a Biracial/Multiracial Person! Let me Share My Attributes with You in the back of it. Students may be encouraged to discuss the personal attributes that they possess, or the positive strengths they have personally acquired over time. Just remove the title and use the worksheet as needed for discussion.

Once a child is given the necessary tools to strengthen his or her character, he or she will be strong enough to withstand upsets in life, including bullying.

What can we do?

 1. Our children should learn to love themselves and appreciate who they are!

·         Empowerment   ·     Boost their self-esteem  ·     Teach leadership skills     ·    Social Problem-Solving    Techniques

                ·         Role Play -- helps build self-esteem, encourages the child to speak up, fosters                     encouragement/character building    ·    Use Self-fulfilling prophecy    ·    Use words of empowerment

 By doing so, we will equip our children with strength to withstand!

 2. Work with Administrators at Your Child's School -- Assist them with ideas to Bully  

    shield/proof our schools

         ·         Foster climate of respect one to another    · Encourage staff to talk to children about differences and acceptance of differences using friendly discourse   ·  Teach and model acceptance of others  ·  Implement school wide, classroom, and individual intervention programs · Implement school wide rules and sanctions

 ·        Build and enforce a climate that is intolerant of bullying behaviors

 3. Intervene -- Our children need to know that we are listening to them -- Hear about the pain they are experiencing

          ·         There needs to be consistent supervision -- in hallways, under stairwells and places that children can easily hide and disguise themselves.

4. Talk to our children. Ask them about their day at school. Ask if there is anything we need to know.

           ·         Get into the trenches -- Let your children know that you will be there for them "at all cost"

Dr. Cherrye S. Vasquez, Ph.D.
Author Cherrye S. Vasquez is a public school administrator and an adjunct professor. She is a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction; a Master of Education in Special Education; and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology/Audiology. Vasquez specializes in Multi-cultural education and holds certifications in Early Childhood Handicapped, Mid-Management and Educational Diagnostician.