School communicators come in all shapes and sizes – SCN Encourager

I don’t need research and big data to back this up.

I’m living proof!

Not only do we not look alike , we don’t think alike.

I know this is hardly a startling revelation, but nevertheless, I’m continually amazed by the responses I get back from the Encourager.

The variety shouldn’t surprise me.

Some people tell me to stop writing about sports. (They’re the FOC segment = friends of Cindy)

Others tell me to write about sports more than I do.

I’ll even get a message or two which states that my writing about sports is wonderful – but that I’m blowing it by not writing about the right sports!

What do I have against figure skating, anyway?

As you can see, there’s no way I can ever write my way out of this pickle.

Once in a while I’ll receive – and often within minutes of each other on the same day – two contrasting responses to the same Encourager.

One reader will email, “That topic was absurd.”

While another will say, “Thanks. This is exactly what I needed to hear today.”

As you can see again… the responses I get run the full length of the range.

And I wouldn’t change a thing.

I like hearing back from you and other school communicators.

The quote I’d like to get in your hands today will probably also evoke many different reactions.

This quote is not about sports, but it does come from a mental performance coach who has built an impressive career coaching our Olympians and professional athletes.

I heard Dave Austin in a podcast few days ago.

He spoke about his best friend and longtime coaching partner, Roger Anthony, who died last month.

Dave said that from now on he was going to always try and “fit in” this quotation from his friend, as it’s a quote that has helped so many people over the years.

So, while listening to this podcast alone at home, I felt weirdly privileged to hear Dave read it aloud and describe its meaning.

It’s not sacred or anything.

But it is special in its own way.

It’s not often you get to hear someone pass on the core life lesson of a dear friend who can’t express it to you in person anymore.

Since I’ve written about our “comfort zones” before, you’ll understand why this quote from Roger Anthony is one I’ll be chewing on awhile.

Not only am I the builder of my own prison, but once built, I intern myself and then stand guard defending my position to ensure there is no escape, while all the while in my hands I hold the key that will set me free, now I understand its in the making of friends with ourselves that our enemies are defeated, for the enemy is within.

Now I almost hate to ask you this as I wrap up and wish you an enjoyable weekend–

But whatcha’ think?

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