A single letter can often make a big difference – SCN Encourager

Incredibly, one letter can even change the weather.

Wetter or Better.

Back when I was in high school in Flint, my freedom always hinged on what kind of letters I brought home.

A’s and B’s meant the good life.

A “D” would inevitably evoke a crude version of temporary house arrest.

I still wonder how I survived the ordeal.

As I think back, at no time did my parents read me my rights, conduct impartial hearings, or ever communicate the steps necessary for an appeal.

I can’t believe I grew up in such primitive times.

What got me thinking about this “letter switcheroo” business was this sign that is now posted at one of our schools.

It also reminded me of the posters I occasionally see up near the counselors’ offices.

You’ve probably seen similar ones.

You know… the Learning = Earning ones.

Pretty clever, huh?

When letter switcheroos are on your mind, you’ll discover them all over the place.

One speaker I heard in a podcast was describing a study about contentment and happiness.

She said that people who experienced the most joy in life focused their attention on “being” (themselves) instead of “beating” (others).

This reminded me about last month’s MSPRA Conference in Lansing.

There sure was lots of learning.

And in a classic understatement, there probably was not so much earning.

But when you take the “r” out of learning, there was a lot of that other essential thing as well – leaning!

And there’s just no denying the value to be gained from the sincere encouragement and support of your peers.

Even if some of those peers keep responding with, “You’ve got to be kidding, right?”

But that’s okay.

I can’t say the pokes aren’t needed.

So, here’s wishing you a wonderful weekend with your family and friends.

Keep leaning.

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