The power of positive words is like magic because deep down in every human being is a desire to be appreciated.
My house was cluttered! I turned out my cupboards and drawers searching for things that I could throw away.
In the process I came across a polythene bag full of cards. I opened the bag and found that they were cards that had been given to me by my students on various occasions like Teacher’s Day, Christmas, my birthday, New Year and so on.
I had been a primary teacher for more than 20 yrs. It has been a decade since I retired. Yet I kept these cards. A quirky habit I suppose. I could not bring myself to throw them. There is something so special about them to me.
They evoked in me memories of those classroom interactions each year. Every year I had to shepherd a fifty or more young, energetic and innocent minds. It was a joy teaching those 8-10 year olds even though some were disruptive.
I treasured these cards because they are a pleasure to read even today just as they were long back. Some students took a lot of effort to cut out paper and draw and colour on them. Some just pulled out pages from their note books and expressed their love, respect and gratefulness on them. Some took the effort to choose beautiful or cute cards from the market. Some wrote amusing and hilarious things. Often there were grammatical mistakes. They opened their hearts. It made me feel valued.
As I waded through loads of work it was these notes that rejuvenated me. High expectations and a lack of appreciation from the authorities and parents can make a teacher feel downhearted. Little minds who face the teacher from period to period and day to day understand better.
They feel her love and responsibility towards them. They feel and see her abilities and struggles. They understand she is human and appreciate her. It is through these exchanges of little notes and words that the teacher and student get an insight into each other and transforming bonds develop.
Some authorities fear that praise can make teachers complacent. The authorities often fail to encourage. Instead a child steps in with his/her notes, flowers etc. A chain reaction sets in spreading positivity, enthusiasm and motivation. The young, unadulterated minds think it is good, pleasant and beautiful to see the teacher smile. Some notes reach the teacher at the exact moment when she needs it.
In the primary section it was the class teacher who taught most of the subjects. So the students felt a sense of comfort and security when the teacher was present. Much like when their mother was present at home. On rare occasions some students would unknowingly blurt out ‘Mummy’ while addressing the teacher!
Deep down in every human being is a desire to be appreciated. Just a little note of cheer or a few spoken words can make the difference. They act like magic.
My school days
When I was a school student we had a teacher named Mrs. Kamra. She was the librarian too and her skills in leading students to success in inter-school literary competitions had made her very popular. One day in the library while issuing a book to me she said, “I like you”. My joy knew no bounds. Just three words, but they made my day.
When I joined as a teacher in school we had to write a period-to-period account of what we did in class. Everything was read and assessed by the principal herself. She would write a remark after the assessment, mostly critical. I usually got my diary back in the middle of the day. I made it a point never to open the diary to read the remark, until I reached home. A cutting, downsizing remark in the middle of teaching would spoil my day. Her intention was only to spur us to better teaching with her remarks. However such was the power of those words.
Handwritten cards and Spoken words
Today the Birthday card, the Christmas card and other cards are on their way out of our lives. Messages are sent and read on mobile phones. Then they are deleted. There is something mechanical and impersonal about them.
On the other hand written and spoken words, notes and cards bring cheer for as long as they last. They are refreshing because they are personal gestures. They leave pleasant memories too.
During my childhood I used to cherish all the greeting cards that were sent to our family. Every sender took time to go to a shop, select, write a note inside, to remember the names of all the family members and finally address the card and send it. On the other end, waiting for each expected card, opening the envelope and then displaying it gave a lot of pleasure. The postman’s arrival was also awaited with thrill. Every card displayed on a mantle or hung on a string seemed to say “Someone cares.” I have collected and kept these cards too. A physical note can be read time and again.
The sun has an incredible power to brighten up everything on earth. So do words of cheer whether written or spoken. They have the power to impart energy, confidence and heal the mind. When somebody says, “I love you” or writes “Thinking of you makes me smile” the receiver smiles and so do all who read it. The magic starts to click! It is really necessary in a world torn by all kinds of problems.
This quote by Mary Angelou captures the power of positive words: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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