I drove home today writing emails in my head and trying to figure out who, up the channel of administration, I should send them to. This was after dealing with an ongoing situation at one of the schools where I teach.

I have already brought it to the attention of the administration but there has not been any improvement. It involves an early childhood class that I teach which is outside of my contract.

I’m contracted to teach Kindergarten through 4th grade music, but I offered to also teach PreK music because it brings me joy (usually). Today I was so frustrated and ready to say that I will no longer offer PreK music at this particular school.

I came home, had a snack (that helped) and sat down to read my cards, my DMP and speak “Do it now!” to my soul – which I did.

It hit me as I was reading:

“I promise to give without expectation of reciprocity from the channels I enrich…”

Then I read my DMP Movie Trailer which begins, “I speak with love, confidence and truth. I listen with presence and build deep, joyful connections,” – and a little ways down the card it says that I “teach and uplift others with my voice and my presence.”

It really hit me. I instantly decided instead to email the teachers whom I’m having a challenge with directly. Then I heard myself say from somewhere deep within, “Do it now!”

So it did! I wrote what may have been the nicest email that I have ever written in such a situation. Instead of offering ultimatums I offered ideas, partnership, hope and kind words – and not in a snarky or pandering way.

Instead of dreading my Monday afternoons, I’m actually looking forward to seeing how this affects next week’s classes at that school.

My movie trailer ends with, “I act now in faith and love. I persist and I succeed!
I always keep my promises.”