Today.

I don't have any children of my own.  But I do have 12 beautiful, wonderful preschoolers that I get to spend my mornings with.  Today's events have been utterly heartbreaking.  I just keep thinking about how little and beautiful these children were.  The loss of any life is always hard, but when it's a child it's so much harder because you mourn what little of life they had, and the long life and dreams they'll never see.

And I hate how so many people used today's events to argue about gun control laws in our country.  Yes, something needs to be done, but arguing over it on Facebook and Twitter right after the news broke was inappropriate.  Well, I thought it was inappropriate at least.

We send so much hate to each other too often.  Where's the love?  Where's the support, especially after such a tragic event?  Can't we just have today to mourn the loss of children who no longer have a future and those adults who tried to protect them?  Just one day of focusing on what matters - friends, family, life, - instead of being at each other's throats trying to prove our points?

I'm thankful that I got to spend my morning surrounded by twelve  4-year olds.  I'm thankful that I got to hear them laugh and read them stories and hold their hands.

Sandy Hook, you are in my prayers and in my heart.

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." - Mother Teresa

Note to Self.

Dear Self,

When you get that sad feeling, like you could cry at any second, you're really just tired.  Or getting sick.  Trust me on this one.

You should unplug more often.  Let "relaxing on the couch" be just that...not "sitting on the couch while working and emailing and sequencing yoga classes and lesson planning".  Your mind needs rest just as much as your body does.

Think before you speak - not just about what you say but how you say it - because despite your intentions sometimes your tone sounds really, well...snobby.

It's okay that you run out of steam - both physically and mentally - more quickly than others.  Being fragile is not a weakness, but not listening to your body is.

Working hard is important, but depending on God is more important. All the work in the world doesn't even come close to His ability to give you what you truly need.

Everything will work out.  It almost always does.  And if it doesn't?  Who cares.

Always remember to completely unplug the straightening iron before leaving the house because if you don't you'll spend all day wondering if you left it on.

It's okay that you're so close to your family.  It's not weird.  It's a gift.  Cherish it.

You need to start washing your jeans more.  It's pretty gross that you rarely do.

Watch more good movies.  It's good for you.

Love,
Z