Let's Talk About Words

    "No work , however humble, is dishonoring," according to The Talmud, which is a central text of Rabbinic Judiasm. Here in the United States, people receive a large amount of pay to entertain us whether it is through music, movies or sports, yet other professions like teachers and social workers receive relatively low pay. I myself have worked as an infant teacher for the past 12 years, and although I believe the preconception of Early Childhood teachers is changing, people often look down on my job. Even though I take care of the needs of 8 infants , with my co-teacher Jenny, in addition to implementing 4 activities while talking pictures and sending a form highlighting the learning benefits daily to the parents, people often do not respect my job. We also complete an online portfolio and an assessment of their development as well as conduct conferences 2 times a year, many others still do not even think of us as teachers . All of what we do, doesn...

    " Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life."                                                                       -George Arliss      My parents raised me to be a very competent person. I learned how to cook, clean, pay bills, shovel snow, mow the lawn, check my oil, do laundry, hook up electronics, paint a room and more. My mother and father expected a lot from me, but they also taught me by their example. My father was very hard working, and my mother still is. Because I have always been able to do much of what I set my mind to do, I rarely had to ask for help. That can have a negative effect though because it often enabled others to do less or made them believe that I didn't think that they could do it we...

    "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change ," as said by Charles Darwin. As I have discussed in previous posts, life changes; nothing stays the same. I started writing a book years ago based on the idea of tolerance , which is the ability of an organism to thrive and grow under adverse conditions. I have prayed, meditated and contemplated this concept for many years, trying to make sure that whatever life throws my way that I can learn and grow from it. I believe that I have done well, but I want to continue to use my ability to adapt to learn and grow. Read my words and see my quotes at http://susanmarieschulhof.blogspot.com

"Once we know our own weaknesses they cease to do us harm."                                       -Georg Christoph Lichtenberg      We can treat our weaknesses as we do our fears and confront them so they have no power over us. The fears are still there, we just take control. My biggest weakness is giving into my anger and yelling. I have struggled with this my whole life, and have repeatedly committed to stopping it. I believe that I am an easy going person until I get pushed too far, then I explode. I do not hit anyone, obviously, but I do know that my anger and words harm others as well as myself. According to today's quote, once I know my weakness it should not cause harm , but I feel that we must take it one step further and interpret its meaning to change. That is my hope; that by accepting and understanding this weakness, I can stop it and become strong . ...

     "We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other loves, other souls ," as said by Anais Nin who was an American author. If I were to win the lottery, I would want to see the world since I really enjoy traveling . There are places that I have been, and places that I want to see. Except for reasons of convenience, there are few places I would like to go to again, even though some of the spots I adored. I am not like people who want to vacation in the same city time and time again. There are so many different sights , countries and islands  that I want to see so I would never choose a place I have already been to. I want to see all of the world and "to seek other souls " as the quote states. I enjoy seeing how different people live and meeting others. Even though at times I am saddened by the conditions I see, I choose not to judge their life or their lessons . I want to broaden my views and see life differently. Read my words ...

    Joseph Addison said, "Of all the diversions of life, there is none so proper to fill up it's empty spaces as the reading of useful and entertaining authors ." Even though Joseph was an author that died in 1719, his words still ring true today. As I write these words , I hope to entertain as well as to be useful. When I read other peoples words , I love to get lost in the book and be entertained, but I also want the book to make me think about my place in this world. As you read my words and ideas, my wish is that thoughts about your own life will come to the forefront, that my words will spur self discovery and understanding of yourself. I believe that the words I write come from the very best part of who I am, from my soul .  I hope that you can see the truth of your life through the truth of mine. Read my words and see my quotes at http://susanmarieschulhof.blogspot.com

   "Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can," according to Lowell Thomas who was an American writer, broadcaster and traveler. I often write about slowing down and enjoying the moment which I still agree with, but there are also those times of action. There is a television show about hoarders that intrigues me as well as disgusts me. Although many of the people have psychological disorders, it also shows people who just keep everything and cannot get out from the mess once it goes too far. We need to find time in our busy days to clean and get rid of the clutter often instead of letting it pile up. I always joke that any time I need to clean, I just invite people over since that gives me the drive to work. Once I organize and de-clutter, I instantly feel better. If I add up how much time is spent watching television and on my computer, I do have time to clean. One day a week, turn off the television and shut down your computer to reduce any distr...

    "Many a man fails as an original thinker simply because his memory is too good."                                                               -Friedrich Nietzsche     As I write my blog and work on my book , I strive to put down in words ideas that I have not heard or read. I am constantly trying to come up with an original concept for a book . Even as I listen to music and read books, I realize that many topics are the same as previous ones just slightly different.  Even Abraham Lincoln said that books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new at all. Music artists purposely use parts of old songs as well as they are sued often for  plagiarism. Movies are constantly being redone instead of new ones. Have we run out of ideas ? Can I have an original...

      "You cannot escape the responsibilities of tomorrow by evading it today."                                                                  -Abraham Lincoln    What are my responsibilities in life? I am obligated to go to work and complete the tasks to the best of my ability. It is my duty to help and care about my fiancé, mother, sister, brother, nieces, nephews and friends. I am responsible for feeding, clothing, providing shelter for, teaching and guiding, but most of all loving my three daughters. What other responsibilities do I place on my shoulders? Even if I claim something as mine, can I truly control it? In my life, I have often assumed responsibility for people, tasks and situations that were not within my scope of power . I am saddened when I am not ab...

     "Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery ," according to Dr. Joyce Brothers. How often have you heard a parent, a teacher, a spouse or a friend say to you or to someone else, "That looks great" or "You did a wonderful job on that" even when it is not true? My answer would probably be often since we are a society of praise . I am not against compliments, but is the assessment true or is it said to placate the person or to only make them feel good? As an Early Childhood Educator, I have read studies that say if you praise too often and for everything a child does, they will stop believing you or get a grandiose view of themselves and their abilities. It is also an age old joke that a spouse should just tell their wife that they look great in everything so they don't get into trouble. As Dr. Brothers states, I want someone to listen and to really look at what they are praising me for; I don't want to be appeased nor c...

  "We must have strong minds, ready to accept facts as they are."                                                                       -Harry S. Truman       I love a good book . In fact, I have been known to bring 6 books on vacation and read them all.  Sometimes when I am reading a book , I can forget that it is simply that, a made up story by another person.  I even start to believe that life can be like it is in some books and that people can be like they are in books; I just have not met them yet. Then I remind myself that real people are flawed and real life has trials. I am a glass half full type of person so I genuinely love life, but it can challenge me at times. Life is real and true and facts , but fiction can be fun at times. It can be an escape for me, as...

     Muhammad Ali was quoted as saying, "I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I really was the greatest ." What do you go around saying about yourself? Do you say "I am smart", "I am pretty", or "I am caring"? Or do you say "I am so fat", "I am stupid" and "I am unhappy"? Muhammad must have believed in the power of thoughts and the power of words if he decided that he could convince the world that he was the greatest by his words and by his actions .  If you look him up it states that he is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing.  He did not say that he is the greatest and then sit on the couch though. He worked to become the greatest ; he said that he was the greatest, and he was. I do believe in myself and I will work hard to be all that I believe. Read my words and see my quotes at  http://susanmarieschulhof.blogspot.com

     "A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care to acquire," according to Francois De La Rochefoucauld. It is interesting to watch two older infants become friends. Through the 13 years that I have been an infant teacher, I have seen many children play with and alongside each other, however there have only been a few pairs that I would say were " friends " in an infant classes. A couple of things that I feel made them seem like true friends were that they always wanted to be near each other, they smiled whenever their friend entered the room and they seemed to be happier and have a better day when their friend was at school. As an adult, I am probably the same way with my true friends although I also talk to them and confide in them. I think that I am a good friend and try not to take them for granted, but I am sure that sometimes I do. I want to treasure and show my friends how grateful I am to have them in my li...

"We shall find peace. We shall hear angels. We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds." -Anton Chekov      I am not sure what Anton what referencing with this passage, but to me it sounds as if he is describing once we die with the angels and the peace . I do hope that once my life here on earth is done that I do see the sky sparkling like diamonds, hear angels and find peace, however I would like all of that while I am alive as well. One of my favorite songs at church has always been "Let There Be Peace On Earth". I would sing along loud and strong somehow hoping that just wishing for peace  could make it happen. Although I would want peace in all of the world, I have been a little selfish in my life, wishing for that peace for myself. Even during an argumentative marriage, raising children and living in the busy northwest suburbs of Chicago,  I have continually searched for peace for myself in my outward life, yet everything...

     James Thurber was quoted as saying, "All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why?" Examining the meaning and nuances of my purpose has always been important to me. I have been on a path to learn about my life for as long as I can remember. T oday's quotation makes me think about running in the literal sense , since as I get older, I am running less often and walking more, and I miss it.  I used to run to get away from stress and noise. It was my time away to relax and not have anyone impose their needs on me, at least for that short time. The other part of me ran for the health benefits and to clear my mind, as well. If I examine this quote and apply it to my life in a general term, it still applies. In my life, I opt to " run away from" negative people and situations and stress and turmoil. I desire to run towards health, peace, harmony and the pursuit of my dreams. Those answers are clear, but no...

   "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."                                                                       -Steve Jobs    In researching for today's post, I read quotes by many famous leaders, but this one by Steve Jobs resounded with me. Often people, including myself, have ideas for inventions , creations and designs in life or in their career . What separates those who dream and those who pursue? What differentiates the ones that try and the ones that achieve? It is simple to see the difference between the dreamers versus the pursuers; it is action, and probably repeated and continual action. I can't think of anyone who achieved their dreams simply by wishing, however what about the people who attempt to make their dreams a reality, yet the final achievement k...

     Injustice by definition is an act that inflicts undeserved harm . I have been a single working mother since 2001. Throughout these 12 years, I have struggled to work hard yet be there for my daughters . What I learned years ago was that I can never be the best at both. I have had to understand that doing as much as I can as a mother as well as doing as much as I can at work would have to be enough. I also realized that if I did not find time for myself in between these work and parenting commitments, that I could not even be enough at work or with my children. Often when I neglected my needs I would end up ill or sad and sometimes both. I had to learn to balance all of the areas of my life so that I did not inflict undeserved harm to others nor to myself. An unbalanced life does  truly lead to injustice. Read my words and see my quotes http://susanmarieschulhof.blogspot.com

                               "Do blondes have more fun?"    I remember when I was back in College, I wrote a paper about the difference from when my hair was blonde versus my natural brunette color. In the paper, I explained that I did feel that I was treated differently with each hair color . People expected me to be more intelligent as a brunette, yet I received much more attention from men as a blonde. Why is there a difference in society? The rest of my characteristics and traits were exactly the same no matter what color my hair was? My level of intelligence certainly did not change with my hair color. Although hopefully times are changing a little, we as a society seem to still put too much emphasis on our physical characteristics. We should not be defined by how we look . Read my words and see my quotes at http://susanmarieschulhof.blogspot.com

"Life is like an onion; you peel it off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep."                                                       -Carl Sandburg         When we are an infant, crying is our mode of communication. We cry because we are hungry; we cry because we are tired; we even cry because we are uncomfortable. Somewhere along the way, people start saying to use your words and to not cry. As we near adolescence, people even say things like " crying is for babies." We are shamed for using tears to express our emotions . As adults society acts like it is not acceptable for men to cry, and women can even be teased and called names if they appear to cry too often. I believe that it takes a strong person to express their sadness, disappointment or even their happiness through tears. I think we should also use ou...

    Aeschylus said, "It is always in season for old men to learn."          Not only is there a season for old men to learn, but I want to continue to learn about the world, myself and others. I wrote a few weeks back that learning should not end when school is over, but how can I learn if I don't want to go to more school? There are lessons and learning all around me. One of my favorite things to do on Sunday morning is to read the newspaper as I drink my morning coffee. I read articles about people, places, entertainment and just life in general. I am surprised when I hear that someone doesn't like to read the newspaper. I can understand, I guess, as long as they are watching the news or reading about life through magazines or on the internet. I also love to learn from listening to others in person and through books, as well as through music. There is so much to learn from the world around us if we open our eyes, ears and hearts. Read my w...

       Voltaire said, "We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies; it is the first law of nature." I know that I am not perfect ; nor are my loved ones. I sometimes joke that the people who are together are the ones that can deal with the other persons bad traits the easiest, that we stay with the people whose stuff we can deal with the most. I suppose all joking aside, I believe that we fall in love with someone that can help us learn about aspects of ourselves, even if that may include some  negative aspects as well.  That maybe is why they say that opposites attract and why our own children can drive us the most crazy of all. We all have issues and negative characteristics. There is no one that is perfect just like no one is perfect for one another. Some of the people that I have felt  hurt me the most in my life probably also feel that I hurt them deeply in return, even if I do not believe that ...

    "The real idle man gets nowhere. The perpetually busy man does not get much further."                                                      -Sir Heneage Ogilivie        I am a very competent and capable person, but I do find that when I try to do a lot or try to hurry, I make mistakes and end up feeling like I am under an enormous amount of stress . Feeling high levels of stress in one's life has been linked to increased illness, weight gain and even heart disease and high blood pressure. When I look at my To Do list, todays quotation makes me want to eliminate anything on it that it not important. I need to concentrate only on what is necessary. There are times that it is necessary for me to be busy and get things done, but I also need time to relax and de-stress. I believe th...

     Franz Kafka was a German novelist that died in 1924 and was quoted as saying, "I do not read advertisements. I would spend all of my time wanting things." I obviously was not alive in 1924, but if I had to surmise, I would say that there were less objects to buy back then than there is today. There are more clothes, more gadgets and even more stores now . I have often told my daughters and friends that I do not want to even go to the mall so that I am not tempted to spend money  that I do not have. Window shopping holds no interest for me. I do however love to look through magazines and take pictures or "pin" objects I would want to buy or receive as gifts. That too though just makes me want what I don't have. I have heard that the more money you have, the more you will spend. I suppose that it makes sense that if you earn more, you perhaps would feel more entitled to buy the clothes, shoes, home goods that you covet. Perhaps it is true that the...

    "In wisdom gathered over time, I have found that every experience is a form of exploration."                                                                -Ansel Adams     Ansel Adams was a photographer and environmentalist known for his black and white photographs of nature. I can agree with his quote about experiences being a form of exploration . While exploration is defined as the action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it; experience is the process of having things happen to you. It makes sense that all of life is an exploration , but sometimes we continue to only explore known situations. The picture above, with the quote, was taken many years ago at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. I remember the first time that I went there with my children, we all...

    "More persons, on the whole, are humbugged by believing in nothing than by believing in too much."                                                              -P.T. Barnum    P.T. Barnum was a businessman and entertainer. He was remembered for founding the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus . He obviously believed in much to create and develop such a wondrous event such as a circus.  I think most entertainers and creators would need to believe to do what they do. They might be disappointed at times but the alternative thought of believing in nothing would keep them from ever creating. Believing in nothing is like just giving up and never trying. I would rather believe in others, and trust in the overall goodness of life and humankind, even if it does lead to disappointments s...

     William James said, "It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome."  When I decided to publish my book Fun4Babies , I was really nervous. I had many ideas and had even put together a whole marketing plan to help sell the book. I work in the Early Childhood Education field, so I felt that I had many contacts with teachers and parents of infants. When I received my first package of books , I told my Director, Katia Pannarale , who was so excited for me. My Assistant Director at the time, Sarah Torres, informed me that they wanted to purchase a few copies for in our resource center. Then when I came into work shortly after, they had set up a display with my name and a copy of my book . That gesture touched my heart. Katia has been so supportive in my publishing endeavors, telling others proudly that come to Deer Park about my book, as well as allowing me to hold a book sig...

                 "Do unto others what you want done unto you."                                                                            -Confucius     Throughout my life, many books that I have read spoke about karma and treating other people how you want to be treated. I was always a little confused about it until recently. My previous belief was that if I was loving and caring enough to a person that I had a difficult relationship with, they would eventually treat me that way in return. Because of this thought, I stayed with others that said that they loved me but treated me poorly, much longer than I should have. I ignored my own feelings and pain in hopes that if I was a "good enough" person, the person treating me bad would chang...

                 "The universe is wider than our views of it."                                       -Henry David Thoreau     One morning while I was driving to work, I saw the sky trying to peek out behind the clouds, and it made think how small I am in the universe. Whether I am having trouble and sorrow in my life or everything is going great, I sometimes get so focused on my own perception of life that I let this fact slip from my thoughts. I forget that everyone else is part of this universe with their own life, circumstances and experiences. I even fail to remember that there is so much more out there that I cannot even imagine nor understand. I believe that we are all here on earth to learn different lessons and understand particular experiences. I know that I need to learn and understand my place in this world, but I ...

     Luigi Pirandello said, " Nature uses human imagination to lift her work of creation to even higher levels", but I believe that our imagination  can lift the beauty of nature to higher levels as well. When I went to an art show this summer, I was surprised by the the large number of artists whose work was photographs . At least at this event, there were very few paintings, which saddened me. They were beautifully taken pictures, and I do feel that photography is an art and a skill, however the world would be a less creative one if people are not using a canvas and brush to create. I love to paint with acrylic paint, and have painted less than 10 paintings in my life. It takes me quite a long time to finish one, however when I am in the mood to paint, I love it. I usually start with an idea or picture but then use my imagination to recreate it from my thoughts. I paint as another way to express myself creatively. It is a similar process when...

     There are numerous quotes regarding the need to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Even the actor Ashton Kutcher was quoted as saying, "I'm continually trying to make choices that put me against my own comfort zone. As long as you're uncomfortable, it means that you are growing." Your  comfort zone is a where you feel secure and in control. Where do I feel most comfortable?  I am pretty content as a mother, as a teacher, in the city and in the country. I am taking the least amount of risks when I write, but where I feel discomfort is having tough discussions with others. Even when I was little, I would write my mother a note instead of just asking her something. I definitely do not like confrontation either, so I often avoid that, sometimes at all costs. Going to events where I don't know anyone would also be outside of my comfort zone . Once I know someone, I will talk and talk and talk, but  I get anxious speaking to new people. ...