Power-up and Use your Strengths!

We all have them.  We all have to rely on them when the going gets tough.  Our strengths, that is.  The way in which you naturally think, feel and behave.  Most of you have already launched a new school year with your kids, or a new season of after school theater programs.  Possibly a healthy dose of inspiration appeared during your opportunity to artistically inspire kids to make the world a better place.

I for one love the fact that I never know what may pop up to spur on the creative spirit.  It might be as simple as observing a person, place or thing that is outside your day-to-day frame of reference.  At our iTheatric’s and MTI Teacher Intensive Weekends this summer, we watched teachers and directors from all over the country inspire each other by simply being together for 2 ½ days.  That was inspiring for us! 

However, if the “motivational virus” did not bite this summer, (many of us simply are in need of r & r to re-tool), resort back to your strengths.  Maybe the ones you take for granted.  Maybe the ones you acquired by default.  Maybe the ones that ripen with experience.  Here are a few you most likely already own, but may need to dust off.

• engage kids first  (2 things needed to successfully work with kids: get their attention and then teach)
• bring on the joy that originally charged you
• be organized yet create flexible structure
• share control and invite participation
• express emotions   (laugh with your kids!)
• be adaptable
• be a visionary
• be an “includer”
• put positivity into action
• remind yourself of your significance

This week I clearly need to remind myself that a few of my strengths can help alleviate some challenges, as my daughter’s wedding is in our backyard.  Mother Nature dried up and altered the growing season to look like mid- fall, the water garden is leaking and the blueprint for parking 150 plus cars is up for grabs. BUT, I do know that I can stage my backyard as quickly as I can a scene and active participation is required to attend and have fun at this event.  I know that the joy and emotion we have shared all of her life will be multiplied with our guests.  And lastlyI will remind myself that I may think I am significant, but I am only the mother of the bride!

So power-up.  Use your strengths!  They led you to this noble, creative vocation of educational musical theater.  Time to spread your magic to a new crop of eager kids and affect another generation.  Me? Tech week is coming up!  C