It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919), "Man in the Arena" Speech given April 23, 1910
My son's baseball coach shared this with me during his summer all-stars and I found it to be apropos for beginning a blog as the school year begins. As a teacher, student, parent, etc. basically a human being, how we begin everyday makes a difference. I strive to remember to be present and engaged and step into that 'arena', not walk out when times are difficult but stay in there and learn my lessons; as difficult as some might be. We are role models for our children, students, and even other adults; sometimes unwillingly but if we stop and think about it...what a special gift we have be given. The ups and downs, peaks and valleys, sorrows and joys; all opportunities to share how to live. We all make mistakes and we all have victories; each worthy of sharing with others as each helps form who we are and who we are constantly evolving into. Life is a journey and one I am grateful for everyday.
