Before getting into my thoughts, I'd like to say thank you to all of you who are stopping by my blog and taking a look. As I mentioned in my "About" section, I'm new to this and in search of making connections. At the moment I'm reading Building a Social Media Platform by Jerry Jenkins. It's super interesting, and one of the essential steps to building a platform is having social online connections, hence my blog and soon to be Twitter. Jerry said that it goes against the grain of some authors to put their personal feelings in the open for others to read, and that some are very shy. Ta-dum...was he describing me? So, thank you for being here...and bear with me as I learn with baby steps...and perhaps you'll see yourself... A shout out to former co-worker, Jeanne, who's reading from Richmond, who gave me the idea for tonight's thought. In her comment to my "About" page, she congratulated me on my bravery in facing one of her dreaded numbers...50. She said she hated numbers and for much of what they stand...and I think I know what she means...because so much of the time, numbers are used to judge us. As if our self esteems aren't fragile enough, there seems to be numbers associated with how we feel about ourselves.

Think about it...and some of what Jeanne said...our age, our weight, our zip code and income...we seem to be a society striving for the perfect number to identify with. And for many, the numbers are too low or too high.

Perhaps the best we can do for ourselves without setting our standards too low...is not to set them too high. No, really...think about it...I have a dear friend at work (and Jeanne, you remember her well)--and for those of you who don't know--I teach first grade-- who has a motto that makes great sense to me. She often says, "All you really want for your child is to be the average bear."

Don't scream...I know very well that there are some little people who are very well above their academic age, and might need to be challenged, and who will go on to make great progress for the world. But...there have been times when Little Johnny, who reads at an 8th grade level, is standing at the door (with windows) at recess time with his coat on... it's pouring outside. Meanwhile, Little Suzy, who can't yet read, is happily chatting with her neighbor, enjoying indoor recess.

I think my point is...sure, we should set standards and goals, but don't set them out of reach. If there's one thing my silver has taught me while teaching...happy children learn and happy children thrive...let's keep our numbers attainable...and be happy.

The Silver Side of Life