Accepting a Compliment

The “Vegas Roll” from Simi Sushi in Sechelt

For the longest time I could never hear a compliment.  There was a small part of me that knew I was doing a good job at teaching mathematics but I could never acknowledge a compliment.  It was almost like I would hear the compliment but I never believed the compliment.  Are you talking about me?  I was always striving in my teaching practice.  That is what I loved about teaching in public schools.  I loved that there was so much to learn.  I could always be better, do something different, or find new ideas to create and innovate with.  Once I got something, I was on to the next “shiny new” edu-thing.  I get that same satisfaction now from graduate studies, self-employment, and local politics.  What’s different now is, I can hear a compliment.  I love being called a “math-whisper” or being offered a delicious “Vegas Roll” for lunch.  For teachers, whether in the practice or not, the most effective source of motivation is the compliment.  Thank you!