I often hear it referenced that you can make yourself happier, less stressed, if you make note of what you are grateful for on a regular basis. Today was a great day that I am truly grateful for, and I want to make note of it (as a reminder for future stressful situations!).

CCC licensed work by flickr.com

Today I had the opportunity to present at the San Diego County Office of Education’s Achievement Gap Task Force Forum with one of my all-time favorite colleagues, Barb. Any time I get the chance to work with Barb, I am happy. 😉 This particular time we were sharing the journey our district has taken towards 1:1 devices for students, in a system where we aim to create a digitally literate community. Our presentation was well-received and everything went well. But that isn’t what I am grateful for. What I want to remember is:

• The fun!
  • When you work with someone you respect, admire, and enjoy spending time with, work is fun. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

Presenter Selfie!

• The power of connections!
  • At these county events, I get to see people I know from previous lifetimes (other jobs, other districts, other roles), and it so interesting to reconnect with old friends and colleagues in new environments.
  • Today’s keynote was by @PeterMDeWitt. He talked to the audience about the power of being a connected educator and the value he has found in using Twitter. He even referenced me in his talk because of our own connection. I had tweeted last night about looking forward to hearing him speak. He tweeted me back and asked me to come introduce myself to him. So I did. Instant face-to-face connection that began through Twitter. And though I didn’t stand up, many of my twitter PLN and real world friends in the audience knew immediately that he was referring to me, so many tweets flew by about the exchange, all on the hashtag of the day: #AGTF14.

@AmyLIllingworth getting shout out by @PeterMDeWitt WOOT woot!! #AGTF14

— Eric Chagala, EdD (@drchagala) October 23, 2014

Today I am proud of my work, proud of my colleagues and the great team we are together, and I’m smiling from ear-to-ear because of the fun and the connections! And yes, we have all downloaded Voxer (also because of Peter DeWitt) and will continue to be even more connected as we move forward. Today was a good day.

What are you grateful for today?  

Who makes you smile?

How have you been a connected educator (especially this month of October, Connected Educator’s Month)?