Notes of Noticing

I’ve taken to writing more notes. Notes give me the chance to choose my words intentionally to add the nuance I have lost in my voice over the past few years.

In writing I can use word choice, or punctuation, or sentence structure to build a rhythm and emphasis.

I can also insert more poetry

into written,

rather than spoken,

language,

and

get away with it.

Notes are, in general, a worthwhile and enjoyable activity.

As Thanksgiving approaches, notes of thanks and gratitude do and should take center stage. Study after study touts the benefits of gratitude for well-being. A genuine thank you note is good for your health, and polite. Silly not to do it, and silly not to encourage our children to build the habit of doing so as well.

My favorite genre of note, however, is the “noticing” note. I recently heard an interview with James Doty, a neurosurgeon who talked about the real connections between the head and the heart. He talked about the necessity and benefit of being present and aware, and noticing, for those connections. It actually reduces inflammation in the brain. Who knew?

Acts of kindness, sportsmanship, grit, or grace often don’t get headlines, but they are a terrific reason to keep my phone in my pocket and my eyes open. When I share that noticing, that gratitude, with others in the form of a note, I am celebrating the choices that make our community shine.

There is something wonderful about catching a small moment and recognizing it.

Sometimes sharing that you noticed is the best way to say thank you.



Dear GCDS,

Thanksgiving is days away, and I am thankful because of the things I notice on our campus,  every day.

I notice a prekindergarten bearhug after the weekend.  

I notice an eighth grade science teacher working and laughing with a student before school.

I notice that Mr Columbo’s smile at the front door makes my son smile too.

I notice that our students are our best ambassadors for visitors, big and small -  holding doors, making space, and sharing stories .

I notice the quick high five between siblings in the Dining Hall.

I notice thank yous at the end of class.

I notice skipping across the field on the way to sports. (You can’t be upset when skipping. Try me on this! )

I notice tired, happy faces putting the day to bed.

I am thankful for the opportunity to notice and appreciate.

Happy Thanksgiving!

With Gratitude,

Andrew