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Share Your Story

12/6/2017

9 Comments

 
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It's the time of year that I like to reflect; and think about my goals and all that has transpired throughout the course of a year. It was this time in 2016 when I made a commitment to blog writing. I had been chatting with one of my EDUtribes on Voxer and began to share how I wanted to start blog writing, but was struggling. My focus had been on the wrong things. I was so caught up with being eloquent, articulate, and profound that I was missing the point. Too much time was spent worrying about what other people would think, when my main focus should be reflecting on the things I was experiencing and learning in my educational journey.

As I shared my struggle, my friend Brent Catlett, encouraged me with some advice he had just been given. He said, "look at blog writing as documenting versus trying to create this fabulous thing that you're worried about getting shared." I really appreciated his perspective and decided to take a leap; I set a goal to blog once every two weeks in the upcoming year. It was a reach, but I was inspired and ready to give it a shot.

​As I began to blog, I shared my posts with my Voxer group first and then would build up the courage to share with the world. It was scary, but so rewarding when I did. I found that the more I wrote, the more it began to flow and even became something that I craved. I couldn't wait for time to be alone and put my thoughts into words on a page. It became therapeutic and no longer felt lik goal, but a release; an avenue for reflecting on my teaching, experiences, and my student's learning. I started realizing that writing wasn't about putting the perfect words on a page, but about sharing my heart and my passion for education. I began to love it. There were months that I wrote up to 6 posts, and one that I had zero. There were some weeks when the writing flowed, and others that it didn't. There are some days that I feel confident in my writing, and others when I feel less so and share my post with a friend before releasing into the world. It's all part of the journey. However, when I counted my posts up tonight I realized that from the day I made my commitment I have written 43 including this one! That's a post every 8 1/2 days on average! I not only met my goal, I crushed it!

​As I scroll through my posts of 2017, I am teary. What an amazing year! I've had the most incredible experiences, met the most amazing people, and learned so much about myself. I have become a better teacher and leader by reflecting deeply on my practice and taking on new challenges. As I've shared my heart through my writing, I have become courageous. I had no idea how much it would feed my soul or that I would grow to love it so much that it would become a passion. In fact, it has allowed me to pursue dreams that I never would have imagined to be possible.

I am grateful to everyone who has encouraged me in my writing journey this past year. Each kind word gave me courage to share another piece of my heart with you all.
When I look towards 2018 I am so excited about the dreams that lie ahead; so many opportunities to share my heart and my passion and continue writing my story. Tonight as I was watching the voice Jennifer Hudson summed up my final thoughts perfectly, "No one can take away your dreams or your talent. Do it because you love it. Not because of the attention, praise or accolades, but because you love it." Share your Story.

Special shout outs:
My Miami Device Tribe: Brent Catlett, Rodney Turner, Craig Badura, Jenny Ash, Michael Matera, Mike Jaber, Richard Wells for all of your encouragement and friendship.


Dave and Shelley Burgess for believing in me. I am incredibly humbled and honored to write for you and be welcomed into the DBC family.

9 Comments
Nelann Taylor
12/7/2017 05:30:38 am

Beautiful testimony. I've been seriously considering blogging and vlogging. What gave you the push to jump in.

Reply
Michael Matera link
12/7/2017 05:43:17 am

Wow, what a great post Tisha! I loved hearing how looking through your year really struck you with such joy and emotion. You are such a wonderful friend! Thank you for always being there. Life is definitely better with Tisha Richmond in it ;)

Thanks for sharing your story with us!

Reply
Adam link
12/7/2017 07:02:45 am

Great work and reflections, Tisha! The advice you mentioned and acted upon reminds me of Seth Godin’s guiding advice, found in his book Poke the Box, “to ship projects, do the work, and not worry about perfection.” I share your sentiments with blogging. I launched mine last year and my blogging waxes/wanes, but am trying to do the work and ship. Best of luck! Looking forward to continuing to learn from you. Cheers!
Adam

Reply
Nick Davis
12/7/2017 09:37:49 am

Tisha, you’re an amazing writer, but more importantly I love the fact that you found your passion. I feel like you are in my head when you talk about the worries about sharing your thoughts with the world. I love the advice of thinking about blog writing as documenting your experiences rather than writing something that’s profound or fabulous. I will use that for sure. Thanks for sharing your message friend.

Reply
Craig Badura link
12/8/2017 11:23:55 am

You have done an amazing job! It was so fun to follow your blogging journey. You have a gift, and I love reading your material.

Reply
Tisha Ricihmond
12/9/2017 04:20:41 pm

Wow! Your encouraging and kind words mean more than you know, Craig! Thank you for being a part of my journey and believing in me!

Reply
Michelle Wooten
12/9/2017 03:37:05 pm

Bravo!! I, too, have wanted to do more blogging, but wasn't sure I had anything important to say. You have inspired me to begin, again.

Reply
Tisha
12/9/2017 04:19:06 pm

You most definitely have important things to say! Touches my heart to hear you are inspired to start! Do it...and tag me! Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot!

Reply
Brent Catlett
12/15/2017 02:35:47 pm

Tisha! Wow! What a post! You are amazing! Thanks for the shout-out! It has been so fun to be a part of your blogging & educational journey! Actually, your life journey! So grateful we are connected & I look forward to watching & cheering you on in 2018!

Reply

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    Tisha Richmond

    Student Engagement & PD Specialist in Southern Oregon, Canva Learning Consultant, Canva Education Creator, and author of Make Learning Magical. I'm passionate about finding innovative ways to transform teaching and create unforgettable experiences in the classroom.

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  • HOME
  • SPEAKING
  • RESOURCES
    • Memorable Beginnings >
      • PlayDough
      • Magical Planning Pages
    • Authenticity & Agency
    • Gamified Experiences >
      • Anywhere Learning Plans
      • The Amazing Race Game Plan Resources
      • The Race to the Golden Ticket
      • Ready Player One
      • The Amazing Food Truck Race
      • The Great Interior Design Challenge
      • The Final Table Challenge
      • Challenge Rubrics
      • Challenge Ideas
      • Kitchen Utensil Race & Other Variations
      • Code Names for the Classroom
      • Badges
    • Innovation
    • Creativity, Curiosity, and Collaboration
    • Authentic Audience
    • Legacy
  • ABOUT ME
  • BLOG
  • BOOK
  • PODCAST
  • T-SHIRTS
  • YOUTUBE
  • RECIPES
    • DESSERTS >
      • Mini Apple Clafouti
    • QUICK BREADS >
      • Dutch Babies
    • CAKES >
      • Southern Caramel Cupcakes
      • Chocolate Lava Cake
      • Chocolate Chip Chiffon Cupcakes
      • Hot Milk Sponge Cake with Broiled Coconut Topping
    • PIES & PASTRIES >
      • Eclairs
      • Pies
      • Puff Pastry
    • YEAST BREADS >
      • Bagels
      • Pullman Loaf
      • Cinnamon Rolls
      • Pretzels
      • Pizza
    • PASTA >
      • Macaroni & Cheese
      • Fresh Pasta
      • Italian Spaghetti Sauce
    • CHICKEN >
      • Chicken Satay
      • Chicken Enchiladas
      • BBQ Chicken Pizza
      • Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
  • Workshop & Session Resources