Be REAL & Be a Multiplier!

Be REAL - Education from the Heart

I have read many of Dave Burgess Consulting books, but this one is in my top 5 at this point!
The older I get the more I agree with the idea of just being REAL, so I HAD to get Tara Martin's Book!
As I read this book... I cried, laughed, got awesome ideas, and was completely inspired and assured that being REAL was the only way to be, the only way to change the world around you for the better. 
Do I have a false sense of power because of it? No way... but there are some things I can change, and that's where I want to spend my time an energy.  Life is short, make it the best life you can! Or as Tara would say, "Cannonball In"!

Relatable
Expose Vulnerability
Approachable
Learning Through Life

Here's a great video to give you a glimpse of Tara Martin's book and her amazing personality that you can feel as you read the book.  Seriously, I felt like we were friends by the time I finished it!  

My Multiplier!​

I have lots of Sketchnotes to share after reading this book,  but I'll save that for another post. 
This post is more for about my Multiplier that Tara inspired me to write about.  I have more than one, but Mr. Sardone is the first one to SPARK something in me that I wouldn't recognize for MANY years.   He ignited the fire in my heart to be an educator!  Thank you Tara for reminding me  to keep them in my heart, remember my why, and aim to be a "Multiplier" myself! (referenced book: Multipliers)
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Mr. Sardone, My Inspiration!​

Video Credit: LaEpocaFilm.com *Click the image for the Facebook video.

While reading the book, I had to reconnect with Mr. Sardone ! I had to tell this amazing 5th grade teacher how much I appreciated him (again)! He's the reason why I wanted to be a teacher and that never changed.  I had written Christmas cards to him for many, many years, until I moved and had my second child.  I feel horrible that I ever stopped! I was elated when I found this video on Facebook done by a man who also had him a few years after I did. I sent "La Epoca" a message and I was able to connect with some local people who still see him (at the gym of all places)!   This video makes me cry every time I watch it (click the image above to watch)! 

​Even though this video won't mean as much to you, watch it knowing the impact you can have on your students.  You never know which ones you'll reach or what they will do once they have moved on.   I think Tara gets that point across in her book as well! 
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The Interview

La Epoca:
"When I thank you, as I have over the years, what does my expression of Gratitude do to you?" 
Joseph Sardone (88): 
"So many of you have come back into my life - never forgetting me. I am so elated by your generosity, the love that you show me, and it's genuine. Because you don't have to. And yet, you still come back.  And at the same time - this elation, I'm humbled by it.  *Where I start bawling.
I don't know whether I deserve it or not, but I guess my reaction to it says it all. 
I never take it for granted. Never. I never take people for granted.  I never took my parents for granted. That's where it all started for me.  If I extended myself to you, you received a bit of my mom, my dad, and my beautiful brother.  So, I don't know what else I can say."

Later in the conversation he says,
​"I thank you so much (for telling me).  Just saying thank you seems so inadequate, but you are in my heart. That is all I can give you." 

"You are in my heart, that is all I can give you." 

This man was, and still is as REAL as it gets! 
He's my inspiration and I'm so happy that I had the chance to tell him so!  
​Who is your Multiplier? Do they know?
I hope you will reach out to them if it's still possible. 

Come back after you read Tara's books to read my reflection post. 
This is just the beginning of the inspiration she's given me! 

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