Be. More. Awesome.

Inspiration

a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation

b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

I live and breathe inspiration.  I love to share my ideas, thoughts, and talents with others in hopes of inspiring someone.  But most importantly, I love to be inspired by anything - people, ideas, images, music, whatever.  Find something that moves you and use it to your advantage.

So once I became a teacher, I had to ask myself - how can I inspire my students?  Whether they were elementary or middle school, I want to be able to inspire them to be something great, do something amazing, and live in a way that they can spread inspiration to others.  If I can make learning exciting or help them improve, I've done my job.  [Now you know where the title of my blog comes from :) ]

One way I began my "journey" of inspiring students is by having Viral Video Friday.

Every Friday, I show my students a video on YouTube.  I try to find something age-appropriate with a subliminal message.  Since I teach middle schoolers, those videos typically include music or humor.  They love both equally.

Here is where I tell you my secret weapon.  Not only are these videos funny, but they are adorable and so very motivational.

It is my honor to introduce to you, Kid President.  

Just look at that smile.

This is the most adorable, wise-beyond-his-years, inspirational kid I've ever seen.  He's a 10-year-old in a 40-year-old's body.  He is attempting to make the world "less boring" and has produces numerous videos that his brother-in-law filmed and edited.  They rock.  He gives a lot of great ideas, including to be a "YES" man, spend your time dancing instead of hating, don't stop believing, if what you are doing doesn't make the world better you shouldn't do it, and be more awesome.  The way  he inspires you to do these things is not only unconditional, but so very cute and catchy.  He makes me realize that those times where I'm feeling down or negative, that I've got so many more reasons to smile and be happy.

Here is his YouTube channel: Kid President Videos

Here is his website: http://kidpresident.com/ 

If you haven't been inspired, gotten a huge smile on your face, and felt a huge sense of warmth in your heart, you must be missing something.  My students LOVE Kid President and ask on a daily basis if we are going to be watching a new video of his on Friday.  Not only have they learned something from him, but they look up to him.  That is inspiration.  Big time.

Please remember.  It's everybody's duty to give the world a reason to dance.

Emily :)