Win Win What?

I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.”

Diane Ackerman

Drum roll please… and the winner is…

About a month ago, we did a “Give a Kid a Syd” campaign and I’m excited to announce the two winning teachers who each won a Syd. Truthfully, all teachers are winners (and our heroes) and we thank you for all you do, especially during these times.

It got me thinking about winning. I am probably the only person who silently prays not to win. I buy the tickets and put them in the baskets, or however it shows up… but I am so shy that I actually don’t want my name to be called. I always want to support people, so I buy the tickets. I like being generous, not winning. When the raffle is being called, I’m hiding out of sight. Or, nervously hoping the number called is not mine. Does anyone else do this?

Lately, I’m facing that shyness head on because my life’s work is more important than my desire to hide. I try to say “yes” to most things, like being interviewed. As you know, I was on The Powerful Creator Podcast which dropped last week, and it was also a video being put in various places. Another thing about me is that I can’t go back and listen or watch. That Virgo perfectionist kicks in. I tried to watch about 10 minutes and maybe made it 8 minutes in, because I realized I had been nervous when it was time to record. And my thoughts didn’t come out as clear as I wanted them to. The feedback I got was great, and it’s probably just me, but still. I have to work on that… on being my worst critic.

It’s okay not to be perfect, as long as I keep showing up.

The showing up IS the winning. The shy Ellen hiding in the back, holding the tickets, might be afraid to win and carry home the gigantic basket that doesn’t fit in the car, but at least she is showing up. That in itself is a win! Did I just say I won? OK this was a win. And, I am a winner!

Enjoy our two Syd winners!! Thanks to them, one Syd is doing ceramics and one is helping out with parent/teacher conferences. Syd just loves all of these new experiences and I just love that kids are getting to meet Syd.

Congratulations winners!

Keep showing up. Keep winning. I love you. Syd loves you. We can do today!

Love,
Ellen & Syd

Give a Kid a Syd Winners

“I introduced Syd to my students and he wowed them with his superior pinch pot skills… thumbs are an important part of the technique. He also brought smiles, as promised.”
– Kiera Spadaro

“Periwinkle Syd is my assistant with parent/teacher conferences. Having him on my desk helps with my throat chakra and communication.”
– Michelle Mendoza