December 24

What Does Christmas Mean to You?

The-Grinch

“Maybe Christmas,” the Grinch thought, “doesn’t come from a store.  Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more.”  — Dr. Suess

You will not always remember the gifts and the big meals served but what about the love and kindness shown?  What about the friends and the family gathered?

Stop and breathe.

Stop and think before you speak.

Ask yourself if you are choosing love in the way you speak or react; or are you using power and manipulation.

Think about the actual message your words, tone, body language, and actions are sending.  This includes your social media messages.

Are you spreading negative or positive energy with your words and actions?

Make the holidays about giving and not receiving.

Give with love and enjoy giving.

Get into the “present” moment.  The past cannot be changed and if you are so into the future, you will miss this moment.

Laugh.

Have fun.

Find the joy in the holidays.

Really think about how YOU can create PEACE ON EARTH.

BE THE CHANGE, BE THE PEACE, BE THE LOVE, BE THE JOY, BE THE LAUGHTER.

Happy Holidays!

Minnesota D.A.R.E.

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December 12

Never Dared to Try

 

Sartell

Sartell

(Photo: Sartell D.A.R.E. students – 2015)

Never Dared to Try

All my life I always watched

But never dare to try

Watched my friends sneak out at night

But never dared to try

Watched them drink at parties

But never dared to try

Watched them drive home drunk

Because I never dared to try

Never dared to stop them, or take away their keys.

Now I am here to live my life and they have passed away

All because I was afraid and never dared to try.

–Amanda

 This D.A.R.E. essay was submitted to Minnesota D.A.R.E.   It was written by a former Minnesota D.A.R.E. student.

 

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December 6

Using My Past to Help the Future

 

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Photo: New Hope D.A.R.E 2015

When my youngest son was in second grade, I went to his school conference, and his teacher and I some how got to talking about what I do for a living.  When I told her I was the director of Minnesota D.A.R.E., her face lit up.  She went on to tell me that D.A.R.E. helped her make the decision to go into teaching.  She explained that she came from a family that some problems with drugs and alcohol.  She made the conscious decision not to follow that path.  In high school, she was asked to be a D.A.R.E. role model (these are high school students who go back to the elementary schools, with their D.A.R.E. officer, to talk about the importance of making good decisions).  This decision to become a D.A.R.E. role model was for her; it helped her to decide to go to college to be a teacher.  She went on to explain that she had written a short paper on this decision.  She told me she still had this paper and forwarded it to me.  Her former D.A.R.E. officer was still teaching and I was able to share this with him.  He had no idea he had helped me a difference in this student/teacher’s life.  His work, trying to make a difference in a child’s life, helped her make a difference in many other children’s lives.

Here is her story:

Using My Past to Help the Future

As Deputy Kantos pulled up to the sidewalk, I felt, as a senior, a little apprehensive, sad, and very excited.  This was my last day as a D.A.R.E. role model.  It did not seem possible that over three years had passed since my first experiences with the D.A.R.E. program.

I began my work as a D.A.R.E. role model during my sophomore year in high school.  I was just starting to become more involved in surrounding activities; volleyball, softball, Student Council, and Captains and Leaders (an organization consisting of captains and presidents, dealing with school policy issues).  I was very excited to have the opportunity to work with children, as a role model, but beyond that I was flattered.

Every couple of months, a group of six high school students traveled to some of the elementary schools in the area.  Our mission was to share some of our experiences with drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, and adjusting to the junior and senior high schools.  We also, on occasion, were able to teach a lesson on the negative aspects of drugs and alcohol.

Not only did we teach the kids, but they taught us.  I learned more about myself in the few hours a month I spent in the elementary schools than I did in all of my high school classes combined.  I also learned a tremendous amount about elementary kids.  One thing that has always stuck in my mind when reflecting on my D.A.R.E. experience is how much these kids love to learn.  They were eager to ask questions and listened thoughtfully to the answers.  I learned that at this age, kids are proud of what they know and what they can achieve.  I found this to be refreshing after spending all day with high school students.

As a teacher, I look forward to the exchange of knowledge with my students.  I am consistent yet compassionate, creative and patient.  I want to be a part of making kids proud of their knowledge and encouraging them to take this pride on their journey of life.

As deputy Kantos pulled away from the sidewalk, I looked on with a feeling of accomplishment.  For three years, I had been making a difference in the lives of many children and they had been doing the same for me.

–Karrie

 

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November 2

Choose Kindness

Kindness

 

Choosing the path of  kindness can help break down barriers around people.  It can empower those who are afraid.  Quiet those who are angry.  Use it to reach out to the lonely.  Give hope to those who feel hopeless.  Give love to those who feel unlovable.  Draw out those who are shy.  Include those who feel isolated.  Comfort the sad. 

In showing kindness to just one person, it can continue to multiply.  You have the ability to choose kindness in all situations; think about the outcomes, if you were to make that choice.  The world would be different for those around you.  In choosing kindness, you will also be rewarded with inner peace, warmth, and love.

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?”  — Martin Luther King, Jr.

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October 25

Choose Your Path Wisely

 

Right Path

There are so many paths in life; you will have to make a lot of choices.  Not everyone will or should be on the same path.  Just following someone else, is not necessarily where you belong. 

You need to make wise decisions; think about the consequences of your choices.  Take time to evaluate your past choices.  Do they feel right to you?  How will they impact the way you want your life to go?  Will you be adding more obstacles to your path?  Who are resources for you along the way?  Are they positive and reliable?  Do they have your best interest in mind?  What are your gifts and talents and how can you use them? 

If you feel you are on the wrong path what changes can you make to get back on the right path?  Who can help you find your way? 

We will all make mistakes along the way.  It is important to recognize them and make the necessary changes. Gather together your necessary support system and your equipment; build up your strengths; pack up your gifts and talents; use your senses; and wisely find the path that is right for you.   

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October 17

All Colors Work Together in Harmony

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This time of year, you have to love all of the colors in Minnesota!  Did you ever notice how all of the colors just work together, in perfect harmony, and form an incredibly beautiful world?  It isn’t difficult, it just happens.

Our world is also made up of all kinds of people; we are all different (colors, shapes, sizes, ages, etc.) Together we can also live in harmony.  Why do we make it so difficult?

This school year, Minnesota D.A.R.E.’s  campaign, will be DARE to C.A.R.E.

C.A.R.E. stands for C – Caring,  A – Acceptance, R – Respect, and E – Equality.  These are some steps we can take to reach our goal.

First, we need to care for others.  The definition of care is  to “feel concern or interest; attach importance to something.”  Everyone is important and deserves care.

Acceptance means “the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group.”  Who are we to judge others as being inadequate or unsuitable?  Be kind to everyone and “accept” others for who they are.  You do not have to love their behaviors but you can still accept the person.  Everyone comes from a different background that helped make them who they are; good or bad.  Listen (with all of your senses) and try to understand.  Everyone is a unique individual with feelings, gifts, and talents too.

To respect someone is a way of treating or thinking about them. If you respect your teacher or your parent, you admire her/him and treat her well.  Everyone wants to be treated with respect.  Everyone (young and old) deserves to be treated with respect.  If you want to get respect, you have to give respect.

Equality means “the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.”  We are all equal and desire to be treated as such.  For some reason, we seem to get the idea that we are better than others; it makes us feel special.  Treating people equally, respectfully, accepting them, and caring for them will actually make you feel better about yourself too.

Living in harmony with others doesn’t come as easy as the colors of leaves in the fall.  Consider how spending time judging, gossiping, criticizing, trying to control other people can make you miserable too.  Why not trying C.A.R.E. instead?

Kathi Ackerman, MSW, LGSW, LADC

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December 13

D.A.R.E.: Much More Than “Just Say ‘No’ to Drugs”

 

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Right now, hundreds of D.AR.E graduations are going on around Minnesota.  These are in recognition of the work done by thousands of students during the fall semester.  The above picture was taken at a Taylors Falls graduation (Lino Lakes Police Dept.) this past week. 

In just a few short weeks, the D.A.R.E. officers will head back to the classrooms to start our spring semester.  Over the past 25 yrs., Minnesota D.A.R.E. Officers have instructed well over a million students!

While at a graduation this past week in Monticello, hosted by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office – DARE Officer Craig Canton, I heard a fantastic essay from a student.  I had to ask the officer for a copy as she did such an amazing job explaining the D.A.R.E. program. 

This essay (a part of the D.A.R.E. program) was written by: Maddox, in 5th grade at Little Mountain Elementary.  Her teacher is Mrs. Nygaaards and they are with Monticello School District 882.

D.A.R.E.: Much More Than “Just Say ‘No’ to Drugs”

When you spell out the acronym D.A.R.E. as “Drug Abuse Resistance Education” your initial reaction is that this is going to be education and training about drugs, such as cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco. Although drugs and drug use, misuse, abuse, and prevention are important parts of D.A.R.E., D.A.R.E. is actually so much more. D.A.R.E. is about:

· Making safe, healthy choices every day;

· Developing resistance strategies to help with these informed, wise choices;

· Managing stress and peer pressure;

· Communicating clearly, confidently, and effectively;

· Identifying and reporting bullying, both the bullied and the bullies.

Without question, these same strategies and tactics may be related to and used for drugs, but they can also be used in everyday life. To me, this is the real power of D.A.R.E.

One aspect of the D.A.R.E. approach and process that I have found very helpful and informative is the D.A.R.E. Decision-Making Model (DDMM). I am a Peer Mediator at Little Mountain Elementary and the DDMM steps of Define, Assess, Respond, and Evaluate (DARE) have been helpful and logical in defining and resolving the issues, concerns, and challenges when dealing with conflicts between peers. Although I cannot discuss specific Peer Mediation cases or examples, the DDMM steps have been crucial to resolving these cases efficiently and effectively. It is also helpful that the DDMM steps can be abbreviated to DARE since this helps me remember and follow the steps in a logical and practical way. With such great results, I will continue to use the DDMM steps in both peer mediation and everyday life.

I promise to use the D.A.R.E. approach and process and the D.A.R.E. Decision-Making Model to not only understand and deal with drugs, drug awareness, and drug use, misuse, abuse, and prevention, but also:

· To make informed, safe, healthy decisions every day;

· To manage stress and peer pressure;

· To communicate clearly and effectively;

· To battle bullying, and to deal with other conflicts in everyday life.

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December 6

Maybe…Just Maybe…Adults Know Something

 

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Okay, maybe we cannot figure out our cell phone.  Maybe we do not understand social media.  Our text messages come out funny.  We try to speak your language and fail miserably.  But maybe, just maybe, we know a lot about life.

I am also a Medical Social Worker  and counsel people who are chronically ill and/or dying.  People ask me why I do this on top of my full time job with Minnesota D.A.R.E.  It is an easy answer for me, “to learn about life.”

This week, I went to see a 99 yr old patient who had just lost his wife.  His daughter went to get him up from his nap and he was struggling with his walker to come out to visit with me.  He stopped halfway and told me he needed to stop for a minute.  I asked him if he was just exhausted or if he was in pain.  He states, “Why does everyone come in and ask me if I’m in pain.  I’m not in any pain but I want a new question.”  I asked him what he would like me to ask him.  He replied, “Ask if I’m wealthy.”  I replied to him, with that question.  He returned with, “No, but you are the social worker, help me.”  This was the beginning of an incredible visit with a man, who has seen many years, and knows the meaning of having fun.

I was talking to his daughter and asked if there were any problems with his medications.  She said, “What medication?  He is only taking 1/2 an aspirin a day.”  This incredible man, at 99, has figured out that laughter is the best medicine.  Can you imagine being that age and taking no medications?

It took me no time, during this visit, to figure out that he was the master and I was the student.  I was talking to him about his family history and asked how long he was married.  He responded, “59 years.”  I asked if they were high school sweethearts (thinking that most of my patients in their 90’s came from a time when they married young)?”  He came back quickly with, “Yeah, I was in high school at age 40.” (Do the math and you will figure that out.)  By then, this visit had me in stitches.  His medical record said he had early dementia!  Maybe I should have been the one being assessed for dementia!!  He was sharp as a tack.

This wonderful man, contained so much valuable information, if only people will take the time to listen.  This man spend 3 yrs. as a medic in the army, during WWII.  He understands challenges better than any of the rest of us.  He may not know how to use my computer but he knows how to make people laugh.  At 99, he has been faced heartache, and survived.  He knows how to communicate, the value of honesty, and the importance of love and family.

Don’t just dismiss the adults in your life.  Listen to them.  Cherish their words.  Spend time with them.  They may be the individuals who make the best friends because they know the value of love and  friendship.

Kathi Ackerman, MSW, LGSW, LADC

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November 30

Love Yourself

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The holiday season should be all about love.  However, the first person you need to learn to love is YOU.  When you love and take care of yourself, your light will shine and that love will spread.

Our life is a constant conversation to ourselves.  We get upset with ourselves.  We judge ourselves.  We refuse to forgive ourselves; and we certainly don’t allow ourselves to forget our mistakes.  We use many harsh words toward ourselves that we would never use toward someone else.  This holiday season, let’s cut ourselves a break, and treat ourselves the way we would want others to treat us. 

  • No harsh words…loving words only (pay attention to our “self” words)
  • Encourage
  • Never doubt
  • Forgive
  • Be true
  • Believe
  • Respect
  • Accept
  • Treat your body in healthy ways
  • Let go of the past
  • Realize that you are perfect, peaceful, and powerful

 

Learn to love YOU first, the rest will follow!

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November 15

DARE to Be Amazing!!

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“Overcome the notion that you must be regular.  It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary.”

–Uta Hagen

 

You are not just regular or average; you are amazing!!!  Everyone has their own special gifts and talents.  No two people are exactly alike.  It is your job to find what it is you love; what really interests you; what you are really good at; and chances are it is something that makes you special. 

Don’t try to be like everyone else.   Do not let anyone else tell you that you are less than amazing.   Just try to be the best “YOU.” 

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