Friday, December 22, 2023

Mr. Calabrese’s Lion Pride Message:

Hey, this is Mr. Calabrese- I teach art here at North. I was asked to give a Lion Pride message this month. For me, being part of a pride means that you value being part of a group, community or family.
I’m very grateful to be part of this community so I want to use this time to speak on gratitude a bit, especially when this season can be overwhelming for many people.
While the holidays can be super stressful, they are also a time for gratitude,reflection, and growth. Beyond the nervous excitement of giving and receiving presents, and the familiar flurry of family and friends during the holiday season— it’s helpful to remember to take some time to be thankful, to be really present with the people who matter most, and to find some time for solitude to gather the inner strength that will carry us onwards and upwards in the new year.

Presence over presents. While the idea of gift-giving is traditionally associated with the holidays, small acts of kindness, not large or expensive gestures, can make people feel most loved, supported and seen.

When your mind is in overdrive, we can miss these moments. Being present during the holidays means you’re aware of the details of the moment and sharing them with those around you. That is the best gift you can give yourself and others.

So as you enter into winter break, I want to charge you with this: presence over presents- gratitude is the best gift. And ask yourself this: who are the people in your life that you can give the gift of presence to?

Have a wonderful winter recess North family. Thanks for your time-Happy holidays- Go lions!