Thrive in Unfavorable Conditions - July 9, 2025

Thrive in Unfavorable Conditions

In my last blog, Peaks and Valleys, I mentioned how Chicagoland has been experiencing a heat wave these past weeks of summer. This has made for some very unfavorable temps for runners training for the Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2025. As I look at my lawn, and basically everyone’s in the neighborhood, it’s brown and hasn’t really moved any closer to the sun in about two weeks. When I place my foot on it, there is a brittleness I can feel through my eardrums and I immediately think how this is not the yard I would have gotten grass stains from as a kid. The only things that seem to be growing are the unattractive weeds and crabgrass that thrive in these unfavorably parched conditions. 

As I finished my four-miler I walked to the side of my house and saw something that clutched my eye. Five vibrant pink roses, close together, high above any of the weeds making their statement, declared their dominance. It was an amazing sight, not something I was expecting, but needed. 

These five roses don’t care that the current spiced temperatures are not what they typically thrive in. It doesn’t matter to them that they are lacking the proper amount of hydration to prosper. These five roses agreed to use teamwork and said, “Screw it, we’re not going dormant, let’s show everyone and everything how beautiful and strong we are together.” 

Throughout life, we all will find ourselves in a drought, gasping for water to quench our thirst and find shelter from the temperatures that are draining the moisture out of our bodies. We will find ourselves slowing, crawling, and dragging our bodies against the sharp, crisp blades of grass. Our mind will begin to tell us that it’s no use, just give up, stop clawing at the Earth, trying to move forward. It’s during these times we must think of the five pink roses. We must find and rely on our team, knowing they bring strength when we may not feel it inside. Together, we will rise up and stand strong and thrive despite the unfavorable circumstances we may find ourselves in. We must remember that it’s not the environment surrounding us that determines our growth, but ourselves. 

***

Pick up my book, The Educulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes to Positively Transform Classroom & School Culture with EduMatch Publishing.

Peaks & Valleys - July 1, 2025

 Peaks & Valleys

A few weeks ago I kicked off my official training for the Chicago Marathon which will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. This will be my 8th running of Chicago, and one thing that I have learned is that no two runs are ever the same. 

Chicagoland, much like the rest of the country, has been experiencing a heat wave these last few weeks. Even with lacing up and getting out the door by 6:00 am, the humidity is disgusting, leaving you feeling like you’re running endraped in a wet blanket. This heat and humidity will naturally force a runner to take a slower pace most times. Every once in a while I’ll finish a run through Hell’s Furnace, glance down at my watch to have my sweat filled eyeballs jump out of my skull while my jaw dives like it’s wearing concrete filled boots towards the ground to see a pace I was not expecting. Then the next day, pretty much the same temps and humidity, a pace slower than a turtle crossing a four-lane road. 

Many of my runs have been of the latter mentioned. What I’ve noticed while I’m grinding through them, whether it’s a three-miler or a nine, there is always a pattern. I feel great and am grateful to get to run every day. Then my legs will feel heavy, my lungs searching for a good, deep breath, sweat engulfing my body, my mind asking me if this is even worth it and reminding me that I didn’t hydrate properly, I ate too much junk, I’m getting too old for this running thing. Then, I’ll be back to enjoying the time on my feet in the neighborhood, again sharing gratitude that I am able to and get to run. 

These phases of my runs, they always differ. Sometimes I’ll be in the euphoric, blessed state for 90% of the run, while other times I’m in the pain cave for a majority of the time my feet are pitter-pattering against the warm concrete. These different phases, I call them my peaks and valleys. The highs are when I’m at the peak, soaring above everything else, overlooking the beauty of this world. The lows, those are when I’m in the valley, fighting through the trenches when all I can see is dirt and shadows, fighting the inner dialogue in my head. 

As I was running 6 this morning, I was out of the valley pretty quick, only lasting a minute or two in there. As I was summiting the peak, inching towards the end of my run, I asked myself why I thought every run always ends at a peak and not a valley? Looking back throughout my life, I could not remember one single run that ended in a valley. As I was finishing, about to stand on that peak today, hands in the air and a smile covering my face, I realized why. The valleys that are traveled through during a run, they’re just a path to get to the peak. We need the valleys, they are a necessity to travel from peak to peak. By finishing a run, by completing the mileage that was stated to run for that day, we fight through those valleys. By not staying in the valley shows our character, our determination, our drive to keep fighting, knowing that the valley we’re currently in is only a path, a route, and not our destination. 

The next time you’re on a run and find yourself in a valley, remember it’s only temporary. Don’t stop, keep moving forward and you will find that peak. And if you’re not a runner, still remember this, because I’m not talking about running here. 

***

Pick up my book, The Educulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes to Positively Transform Classroom & School Culture with EduMatch Publishing.

jigsaw - March 23, 2021

jigsaw

By, Michael Earnshaw

March 23, 2021

@MikeREarnshaw

@PunkClassrooms

fitting everything together
tedious, probably
self-care, definitely
click here
snap there
some fit
those pieces that won’t sit just right
don’t throw away just yet
soon to find where they go
sunset
sunrise
new day
with the last piece, it’s not the end

double vision - February 3, 2021

double vision
By, Michael Earnshaw
February 3, 2021
@MikeREarnshaw
@PunkClassrooms 

destroyed my image
*
mirage
reflected illusions
*
you see
frustration
weakness
letdown
pain
*
i see
focus
strength
accomplishment
love
*
perception 
beholder’s view
*
you see
failure
letdown
waste
nothing
*
we see 
accomplishment
pride
treasure
everything
*
smash
spring away
*
birth your reflection

blink - February 2, 2021

blink

By, Michael Earnshaw

February 2, 2021

@MikeREarnshaw

@PunkClassrooms

sight discontinued at dusk

recharged

or

escaped

darkness cleansing

purify

or 

erase

dawn will erupt the silence

replaying 

Or 

rebirthing 

Silent Notification - February 10, 2021

 Silent Notification

By, Michael Earnshaw

February 8, 2021

@MikeREarnshaw

@PunkClassrooms

Last week a catastrophic event stormed my professional life. This event was so Earth shattering, rocking my world to its core, that it didn’t just creep in and affect my personal life also, but charged it like elite athletes sprinting the last feet before the finish line of the finals of the 100 Meter Yard Dash. I’m not quite sure when the events I’m about to discuss started sprouting, but I noticed it on a Thursday, scrambled to find a solution on Friday, and come Saturday I had embraced and accepted my fate and future. 

The day I realized that my life, both professionally and personally, would change forever was Thursday, February 4, 2021. It was Parent/Teacher Conferences. My work hours were flexed a little bit this day, so I took advantage of the open morning. Coffee, reading, and a workout were how I spent my hours alone while my wife was at work and our kids were enthralled in their own remote learning. I finished a killer weight session, ferociously shook up a banana protein shake, when it dawned on me that I had not gotten any work emails all morning. Now I know I said that my hours were flexed, and that’s true, but not everyone’s hours were. We still had one of our secretaries in the office since 8:00 AM, the typical opening hours. District Office secretaries and Admin were working their normal hours. Even some teachers were taking advantage of the open morning and getting extra conferences in, copies made, or team planning done. So, being an elementary principal, I should have had a handful, maybe two handfuls, of emails at this point of the day. 

To say I was frightened is an understatement. I was terrified. Palms and brow sweating, heavy breathing, and none of it was the result from the workout I just crushed. I had no clue what horrors I was about to unlock. I I had spent my morning practicing my own self-care, something we stress to our staff more than ever right now, and I felt so free. But now, when I realized that something had happened, that I hadn’t been reached out to once, everything I did for myself was wiped away. I knew I was about to open a portal that should have remained closed.

I put the protein shaker cup on the kitchen counter, took six deep breaths, closed my eyes for a brief prayer, and placed my thumb on the Microsoft Outlook Email icon on my cell phone's home screen. 

I couldn’t believe my eyes, my worst nightmare had grown to a reality. More than just a few handfuls of unopened, unread emails sat staring right back at me, in an almost sinister stance giggling, “Haha, you’re going to have some fun going through all of us!”

My Outlook email notifications somehow became disabled on my phone. There was no update, no change to my settings, the notifications just stopped popping through, the one job they had. I spent most of Thursday and Friday trying to figure out what had gone wrong and how to get the notifications back. I was unsuccessful at this and eventually gave up in defeat. 

I know many of my PLN have praised and touted the mental health benefits of not having work email notifications on their phone. There needs to be that separation. I could never do it. I always felt I needed to have that notification alert me when I was sent something. I didn’t always reply immediately, but if something came in that may need immediate attention I could address it. I felt that rather than try to fix a tech problem that was obviously out of my hands this would be a good enough time to leave my comfort zone and see how this horror story unfolds. 

After a weekend of not receiving any school email notifications, or even checking the emails on my own accord, I felt liberated, free! I had spent the entire weekend, every minute of it, taking care of myself and spending time with my family. Not one second pertained to work. I learned a lot throughout these past few days unshackled from email notifications. 

1.  Not everything is important or time-sensitive. I spent this morning, Monday, catching up on all of those emails that built up. Not one, none of them, required any attention that I was overdue on, or even near their deadline. Things can wait. 

2.  If something needs direct attention that individual will call or text. 

3.  The happiness, the freeness, that has come with filling my time away from school is exactly what I have been missing to truly “unplug.”

I’m excited for my nights and weekends, free from the ball and chain of Outlook. I can give my undivided attention to those closest in my life, my beautiful wife, energetic children, and myself. This will only make me better for our staff and students. If you are like me and have yet to learn to live without work email on your phone I highly suggest you try it out. I will never go back, and if this notification issue resolves on its own I will be sure to disable it. 

helium - January 25, 2021

 helium
By, Michael Earnshaw
January 25, 2021
@MikeREarnshaw
@PunkClassrooms

leaving the party
 string encaged within a grip
such strength for such a delicate hand
nothing will tear it apart 
unthinking, unconsciously, the hand relaxed
or was it
as the sphere takes flight
a lapse in judgment
soaring away
slowly
higher
just out of reach
loss or escapism
regardless the time has expired
are you leaving or not being brought back
farther
take a step 
away
new beginnings

What's So Funny?

What’s So Funny? 

By, Michael Earnshaw

March 23, 2020

@EduChefEarnshaw

“Can you just pause it? No one can even hear what is going on. You’re laughing too loud!” my wife said with some irritation infecting her voice.

I tried to respond, but I couldn’t even get tangible words out.

My daughter chimed in. “Dad, you’re crying.”

____________________________________________________________________________

I have numerous blogs that I have started over the past week and a half. Some of them contain material I may eventually share, but most of them are just rants from someone trying to make sense of everything going on in our world right now with the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these blogs that are quarantined in a “Drafts” folder started off with hope but all quickly turned to fear, anger, and frustration within the blink of an eye. Sound familiar?

It’s frustrating. I have all of this “extra” time on my hands, as do the rest of the world. I’m getting projects done around the house that I have been putting off. I’ve proven to my son that I still am the king at Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Aces Tennis. My daughter has taught me how to make homemade Squishees. But the one goal I had for myself has been escaping me and it’s more frustrating than being stuck inside my home for what seems like an always moving target.

I would have thought that during this time I would have numerous blogs posted and chapter after chapter of my book written. I’ve got many of those B-side blogs, maybe one day to see the light of day in a boxed set collection years down the road. My book. It’s at the same spot as it was before our new “normal” began, like waiting for a pot of water to boil without turning on the flame.

____________________________________________________________________________

“Alright everyone, we loved the first one, let’s check out the new ‘Jumanji’ movie,” was what I declared to my family.

My son, who is a perfectionist for numbers and order replied, “Dad, you know it’s actually not the second ‘Jumanji’, it’s the third. The first one was from when you were a kid. Wasn’t that a board game?”

“You’re right! Babe, remember that one, with Robin Williams?” I asked.

“Here we go. Everyone ready?” I asked to save myself a trip in fifteen minutes when someone requested popcorn or water.

____________________________________________________________________________

“Mike, seriously, what is so funny? Just stop!” my wife was now demanding with authority.

After 180 seconds of the movie being paused I was finally able to get out some words. “I don’t know, it’s just that seeing The Rock act like he’s Danny DeVito, and Kevin Hart acting like he’s Danny Glover, it’s just hilarious! I can’t help it, it’s so funny.”

And then I began laughing again. Uncontrollably. Eyes shut, hands gripping my bloated stomach from too many quarantine snacks, and tears escaping my eyes again.

“Well guys, this is break time. Refill your water and take a bathroom break,” my wife stated with defeat in her voice.

____________________________________________________________________________

We finished the movie as a family. There were more laughs, and they were not only mine filling our living room space. We tucked our kids into bed, said our ritualistic goodnights, and my wife and I sat back on the couch.

We put on the news for more of the same of what we’ve seen. This time the only difference was that the numbers of cases and deaths in Illinois due to COVID-19 kept growing at an exponential rate.

For the first time in almost two weeks, I wasn’t upset, depressed, or confused by the news. I wasn’t even focusing on the numbers and reports they were sharing. Instead, I had ideas for blogs, chapters, and podcast episodes surfing through my mind.

____________________________________________________________________________

This is a very weird time for all of us. None of us has ever experienced a pandemic of this magnitude in our lifetime, or will we ever again. It’s important to share with our students and own children that we don’t know the answers either, that we are experiencing this for the first time as well, and that we will still do all we can to keep them safe and protected and reminded they’re loved.

We also must remember to laugh. There was something that changed in me when I laughed in a way I haven’t in months. It was an escape, a release. It was a way for me to enjoy life again, enjoy the company of my family. I was able to be in the moment with them, enjoying a movie, no phones, no news, no warnings and “Shelters in Place” being directed. I was able to enjoy a moment with those closest to me, an escape that I needed more than I knew.

____________________________________________________________________________

This is an unsettling time for us all. None of us know what to expect or what is going to happen. It’s ok to be afraid, unsure, and upset. What is not ok is to let those feelings consume you and take you away from the beauty that is still around us.

You have family with you. Put down the phone, turn off the tv, and play a game together. Do household chores together. Be together in the moment.

We have family, staff, and students going through the same as us. Call, Facetime, Zoom, and connect with them. Share stories, tell jokes, reminisce about great memories you’ve had.

This COVID-19 pandemic may have us feeling isolated and shut off from the rest of the world. What it will not do is keep us from uniting, connecting, and loving.

And laughing. We must continue to laugh.