The Magic of New Beginnings

Professional Learning Update

Dr. Demica Sanders, CLAS Director of Professional Learning

According to ML Stedman, “January looks forward to the new year and back to the old year. He sees past and future.” Each year in January, we stop to reflect on the past year and begin to renew our sense of purpose for the upcoming year by making goals or resolutions. Eating better, working out more, and traveling abroad are just a few resolutions that are often made during this month. This year, I decided that I would not make a New Year’s resolution (I usually don’t keep them past March anyway) but decided to participate in Jon Gordon’s one word challenge. By doing this, I am motivated to plan and make this year the best one yet!

As you reflect on the goals and resolutions that you made, here are some movies to inspire and motivate you or perhaps provide you with a moment of comedic relief which is good for all of our mental wellness. These movies also have important lessons for you as you work on your new year’s resolutions/ goals/words!

1. The Color Purple (1985): Whoopi Goldburg stars in this 1985 film as Celie, a woman who marries an abusive husband and spends the film finding ways to overcome the many obstacles that comes her way. This beautifully written film reminds all of us of the power of selflove and how it can motivate you to overcome any obstacle that may arise.

2. Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Abigail Breslin and Greg Kinnear star in this heartwarming film about a little girl named Olive who is trying to win the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest and the family who supports her in this endeavor. Olive never wins the contest but she and her family learn a lot of life’s lessons along the way. As you work through those resolutions this year, remember to accept your shortcomings, and keep pressing. You may or may not make it, but the journey is essential for you.

3. Ratatouille (2007): Who doesn’t like animation especially if it stars a rat and is centered around food? In this animated comedy set in the lovely city of Paris, is about a rat (Remy) and his special relationship with a kitchen worker (Linguini) in Paris. This movie teaches us that you can be anything that you want to be as long as you keep your dreams in focus. Focus on those resolutions and you will definitely see the results that you want to see.

4. Legally Blonde (2001): This is one of my all-time favorite movies starring Reese Witherspoon who decides to win back the boyfriend who dumped her by attending Harvard Law School. Although considered to be a “scatterbrain,” she defies all odds where her knowledge of hair and sorority life work in her favor. This movie reminds us of the importance of always being yourself – even if that is a person who loves pink and fluffy things. Never underestimate the value of being authentic self!

As you begin the new year, it is my hope that you can accomplish whatever your heart desires. Many of us are making those mental lists of things we want to accomplish or do this year, while some of us are capturing them in a notebook. Hopefully, you will take some time this year and look for inspiration in your favorite movie to springboard your resolutions or to help you find the inspiration needed to accomplish your goal.

Should you vow to increase your professional learning in the new year, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you achieve all your accomplishments in the new year!