(ChatGPT Guest Post) From the Crates: Unearthing My Drafts and the Lessons Learned

Sarah Thomas, PhD
3 min readApr 7, 2023

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Hey folks! Today, I’m doing something a little different. I stumbled upon a draft I never finished on Medium, and I thought, “Why not share it now?” So, with the help of ChatGPT, I’m finally posting it, and I’m calling it “From the Crates.” Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see what lessons I had jotted down back then. Let’s go!

The Universe Is on Its Own Timeline

We often have our own plans and timelines for our lives, but sometimes things don’t go according to plan. And you know what? That’s okay. The universe has its own agenda, and we must learn to trust the process and be patient.

My Life Is Complete

Before marriage and kids, I was complete as it was. But I made the choice to change the course of my life. Guess what? I’m still complete! Remember that you are whole, no matter where you are in life.

Heal Yourself

We all have our wounds and scars, both visible and invisible. It’s essential to take the time and space to heal ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.

It’s crucial to take care of yourself and address any emotional or mental health concerns you may have. For more resources on this topic, I recommend visiting Mandy Froehlich’s website at divergentedu.com. Mandy is the author of several books, including “The Fire Within” and “Divergent EDU,” which explore educator mental health, personal and professional development, and innovative leadership.

Don’t Take Life Too Seriously…

Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions. But remember to take a step back, breathe, and try not to take everything too seriously. Enjoy the ride!

…But Don’t Settle

You deserve the best in life, so don’t settle for anything less. Whether it’s in relationships, career, or personal growth, always strive for what truly makes you happy and fulfilled.

Don’t Compare

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s important to remember that everyone is on their own unique journey, and comparing ourselves to others can only lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Comparing ourselves to others is a surefire way to feel inadequate. Focus on your own journey and celebrate your unique successes.

Take Things Slow

My theme song for 2019 was “Moving Mountains” by Skylar Grey. The moment I heard it, I was hooked. The song is about the power of persistence and taking the time to truly appreciate the journey. I even wrote about it in Erin Kiger’s book, “Balancing the EDU Life,” which is a collection of stories and lessons from educators. Once I took the time to slow down, my entire life shifted.

We live in a fast-paced world, but sometimes it’s essential to slow down and savor the moments. Taking things slow allows us to appreciate and enjoy life more fully.

Be Transparent

Being open and honest with ourselves and others fosters genuine connections and trust. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This is probably the second time this week I’ve given a shoutout to my friend Jennie Magiera’s amazing 2017 ISTE keynote, but it seriously blew my mind.

Be Kind to Yourself

We often forget to be kind and patient with ourselves. Practice self-compassion and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Embrace joy in life, as my good friend (aptly named Dr. Joy) always advocates!

Be Open to New Things

Embrace new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. Being open to change and growth is vital for our personal development and overall happiness.

And that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this little blast from the past, and maybe you found some wisdom to take with you. Stay awesome, and keep shining!

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Sarah Thomas, PhD

Educator/Regional Tech Coordinator. Passionate about using social media to connect w/ educators around the world. We all have a story. What's yours? #EduMatch