The Power of Sharing

Sharing is a lesson learned at a young age.  It is a difficult concept and as a parent, one that seems to go against the very nature of little ones.  “It’s mine!” our kids exclaim when being directed to share.  Parents look exasperated as they teach this most important lesson.  We wonder if our kids will ever get it and share openly without fear or hesitation. 

The choice of sharing is now imbedded in almost everything we read, look at, come across, or post.  It is a wonderful feeling to share.  As a Roman philosopher from the mid-1st century AD stated “There is no delight in owning anything unshared.”  Sharing can bring a sense of joy, freedom and power.  Sharing also presents its fair share of personal challenges.  Sharing your ideas can bring a sense of dread or empowerment depending on the voices in your head.  Will I be heard, will I be ridiculed, will people think it is a good idea or just plain dumb and tired? Erma Bombeck said, “It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.” 

I say go for it!  Be courageous!  Hit the share button as often as possible.  You will reach someone or no one, but what is the worst thing that can happen?  In order to be able to share one must take the risk of not being heard, but so what? 

Teachers are in the position to share information to the whole world.  Sharing what happens in our classrooms can empower others to embark on a new journey.  So whether you share by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, or on a wiki; share out your ideas, experiences, resources, and thoughts.  And who knows your might change the world one share at a time!