Discipline

By Donna Braymer

Copyright by the Harrison Daily Times

Published 10.28.08

The phrase “old-fashioned discipline” was said to me last week, and it stuck in my head.Why would doing the right thing at the right time be “old-fashioned?”

I guess because we live in a microwave society, we have lost the discipline of making ourselves “wait.”

Saving our money for something we want instead of using Mom’s credit card would be an example. Getting some extra jobs around the neighborhood to purchase your own iPod will make it even more enjoyable to you.

Going into the seventh grade, when I wanted contact lenses, my eye doctor said I had to earn half of the money myself, so I had to baby-sit like crazy that summer to earn $90. My parents could have paid for the whole amount; why did he make me do that? Because he knew if I had to work hard to pay for them, I would also have the discipline to take care of them and not damage my eyes.

The dictionary states discipline is “training to act in accordance with rules, or the activity, exercise or regimen that develops or improves a skill.” Let’s make discipline a popular word and activity again.

Donna Braymer
Business Editor
Harrison Daily Times
P.O. Box 40Harrison, AR 72602
http://www.harrisondaily.com/
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Let Encouragement Spill Over

By DONNA BRAYMER

Copyright by the Harrison Daily Times

I love encouragement. I also love to encourage.



One definition stated, “Support that inspires confidence and a will to continue or develop.”When we share an encouraging word with someone, it usually makes them smile, or at least nod their head. Giving someone hope, confidence or courage only makes the world a better place.



How does that apply to us? If a fellow student is afraid to climb the ladder to the slide, encourage them to at least try. Tell them you will be right there to make sure they do not fall, and you will be there to share their victory and accomplishment. You have just shared some encouragement and inspired courage.



If a new student looks lost in a hallway, offer directions.

Encouragement can also be shared without a word spoken. A friendly smile works wonders. I’ve been in BIG cities where it seems no one smiles. It becomes a game to exchange a smile.



Encouragement is not expensive. Just a moment of your time and awareness. It doesn’t take away from who you are, but it does make you a better person. Look around. Everyone needs encouragement, even the person that pours it out every day.





Printed on the Newspapers In Education page of the Harrison Daily Times on 9.9.08.















www.DonnaCBraymer.com

Initiative Column

This character column was published on the NIE (Newspapers in Education) page of the Harrison Daily Times on Tuesday, October 7, 2008.

Initiative changes school, world

By Donna Braymer

Copywrite 2008

Harrison Daily Times

A student recently took the initiative to confront an issue she felt was wrong at her school. Though ridiculed and bullied by other students, she remained true to the issues of right and wrong. You go girl!

Initiative means the ability to act independently with a fresh approach to a problem before others do.It is easy to get disgusted and give up. But we can’t. Each day has a purpose and plan. Make your school a better place, or invent something that changes the world. Do something to make a difference on this earth with the time you are here. Get involved. Motivate others. Be kind. Take time to care. Change takes initiative.

The timeline of the telephone makes an interesting Internet search. Several men are credited with inventing and developing different aspects of the communication system over many hundreds of years.

Bottom line....I’m thankful for each persons’ initiative to pursue their ideas. Now we can carry a small phone in our pocket and speak to someone around the world. We’ve come a long way from strings and cans.

Congratulations to the initiative of the student. Her world is a better place.


www.DonnaCBraymer.com