Such is Life

Sometimes I feel menaced by some of the popular girls in sixth grade.  I know, ridiculous right?  I am the teacher, how could it be possible?  But trust me, it is.  Kids are mean and they are not afraid to show it.  One girl in particular is constantly giving me the hairy eyeball, looking me up and down.  Sometimes I will look up and notice it from across the room.  It makes me feel small inside.  It takes everything within me to not do the same thing back. I am overcome with a resentful energy that triggers what it was like growing up with ridiculing classmates.  Then I remind myself that I am the adult.  I also have to remember that not everyone is going to understand or like me, and there is nothing I can do about it.  All I can do is just ignore and pray for the ignorant.  And then I think of one person who inspires me:  The Dali Lama.  The Dali Lama loved his enemies.  And so, next time a popular sixth grade girl tries to undermine my worth, I will send love her way- knowing that it's coming from her own insecurity.