As I wrap up recording my Summer Series Tip Episodes for the podcast, I am eagerly anticipating what September will bring—a new school year filled with hope, passion, renewal, and lots of patience.

Knowing that strong relationships are critical to thriving learning communities, I offer you these insights from Mel Robbins that resonate with me: 
People can only meet you to the extent they've met themselves.

• If somebody hasn't done the work to address their past, their past is their present, and their past is going to show up in your relationship. 

• If somebody has not done the work to learn how to resolve conflict in a mature way, they're not going to resolve conflict in a mature way with you. 

• If somebody has not learned how to be honest with themselves, then they're not going to know how to be honest with you. 

• If somebody has not learned how to talk about their feelings, then they're not going to be able to do that with you.

If our goal is to nurture growth and create classrooms where everyone flourishes, Mel's insights offer us moments to pause and reflect. Instead of trying to change others to match our expectations, we can take time to understand their journey and extend grace. How have you learned to meet your own needs while supporting the people in your life?