This week I was told by a dear friend that she envies how positive I am in in the face of all the changes happening in my classroom. She didn’t know how I did it. Instead of lurching into a long philosophical debate about my chosen attitude, I simply answered, “I don’t want to be the pebble that starts the rings of negativity.”
So think about your words; stop yourself before you unload the negative,the tiring, the unhappiness. Of course, reflect and vent about it, but don’t spread it. Be conscious of yourself and your affect on others because all it takes is one negative person to undermine a whole school. Don’t be the pebble.
Pernille Ripp 
Yes!I may have to share this with my co-workers. And then make a t-shirt and wear it at school.One rotten apple does spoil the whole bunch. We've got one or two on staff. Boy, they are fun at a party (or staff meeting).
Great advice. There are some things we cannot control, but at least we have control over our own attitudes. We can choose to change it into something more positive. It is hard sometimes, but well worth the effort. š
I so agree with you! I never want to be a part of the whirlpool that just spirals downward in the staff room. Certain conversations are better left, and for some people I always know I will have to be armed for redirection, but our job is hard enough that we don't have to add this layer on. I say, do yourselves a favour and watch out for the "pebbles." I like that analogy!