 A Tater Tale: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 "There are those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say what happened?” ~ Robert T. Kiyosaki On life’s journey, you will meet many different personalities along the way. There are the friendly folk, the “go-getters,” the hard-nosed and stubborn sort, the fearful, the cautious observers, and those who see life as a great adventure to be lived to the fullest. Some people are easier to get along with than others, but recognizing how these personality types operate can help us immensely in building more successful communication and relationships. Years ago, when I was leading several support groups, I wanted to create an engaging way to discuss different personality types with my clients. I remembered a creative lesson from Sunday school when I was a little girl, one that used potatoes to represent different kinds of people. I decided to revive that idea and add my own creative flair. I challenged my clients to think openly about each type I described, encouraged them to share who they felt most connected to, and invited them to reflect on which one sounded “just like them.” With this in mind, the infamous Tater Family was brought to life. I imagined them as Mr. Potato Head–style characters, each with a personality all their own. By introducing these characters one by one, we launched meaningful discussions about the people who fit each category and reflected on where each of us might grow in self-improvement. It is with pleasure and great pride that I now share The Tater Family with you, starting with Dick. Dick Tater Dick Tater: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 Dick Tater (Dictator) was a crusty old tater with an intimidating presence. He ruled his household and workplace with an iron fist. The rules enforced by Dick Tater were to be followed without question. He considered himself the authority on anything and everything, regardless of his actual knowledge or lack thereof. People were uncomfortable around him and did what he said out of pure fear, not respect. In his presence, they felt very “mashed” and sadly reduced to “tater tot” status. Dick Tater had often held leadership positions, but somehow he was never able to truly rally his troops or boost staff morale. He often wondered why his family and coworkers seemed discouraged, almost beaten down, whenever he was around. As he peppered out demands, he insisted that he had their best interests at heart and that his stern methods of communication were for their own good. Yet, his approach was anything but effective. Everyone around him was deemed “the issue,” and it became his mission to whip these “pathetic losers” into shape. Much to his dismay, Dick Tater could never understand why he sat alone at the lunch table or was avoided in social circles. Underneath his rough exterior, however, was someone who truly needed others, he just couldn’t bring himself to admit it. Hesi Tater Hesi Tater: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 Next was Hesi Tater (Hesitator). Hesi Tater was a sweet individual who had many dreams and goals for herself, yet unfortunately, she was truly her own worst enemy. When it came to making any positive life changes, she was always on the fence. She wanted to improve her life but couldn’t rise above thoughts like, “What if I fail?” She wanted to get out and meet people, but taking risks was just too scary for Hesi Tater. Her fears and worries kept her stuck, as if she were wearing cement shoes. She was filled with regret over all the opportunities she had missed, yet couldn’t seem to bring herself to step out of her comfort zone. No one really knew what she was capable of, because she never allowed herself to show it. Her nervousness kept her immobilized. Hesi Tater always believed there was someone more qualified and better suited for every task that came her way. Trying new things was simply too frightening, so instead she fretted and stewed over every life decision, big and small. Her brain felt “fried” from all the intense worrying. Hesitating on big decisions can sometimes be wise, but for Hesi Tater she hesitated on everything, big and small which ultimately left her completely stuck. Spec Tater Spec Tater: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 Now meet Spec Tater (Spectator), a passionate audience member who preferred to be “roasted” in the sun. He was always in the stands, faithfully cheering for the team, yet he refused to get involved. When offered a place on the team, he immediately declined, though he was quick to offer suggestions for others he thought were much more suitable and qualified. His complacency allowed him to literally watch his life go by, and it was painful to witness. Spec observed what successful people were doing but never took steps to implement those lessons in his own life. He saw life as a spectator sport, but life is not like that. It demands that we jump in with both feet and take a leap of faith. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but we’ll never know if we just stay in the bleachers. Somehow, our friend Spec just hadn’t quite figured that out yet. Imi Tater Imi Tater: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 Finally, meet Imi Tater (Imitator). She is and always was the ray of hope—the “fully loaded” superstar in this unique cast of characters. Imi Tater had gone through a rough “patch” of imitating the wrong crowd but had truly turned her life around and was now a shining example for many. She had every self-help book known to man on her bedside table. She watched and learned from successful people, walked alongside them, and sought their wisdom. She shared her story and struggles with candid honesty and sought wise counsel about how to handle life’s challenges. She attended church faithfully and read her Bible daily, believing that the source of all wisdom and strength was our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She made it her mission to be an imitator of Him. When faced with a dilemma, she would ask herself, “What would Jesus do?” This always helped her make the right choice because she had learned the secret found in Scripture, that if anyone lacks wisdom, he or she should ask God, and that “in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” People couldn’t help but commend her for her remarkable transformation. She turned her life around with God by her side, through hard work, wise counsel, and the support of committed people in her corner. So, which tater sounds the most like you? Perhaps you can see yourself, at different times, relating to each one of them. I was a hesitator in many areas of my life in the past. I allowed fear and insecurity to keep me stuck, but I’m so thankful that I’ve truly grown in this area. The good news is that all of these personalities have positive qualities, too, they’re channeled appropriately. Another piece of great advice: it’s never too late to make a fresh start. I think of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and how one eventful evening transformed an angry dictator into a kind and compassionate imitator of love. Change is possible, and so exciting to witness. When I would hear my clients’ testimonies about how they had changed their lives with God’s help and positive life steps, it was always powerful and deeply emotional. Life is too short to be a dictator, hesitator, or spectator. Be an imitator of Christ, and of those in life who hold the secrets to true success. You are amazing and fully capable of change. A whole world awaits you. Get rid of that frown, stop worrying about what could go wrong, and come down off the bleachers to join the game of life as an active participant. There’s a whole wonderful world out there just waiting to meet the real you, a world that’s been waiting far too long. Don’t you think it’s about time? Call to action: Reflect on these questions. 1. Which Tater do you most relate to? 2. What can you do today to make changes and become more of an Imitator? 3. Pray that God will help you to pattern your life more after His and learn to walk in victory, not defeat. Until next time, ~ Dana Ephesians 5: 1-2: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. Little Lesson Learned: Don’t let others “dictate” to you what your life should be. Without “hesitation,” stop being a “spectator” and instead “imitate” the behaviour of Christ and those who have the right answers to life’s most difficult problems. Copyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, © 2014 first edition, © 2024 second edition
Tags: tater family, dictator, hesitator, imitator, spectator, dictate, hesitate, imitate, spectate, take action, personalities, transformation
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 Photo by HT Photography "Don't count the days. Make the days count." Muhammad Ali "One more day!" It’s a phrase I’ve repeated countless times throughout my life. Each time, it marked the end of something familiar and the beginning of something truly special. One more day until summer vacation... One more day until the wedding... One more day until the baby arrives... One more day until graduation... The list goes on and on. Recently I have been challenged in my spirit to look at the concept of "one more day" in a completely different light and I would like to share it with you. What if we began to see the phrase one more day in a completely new way, opposite to how we usually think of it? What if we viewed one more day not as something to count down, but as a precious gift from God, an opportunity to embrace and make meaningful? Let me explain. I’m planning to retire in a few years, and I’ve often found myself counting down the months and days. That’s understandable. But lately, I’ve felt the Holy Spirit gently challenge me: instead of focusing on the countdown, why not focus on the now? Why not be grateful for one more day to make a difference? Each day is a chance to show kindness, to serve, to shine light into a world that so desperately needs it. There’s so much work to be done in this world, and we need everyone, every heart, every hand on board.  Photo by HT Photography One more day to be kindIn my last blog post, Be the Sunshine, I shared the story of my mom and how she radiated kindness to everyone she met. For her, each new day was an opportunity to offer a kind word or a loving gesture to anyone who crossed her path. If you missed that post, you can check it out here. Never underestimate the power of kindness. If there’s something kind you’ve been meaning to do for someone, don’t wait but do it today. A simple act of love can make all the difference.  Photo by: Photo by Polina at Pexels.com One more day to make an impactThis broken world needs you, and the unique gifts that only you can offer. You were created by God with a distinct calling and a powerful purpose. So be confident. Step boldly into your calling. Add value. Join a cause. Fulfill a dream. Take that leap of faith. Do the thing that’s been on your heart for longer than you can remember. The world is already a better place because you are in it. Don’t let anything or anyone dim your light. Be a joy-spreader. Make it your mission each day to leave the world a little better, whether in small ways or big ones. The choice is yours. Don’t waste your days. Instead, choose to be someone who cherishes each moment and the incredible potential it holds.  Photo by TMS Sam at Pexels.com One more day to accept the love of JesusOur world needs God now more than ever. It feels like things are falling apart more and more each day, but here’s the good news: this is not how the story has to end. Jesus came to offer freedom, a true freedom that only He can give. He died on the cross to forgive our sins and to release us from the weight of past regrets and choices that were never part of His plan for us. Through Him, we can live each day with purpose, peace, and and a renewed sense of hope. Every single day can be better, richer, fuller, when we accept the free gift of salvation He offers. If you haven’t yet made the decision to follow Jesus, I encourage you: don’t wait. Make Him the Lord of your life today. From that moment on, you’ll never walk alone. You’ll do life with Him by your side and what an incredible life that is.  Photo by Brett Jordan at Pexels.com Well, my friends, I hope I’ve given you some food for thought. I’m speaking to myself just as much as I’m speaking to you, because I constantly need the reminder to thank God for one more day to follow Him and do His will. I want to live a life that makes Him proud. I don’t want to waste the potential He’s given me or miss out on the beautiful plan He has for my life. I’m not special. I’m just an ordinary person. But when partnered with an extraordinary God, I become unstoppable. God delights in using ordinary people just like you and me to make an extraordinary impact in this world. So, will you join me in making the gift of one more day truly count? Call to Action
Until next time, my friends, Dana 🎵 Check out this amazing song: "One More Day" by Sons of Sunday here. Copyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi) Tags: make the days count, make a difference, thankfulness, live life, change your world
 Photo by HT Photography  Photo by HT Photography "Be someone's sunshine when their skies are gray." Sunshine in the classroomWe had ourselves "a grand time" in Room 21 this past week. In honour of the anniversary of my mom's passing, at the end of the month I threw a sunshine themed party for my students. For many years before she passed away my mom, Mrs. Lear, came faithfully every Friday to my classroom. Bursting through the door each week she was bombarded with hugs and squeals of delight from the students in gleeful anticipation of what she may have brought with her this time. There were always fun songs, cool games, exciting stories, themed parties, treats and more mentorship and priceless life lessons than the kids ever realized. She loved on those kids hard and brought joy beyond measure to the classroom and their little hearts. My mom was literally sunshine in human form. Pair that with the fact that her home was adorned with more "You are my Sunshine" items than you thought possible, and a sunshine party in her honour was certainly most fitting. At this party, the students were challenged to "be the sunshine" just like she was and the theme was what Mom would say on repeat "You never go wrong by being kind." The students were delighted and enjoyed cupcakes, and made cards for their special people in their lives. I highly recommend this type of celebration as it brought so much fun to an otherwise average Friday and it really helped me on my grief journey to keep Mom's memory alive and share her with another bunch of sweet students.  Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana  Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana Be the SunshineMy mom was one incredible woman and I strive to emulate her, and be the sunshine to this world of ours, just like she was. It is a challenge that I extend to everyone. We often think it takes a big effort or grandiose gesture to make an impact. That is often not the case, as many times it is the smallest things or acts of kindness that are the most cherished. In the past at times when I would contemplate reaching out to different people who were going through hard times, I would oddly become hesitant. Perhaps it was because I didn't know them that well, or was concerned that they would be private about their concerns. My mom taught me to be different, put fear aside and instead ask myself "Why am I hesitating?" Then again she would chime in with a sparkle in her eyes saying "If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times... You never go wrong by being kind." No truer words were ever spoken. Little Things Go a Long Way Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash Perhaps you would like to spread more sunshine in your corner of the world, but you don't know where to start. My first piece of advice is to look at the people closest to you. Share appreciation statements with them. Tell them what you love and appreciate about them. It needs to be vocalized. Often we can assume that those closest to us know how we feel, but they need to hear it as well. It might be obvious things or other things that no one has every acknowledged before. An example could be the fact that they have excellent organization skills, or they are a very generous person. Call out the greatness that you see in them. Trust me. You will make their day. Another suggestion I LOVE to do is the drive thru challenge. I have done this several times and it is so rewarding! How it works is you pay for your order and the one behind you in any local drive thru. It is so surprising to get to the window and realize that the order is already paid for. I have been the recipient of this very kind gesture as well. It has been such a blessing as it has often come on a day that I really needed encouragement. As simple as it may sound, a free coffee can reap very large dividends on a deep and meaningful level.  Start TodayTomorrow is never promised my friend. Don't hesitate like I used to do. Our gestures of kindness do not have to be perfect. It is the heart that people see and the love behind them that really lingers. You have so much to offer and the world needs your light. Call to Action:
Until next time my friends, I am sending so much love and sunshine your way. You light up a room just be being YOU! Love ya! Dana XO Copyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
 Photo by M Venter at Pexels.com A World Torn ApartLast week, myself along with the world watched in horror as the details unfolded about Charlie Kirk's murder. A 31 year old dedicated husband, father and Christian was gunned down in front of thousands as he simply shared his views in front of others. To add to the sadness, another school shooting took place where innocent lives were lost, again. Why? Why does this happen? I have so many questions, and no answers. My heart was filled with extreme sorrow as these senseless acts of violence took place with hate as the key motivation. It brought to the forefront how very present evil is in in our world today. As a nation and world we are in need of peace like never before. We are desperate for it. Peace comes in many forms. Sadly we are in short supply in all of them at present. What are we to do? I have thoughts. Let's unpack this together. Choose to Forgive Photo by Magda Ehlers at Pexels.com As much as we wish we could, we cannot control what is going on in the world right now. We can however control our reaction to it. This is where the true power is. We can draw our line in the sand. We can stand firm, decide to live in harmony, let go of grudges and choose to forgive those who have hurt us. It is not easy but so freeing. It is liberating to break free from unforgiveness and live in peace with others. It is God's plan for us and this is one of the key secrets to having true inner peace day to day. We forgive to set ourselves free. We can agree to disagree, and still walk away with our integrity intact. The choice is ours. I invite you to strive to develop respect for those who are different than you reminding yourself that all people are dearly loved by God. Love Your Neighbour Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash As Christ followers we are called in the Bible to love our neighbours - period. It doesn't say our kind and thoughtful neighbours, or neighbours we actually like, but all neighbours means all people in general. I think of the song, What the World Needs Now which speaks of "love sweet love." We sure need more love and peace today. There is no question about it. Find Your Peaceful Place Photo by Natália de Rezende on Unsplash In class we talked about finding our "peaceful place" to balance our hectic lives and find solace in the day to day stress our lives can bring. I shared my peaceful place is my backyard. I love to be silent, listen to the birds and just take the beauty of it all in. The noise of the classroom, and busy world just melts away and I feel so close to God there. Kids shared of different places they find peaceful solitude like when they are tucked in bed, while quietly reading or playing at the park. One little girl shared how try as she might, she cannot seem to find her "peaceful place." She looked ready to cry about it. I assured her that it is out there, and worth pursuing. She will find it and I am happy to assist with her search. She is not unlike many people today. So many feel lost like my sweet student. They seek peace but cannot seem to find it. They are looking in all the wrong places. So where do we find true peace, which is more than a temporary feeling or change in scenery? Make Peace With God Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash True peace comes from having a relationship with Jesus. I heard a lesson in Sunday School which simplifies it very well. No Jesus - No Peace or Know Jesus - Know Peace. That is it in a nutshell. Very straightforward indeed. My friends we don't know what the future holds but we know that with Jesus by our side we can ride the waves together. We will never be alone and that in itself brings peace. Call to Action
Until next time my friend, I am wishing you peace in the midst of the storm. Dana Tags: peace, God's peace, forgiveness, live in peace, finding peaceCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)  AuthorDana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. She is dedicated to "loving God and loving people" with all her heart. With a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement, Dana makes a positive impact wherever she goes. She resides in Ontario with her husband and their two grown children.  Photo by Sergey Pesterev at Pexels “Just have faith.” Have you ever heard that one before? I sure have. Depending on the situation, it can be a word of encouragement—or a phrase that stirs up frustration. The truth is, this rather cliché expression, made up of just three simple words, offers a directive that’s often easier said than done. I’m reminded of a captivating story that beautifully illustrates what it means to literally put your faith into action. Let me set the scene. This tale centers around a man who was astonishing a crowd at Niagara Falls. What had everyone so enthralled was his bold claim: he was going to walk across the falls on a tightrope. I’ve shared this story many times during speaking engagements, and it never fails to capture the audience’s attention. Here’s how it unfolds: The man turns to the crowd and asks, “Who believes I can walk across Niagara Falls on this thin tightrope?” The crowd erupts, chanting, “We believe! We believe!” With confidence and determination, he steps onto the rope—and walks across. The crowd bursts into applause. Then he ups the ante. “Who believes I can do it again, but this time blindfolded?” Once more, the crowd cheers, “We believe! We believe!” He ties on the blindfold, and step by careful step, he crosses the falls again. The crowd goes wild, amazed by the unbelievable feat. Finally, he makes one last declaration: “Ladies and gentlemen, who believes I can walk across Niagara Falls, on this same tightrope, blindfolded—with a man on my back?” The crowd goes absolutely crazy. Then he asks, “Who will volunteer to be that person?” Silence. Drop. The. Mic.  Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana Oh, My Friends… Oh my friends, do I ever see my face in that crowd! I would absolutely be the one caught up in the moment, cheering the man on and shouting, “Of course I believe he can do it!” But if I had to actually put my faith into action—if I were asked to be the person on his back—I know I’d most likely run for the hills. Lately, I’ve felt the Holy Spirit challenging me to pray boldly and to have crazy faith—the kind of faith that trusts God completely, without a shadow of doubt. I accepted that challenge and decided to apply it to a recent situation with my family. We had been casually looking to move, and then one day, as if God placed it directly in our laps, we found our dream home. With a conditional accepted offer, we began preparing our current home to list and sell. We submitted our offer at the end of May, and in obedience, I confidently wrote in my daytimer that our home would be sold by the end of June. I was standing on His promises. I was stepping out in bold faith, trusting God to make it happen. Everything seemed to be falling into place—until we hit a snag. We ran into an issue with some new flooring we were installing to upgrade a room in our basement. The project kept getting delayed for one reason after another. It felt like roadblock after roadblock, and it made listing our home seem impossible.  Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana Faith in Action The listing for our house finally went live, and the “For Sale” sign went up on Friday, June 27th. This was much later than we had ever anticipated, and the end of June was fast approaching. Time was running out—but I refused to doubt. I held firm and even told our realtor about the miracle I was trusting God for: “This house will be sold by the end of June.” I wasn’t backing down. She smiled and did everything in her power to partner with me to make that a reality. Now imagine the smile on my face when, on Monday, June 30th, we received an offer that we accepted--signed at 11:49 p.m. God did it! We sold our house in June, just as I had prayed and believed. We sold our home in 72 hours! I couldn’t stop repeating the phrase from the Woodlawn movie: “This is what happens when God shows up!” To say God blew my socks off would be an understatement. This experience deeply encouraged me and reminded me just how much God cares about the things we bring to Him in prayer.  Faith That Moves Mountains Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Selling our home by the end of June felt impossible—but with God, all things are possible. I share this story to encourage you and to testify to a moment when God showed up in a big way. What He did for me, He can absolutely do for you. You just have to trust Him. Call to Action: Do you want to grow in your faith? I challenge you to:
You can trust Him--100%. Until next time, Have faith, my friends. —Dana Tags: faith, crazy faith, be bold, bold prayers, faith, have faithCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
 Photo by Taryn Elliott at Pexels.com Motherhood Reflections With Mother’s Day on the horizon, I find myself feeling very sentimental as I reflect on my own motherhood journey. I remember the day I became a mom like it was yesterday. After nine long months of pregnancy, two days of labor, and an emergency C-section, the much-coveted title of “Mom” was finally mine. I had my precious baby boy, Tyler safe in my arms. To say I was proud would be an understatement. Throughout my pregnancy, I rocked and sang songs of love and devotion to my baby, but when I held Tyler for the first time, I was utterly speechless. The awe and wonder of it all were completely overwhelming. I tried to sing to him but would always cry. It was almost impossible to believe that this perfect little human being was "mine." So many mixed emotions were swirling inside of me. I remember feeling fiercely protective of him and also experiencing scary feelings of complete inadequacy. Anxious questions plagued my thoughts: What if I mess this motherhood thing up? What if I make a mistake? Why are they even letting me leave the hospital when I don’t know what I am doing? The questions went on and on. Well, I did mess this motherhood thing up at times, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way, but Tyler and Shannon are alive and well today, so I must have done something right in the end.  Photo by Gustavo Fring at Pexels .com It is funny that the most important job in the world is often undervalued and is entered into with literally no training other than “on the job” in most cases. When my children were little, my husband and I sacrificed so I could stay home with them. I will always cherish that time, yet truth be told, it was also one of the hardest things I have ever done. Many days were challenging. I felt unprofessional, frustrated, unappreciated, bored, lonely, isolated and stressed. I swore if one more little person came to me with a messy diaper or runny nose, I was out of there. But then there were the amazing days, and yes, there were many of those too. I would look around and see two of the most brilliant, special, creative, funny, and cherished little people by my side, and I would want to pinch myself that I had the pleasure of spending my days with them. I heard a quote this week about motherhood that said, “The days are long, but the years are short.” This is very true indeed. Many times in conversations back then, I felt disregarded when people heard I was a stay-at-home mom. That is okay, though, because I knew I was doing the most important job in the world, and I was very proud of myself.  My Mom I was raised by a very loving and involved mom. She loved my dad, her kids, and everyone around her with fierce devotion. She lived a life dedicated to God and others, providing a great example for my siblings and me of all that a mother should be. I am so grateful and blessed to call her mom. She embodied what it meant to "love God and love people" with all her heart. I recall many late-night chats about serious concerns, boys who broke my heart, or life-changing decisions that needed to be made. My mom was at the center of those conversations with a listening ear, great wisdom, and so many heartfelt prayers. She would wipe her eyes with her tea towel as we talked about our heartaches and struggles, showing me how bonded we were. When we hurt, she hurt. When we rejoiced, she did too. That’s what a good mother does, and she was the best! I miss her so much, but I am so very grateful for the wonderful memories I will always cherish of her as my mom and very best friend.  Photo by RDNE Stock project at Pexels We are all in this together Let me dispel the myth: there are no supermoms out there. All moms have good days and bad days. Sometimes the day runs smoothly, the kids are happy and engaged, and the aroma of a home-cooked meal fills the tidy house. Other days, our homes can feel like an episode of Hoarders, and it's cereal for supper... again! Speaking of cereal for supper, I have a friend I greatly admire whom I met through Facebook. She has done extremely well with a new business she started, is raising two amazing girls, has a passion for helping people and making a difference, and seems to really have this motherhood thing down. One night on Facebook, she posted, "It's cereal for supper, people! Tell me I'm not alone!" This friend has always been very open and honest about her struggles, victories, and life journey in general, and that comment just made me appreciate her all the more. It was funny to see the chain of people who commented on her thread, as we have all been there. There are no supermoms, just super ladies who are doing the best they can day after day. There is no cape required, but other attributes are necessary. They include honesty, a sense of humor, expert problem-solving skills, money management abilities, a listening ear, creativity, flexibility, wisdom, and an open and tender heart. We don’t have to be "Supermom," just the most super mom we can be in our own little household. The Bible says in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." All things include motherhood too, ladies. Some seasons of motherhood are definitely harder than others, but we have God by our side and each other. Seasons change, problems pass, and children do grow up. Mine are now 29 and 27 and have grown up to be two of my very best friends. Let’s work to see the big picture and strive to be the best examples of moms for our kids that we can be, no matter what age they are. Making mistakes is inevitable, but being honest with our kids about our shortcomings is powerful too. Being real with them shows that even moms have good days and bad days, and that is crucial for them to see. It is not about the destination, but the journey. God bless you all on this crazy, yet amazing ride we call motherhood. I went to a baby shower this week, and the advice I gave the new mom was very simple: enjoy every minute because kids grow up way too fast! I know that is cliché, but it is so true. So moms, take a deep breath and one day at a time. You got this, and remember that being a mom is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have, so in between all the ups and downs, please, please don’t forget to enjoy it. Until next time, Happy Mother's Day everyone! Dana
AuthorDana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. She is dedicated to "loving God and loving people" with all her heart. With a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement, Dana makes a positive impact wherever she goes. She resides in Ontario with her husband and their two grown children.  Photo By: Kaboompics.com "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt Lessons On The Track Track and Field season is in full swing at my school, and we had our competition this week at a beautiful track at the local high school. Despite the rain, the students persevered and did their best to complete all the events to the best of their ability. As I teach third grade, this was their first opportunity to participate in track and field, and the excitement was at an all-time high. I tried my best to offer every tip I could think of and even shared stories from my glory days in elementary school as a very competitive runner. It's hard to believe, but I was an exceptionally fast runner in my day, racking up a pile of first-place red ribbons and always landing a spot on the coveted relay team. One thing I feel I could have prepared them better for, though, is how far and long the 400m race actually is. Especially on the professional track, getting to the finish line seemed next to impossible for many.  Image by pvproductions on Freepik During this race, my colleague and I were terrified to see a student collapse on the track. We ran over as fast as possible to assist and assess the situation. There he was, laying on the track, spread eagle. We were understandably very concerned. Quickly, I realized it was one of my students and asked him what happened and if he was alright. Much to my relief, he smiled and said, "I am just fine. It's just 400m is way too much for me!" Then he said the cutest thing next: "Maybe I will try 500m sometime though!" I was thankful he was okay and couldn't help but smile at his cute comment. I helped him up, got him a much-needed drink, and told him how proud I was that he was willing to attempt something so challenging.  Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik Relating to My Student You know, I can so relate to my student. So many times in life, when the going gets tough, I have wanted to drop out of the race and call it quits. When the finish line is nowhere in sight, or the task is way more than I signed up for, I have wanted for so many reasons to say, like they do on the TV show Shark Tank, "And for those reasons, I'M OUT!" Is this resonating with you as well? If so, I am here for you, my sister or my brother. There are so many things in life that are much harder than we might have ever anticipated. These could include:
The list goes on and on. I don't know your situation. I would never want to minimize what you or anyone is going through, but I do know this: You are a lot stronger than you think.  I know this because chances are this is not your first rodeo with the tough times department, and congratulations—you have lived to tell about it and probably have helped others who are there now as well with what you learned in your time of trial. When hard times come, look at all that you have already come through and know that you are still here. Remind yourself that hard times do not last forever and this too shall pass. Know that you are not alone.
On the contrary, you are in very good company with others who also struggle. In fact, truth be told it is a very large team. In Philippians 4:13, it says: "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." When we can't seem to hold on, we need to cling to the ONE who helps us hold on just a little longer. It could be for one more minute, hour, or day, depending on the situation. Also, remember just like the relay team, when we share the load with others, we all win and cross the finish line together. Please don't give up. When you feel like giving up, tie a knot and hold on. Your breakthrough is coming, and the finish line could be much closer than you even realize. Call to Action:
Meet you at the finish line! You got this! Until next time, Dana Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here. Tags: perserverance, patience, don't give up, one day at a time, problem solvingCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
 Photo by Ksenia Chernaya @ pexels.com Throughout my teaching career, I've had the pleasure of meeting and teaching many sweet, little kids. However, one particular little guy stood out as one of the sweetest kids I have ever met. He was always thanking me for everything, so polite, always wishing me a wonderful weekend, and was such a dedicated learner. What really stood out to me was how he treated his female cousin, who was also a student at our school. Day after day, he would meet her at the bell and carry not only his backpack but hers as well. This was no easy task, as he would wear his backpack on his back and hers on the front, every single day. He was always looking out for her and was so kind. It was very noticeable on a daily basis just how exceptional this kid was. I recall telling him one day how proud I was of him and how I had noticed his extreme kindness to everyone, especially his cousin. He beamed with pride until I made the mistake of saying, "You will make a great husband one day." As he was in grade 2, he quickly replied, "Now why would you ever say that? I NEVER want to be a husband, like ever!" I then said, "Oh, I think you will change your mind about that in the future." He responded, "No way, I will never change my mind because I never want to be anyone's husband!" I then said, "Ok, no problem. Well, you sure will make a good friend one day!" He smiled again and said, "Thank you so much. I agree!"  Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana This got me thinking about how sometimes others see things in us that we aren't ready to receive or just don't want to hear. In high school, I was told that I would make a great teacher. My co-op teacher even set up an opportunity for me to visit a local kindergarten classroom to experience a day in the life of an elementary teacher. It was a positive experience, yet I flat out told him, "Thanks, but no thanks. Teaching is not for me." Many others suggested teaching to me, and it was a very slow process for me to actually warm up to the idea. Now, 20 years in, I can't imagine doing any other career. Timing is truly everything in life and thank goodness I saw things differently in time. God sees us with unlimited potential right from the get-go. He sees us as unique and dearly loved. We are all "fearfully and wonderfully made" the Bible says. He had a purpose, and created us to fulfill it. He has such BIG plans for all of us, yet we can so easily limit ourselves by being close-minded, stubborn, or just plain scared to take risks. My desire now is to be really open to new possibilities and to seek God's direction for my life like never before. New paths and stepping out of comfort zones can be scary, yet so rewarding as well. It is true what they say: "Never say never." Some of the things that you flat out refuse to even consider, just like in my case with my career, may end up being not only a huge blessing but one of the best decisions you will ever make. Call to Action:
Drop a comment below about an area of your life that you might be willing to try something new in.  Until next time, Dana P.S. Never say never! Some very cool experiences could be waiting for you just around the corner. P.S.S. Also, don't tell my sweet student, but I still stand by what I said, and he most definitely will make a wonderful husband one day! I said what I said! Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here. Tags: teaching, careers, taking risk, stepping out of comfort zones, open-minded, new things, growth mindset, elementary teacherCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
 Photo by HT Photography: Little Lessons Learned by Dana "You're only as old as you feel." ~ Paul Simon I recently celebrated my 55th birthday. When I say celebrated, I truly mean it because I feel sincerely comfortable in my own skin, and I am in a very good place right now. I feel fabulous! I haven't always felt this way, but since January of this year, I've been committed to improving my health in a holistic manner. The desire was always there, but recent health challenges have truly lit a fire under me. My motivation has hit an all-time high. (Who is this person? I know, right?) Let me explain... Several months ago, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I knew something was wrong because night after night, I would wake myself (and others) up with my constant snoring. Every morning, I was left completely exhausted. After my sleep study, I wasn't surprised by the diagnosis, but I was shocked by the severity of my case. A severe case of sleep apnea is described as "30 or more breathing interruptions." I didn't have 30 interruptions, or even 50, but 117 breathing interruptions an hour! I was like: "Wait, what?" The technician said it was one of the most severe cases he had ever seen. Upon receiving this information, three thoughts popped into my head:
Throw in high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and now we're really having some good times.  Photo by Pixabay Part of my new routine has been completely stepping up my diet and exercise program. Protein and whole foods are a priority each day on my menu. I also now go to the gym faithfully and attend a fitness class twice weekly with my son, Tyler, called Building Better Bodies. In this class, we lift weights, do step work, and complete TRX strap exercises. Together with Tyler by my side and a great trainer (Thank you, Scott!), I am doing things I seriously thought I could NEVER do. Not only am I doing it, but I am LOVING it! Mindset is EVERYTHING. If you tell yourself that something is beyond you, it will be. If you tell yourself you will fail, you will. If you tell yourself that change is possible for everyone but you, then it will be. In my case, I always told myself that these classes were way too advanced for me and I was doomed to fail if I even tried. But then one day, I had a NEW thought. I dared to think that maybe, just maybe, if I could muster the courage to actually try an advanced workout class, I might just be successful! This change in thought process made all the difference.  Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com Why is it that we are so often our own worst enemy? Why can't we all just be our own best friend? Believing in yourself is truly the first key to success. We often sabotage our progress by having limiting beliefs. These beliefs keep us stuck, impeding us from the rich and healthy life that God intended us to have. Why do I share this information with you? To brag? Absolutely not. I truly hope you do not see it that way. I am not special. I am just a simple person who is taking small steps to change her life for the better. If I can do it, anyone can. My hope is to provide you with encouragement. We only get one go-around in life, and I want my journey to be the best it can be. I encourage you to have the courage to step out in faith in the areas that you need to change. I believe in you and know you are capable of making changes that can transform your life in ways you never imagined. You can do hard things, and I am here to be your cheerleader if you need me. Call to Action
Take care, my friend. I must be going as I have a healthy lunch to pack and a few more steps to get in. Until next time, Dana Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here. Tags: healthy lifestyle, healthy eating, exercise, goal setting, motivation, growth mindset, small steps, limiting beliefs, believe in yourself, lifestyle changeCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
"You never go wrong by being kind." ~ Marilyn Lear The world is facing immense challenges these days. Every time we turn on the TV, scroll through social media, or open a newspaper, we are confronted with sadness, turmoil, and mistreatment of others, glaring at us like neon signs. It makes me ponder: where did we go wrong? Why do people feel it is acceptable to act in such inappropriate and heartbreaking ways towards each other? Now, more than ever, people need kindness. It is true that when it comes to kindness, a little really goes a long way.  Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana Be a bucket fillerA big part of my job as an elementary teacher is teaching social skills, and focusing on modeling kindness and treating others with respect is always a priority in my classroom. This week, I enjoyed reading to my class, two delightful books about "bucket filling" by Carol McCloud. In these popular, award-winning children's books, it speaks of how everyone carries an invisible bucket. This invisible bucket is just waiting to be filled with acts of kindness and thoughtful gestures that fill not only a bucket but a person's love tanks. The books highlight simple, everyday things you can do to literally make someone's day. It is not rocket science; one small act of kindness can truly make a huge difference. Feeling inspired by these books, a sweet student made me a bucket for my desk and took the initiative to fill it with paper clippings. When I asked what the clippings represented, she quickly replied, "LOVE." This was very special, and not only was my craft bucket full, but my invisible one certainly was as well. Don't be a bucket dipperJust as easily as we can fill someone's bucket, we can empty it by what is called "bucket dipping" in these books. Bucket dipping includes the little or big things we do to bring someone down—hurtful comments, rude actions, a critical spirit, excluding others, gossiping, and ignoring someone's cry for help are all examples of bucket dipping. The world already has enough bucket dippers. We certainly do not need to join that team. Trust me, it is already very overcrowded. As a Christ follower, when interacting with others, I often ask myself, "What would Jesus do if He were me right now?" I don't always get it right, but I strive to emulate Him more and more each day. Jesus is and always will be the ultimate bucket filler. He fills my heart with so much joy. He provides me with everything I need, has washed away my sins, and is as close as the mention of His name. In addition to this, I am honored that the God of the universe cares so deeply about me that He delights in providing me with blessing after blessing, daily filling my bucket to overflowing even when I don't deserve it. Every time I read the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, I ask myself, have I? It should be our goal to fill at least one bucket a day, minimum. I know it is mine. So, honoring this commitment, I say to you, my internet family, I have such a grateful heart for you for following my blog and taking the time to read what I have to say. Without you, this blog would just be words on a page that no one read but me. Every time you read, comment, and share my writing, my bucket literally overflows. The fact that you have embraced me and Little Lessons Learned by Dana means more than words can say. So, what I am trying to say is a huge thank you for being a bucket filler for me. You are such a wonderful blessing to me! God bless everyone! Call to Action: Reflect upon the concept of bucket filling this week. Do a personal inventory and ask yourself, have I been filling buckets or dipping into them? If you honestly feel that the dipping activity has been more frequent, you are not alone. It happens to us all from time to time. Make a commitment to be more cognizant of how your words and actions affect others in both positive and negative ways and make bucket filling a priority this week. You won't regret it. As my mom said, "You never go wrong by being kind!" Until next time, Dana Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here. Tags: bucket filling, bucket dipping, Have You Filled a Bucket Today, encourage one another, cheerleaders, Jesus the ultimate bucket filler, kindess, social emotional learningCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
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