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Thanks for your post. I really enjoyed reading it, especially the outline of your game plan. I think the point that stuck with me the most was the first one you made about being fueled by becoming a better version of yourself. I think as teachers (especially expat teachers), we have this idea that we need to be all things to everyone all the time. It's like an extreme version of teaching. We tend to forget that we don't have super-human strength (we can't all be Wonder Woman), so taking care of ourselves is imperative. Balance, as you say, is the key. Perspective as well. How can I be a good teacher to my students if I don't take care of my health, my well being, my life? I'm glad to see you have realised this and are journeying towards becoming a better version of yourself. How do you plan to do this? Any tips you can share?
I think the first step is saying it out loud. I wasn't sure if I was going to write this post because it means admitting that I am not all things amazing 🙂 For various reasons, mostly to do with having two small children and that pregnancy is not kind to me, my health has taken a back seat – more exactly, my fitness, stamina, sleep, flexibility, endurance. These are things I can work on. I have voiced this to my husband and I know he is supportive. We are moving to somewhere where we will have help with the housework/cooking so that will take a load off. Currently dishes and cooking and laundry trumps everything else. I think I will share my goals with my students – or not. I am not sure. I don't know if that would be necessary or not? My new school has a pool which I am excited about using. I have learned in the last few years that my kids will get excited about anything (pretty much) that I am in to so I just need to tap into that: my daughter got a new helmet so wants to scoot everywhere so I can go with her (walking). I don't have an exact plan (and hopefully that won't be my downfall!) but I put it at the top for a reason so I won't forget it! I will keep you posted!
Hey Sonya… we meet again!
I would agree. The learning, growing, teaching, PLN curve is incredibly steep! And, as you say, taking time out for ourself (or the other important rocks) is imperative. However, I wonder if one of the rocks, so-to-speak, for you is your career! At least it seems like you've got your priorities in check!
Yes! Hilarious. I "forgot" about also doing my Masters! 🙂 I have one more course and then I am done! It is going to feel so good! That course is important. I don't want this to slip away on me. It will feel pretty good to have had two babies and a masters degree in four years 🙂 I really enjoyed that Creativity course with you. I thought our entire cohort was awesome. My career is important to me and I think that is why I am so pumped for this move and so hopeful that the school environment itself will be motivation for the other parts of my life. I am excited to see what happens when in an environment that aligns with my own beliefs and has such an innovative approach to learning. It is going to be fun. I am glad you're part of this journey – likewise, your ideas are challenging and motivating and I enjoy learning with you.
Hi Sonya! WOW this is such a fantastic post to read ~ especially during summer holidays when we have time to process the craziness of a school year and what could have been done differently. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, goals and the video which all help put things in perspective. Sounds like you are getting very good at change and seeing the benefits it can bring, such as a fresh start and learning from past 'mistakes'. I can't wait to hear how next year goes and how your 'fuel' helped push you forward in this exciting transition! Your post also reminded me of an article I read about how "Failure is the best Fuel for Success" (http://blog.creativelive.com/failure-best-fuel-success/) which I hope will remind you to be kind and patient with yourself too when some fuel runs out faster than others 🙂 All the best Sonya and thanks again for your insightful post!