Today I am grateful for a snow day. I have just come back from back to back trip. The first, an amazing trip to Europe with my students, and the second a funeral. I've been jet lagged and emotional and I am grateful to have space and time to myself to rest and recharge today. Last week due to all the travel and grief, I was very stuck and felt on edge. I felt easily irritated and found myself neglecting grades in order to try to be present for my family as they grieved. I felt like a bad teacher. I often feel this difficult balance and sometimes find it difficult to be a good teacher and good friend, relative, significant other. I feel sometimes when I feel I'm doing really well as a teacher, my personal life is not as nourished and I don't feel my relationships are being well cultivated. But to the opposite, if I feel I am being a good friend/daughter/significant other, I am not necessarily a good teacher. I am so grateful to have today to pause and rest and reflect. I hope that I can continue to work towards a better balance so I don't feel one part of myself is left aside. Here's to reading, writing, and relaxing the rest of today and not letting my inner negativity get the best of me.
Enjoy the snow day as it does allow for us to take a breath, guilt free of any obligations we may be neglecting when we take a day off. Those snow days also come as blessings at what do seem to be a needed time!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading! I got some much needed rest and relaxation.
DeleteSnow days really are a gift. Hope you are resting and recharging. So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and thanks for reading Lisa!
Delete>Here's to reading, writing, and relaxing the rest of today and not letting my inner negativity get the best of me.<
ReplyDeleteComing from a guy who has had 13 snow days, it's fun to see others rejoice in their own day off! Maybe next year I'll have that fresh faced "hurray, a snow day" look about me again. This year, just make it stop! :)
Seriously, enjoy the day off to use as you need!
Thank you for reading Darin! I know so many days off can throw off students and teachers alike so I wish you luck and patience as we get through the rest of winter.
DeleteI too find the struggle in finding the balance between "good teacher" and "good partner/daughter/friend" without letting the other lag. I just remember that everyone struggles with things and in the end I love all my friends and family through their struggles (and students!) and they'll love me through mine (hopefully :)) rest up and keep smiling!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading and for your kind advice Jenna! I will do my best to cut myself slack as I do for my students and loved ones.
DeleteMichelle -- First off, my condolences. Finding that teacher work life balance is a challenge. I've been at it for over 20 years and it hasn't gotten easier. I'm glad you had today to recharge. See you Wednesday night and maybe in tonight's chat! -- Christie
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words Christie! I'm so grateful to have connected with so many supportive and inspiring colleagues like you!
DeleteHope you had a productive and yet restful day! Sometimes unexpected treasures continue to pay out! Figuring out how to balance the work tasks and the family tasks requires a nimbleness that doesn't always seem to be EQUAL but does, with consistent attention, seem to be more equitable!
ReplyDeleteThank you Fran! I appreciate your response and will continue to do my best to find the balance.
DeleteYour slice reminded me of huge teacher challenge - finding that work/life balance. I guess people in all professions struggle with balance but I think teachers, who work with small humans, struggle the most because so many depend on us at school. Rest and enjoy the extra time given to you today!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sally! I know teachers have particularly difficult challenges in and out of school but I'm grateful for opportunities like this to connect with fellow teachers and share in our experiences.
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