I like to think of my post title as a set induction, if I can get people interested, then they may read my posting. Of course, this posting has nothing to do with Dolphins, Butterflies, or Ladybugs. That being said, please enjoy my humble submission...
The most important thing I've learned about myself as a teacher in the past term/year is... that teaching and my career run a distant second to my family and my mental well-being. Please do not think that I do not take my role as an educator seriously, but I know that we can be so invested in lesson planning, IEP meetings, and collaboration, that we don't have time for what makes life worth living.
I know how important it is to be prepared and have a good plan, but I feel that if you are not getting enough time with your family and to yourself, you will become overwhelmed. When this happens, whatever spark you may have had to begin with will be extenguished by the monontony of daily life.
Don't think that this posting is a bad thing, that it is an indication of my fading light. In fact, I feel quite the opposite. I now see a light at the end of the tunnel and I am becoming very happy with my surroundings.
Family should always come first. We either spend more time with our family and children when they are young or we will spend more time getting them out of trouble later. We never want to short change our family. I gave up golf for fifteen years to spend more time with mine. I didn't want to look back one day and say if I had it to do over, I would have spent more time with my family.
ReplyDeleteOk! I was wondering where "dolphins, butterflies, and ladybugs" was going. It did catch my attention. I agree, family and our personal well-being should definately come first. If we are not happy at home, then we can't be good teachers. We have to be emotionally secure and satisfied in order to be the best person, and teacher, that we can possibly be. I agree that it is important to be prepared and to have our school-life in order. I also feel that we have to have something that keeps us content and that keeps us from feeling overwhelmed. Don't worry about your post sounding bad, we all know deep down how true what you are saying is. School-life and home-life have to work together and we have to find that balance of the two that makes us happy and successful teachers.
ReplyDeleteJosh, you always grab our attention. I would love to be in one of your classes, I know you are that fun teacher that everyone loves! It is wonderful that you are discovering the importance of balance in life at such a young age. It will save you a lot of heartache in your future. I think it is wonderful that you are so honest. Not every experience we have teaching is "butterflies and lady bugs", and your honesty is refreshing. Keep up the good work. And thanks for making class so much fun! :)
ReplyDeleteI totally see where you are coming from because when things become so busy we have to take time out for what is the most important in life. Work can be great but draining at times and we have to put things in prospective.
ReplyDeleteHi, Josh - well said, papa. Babies change things and your new daddy perspective is reassuring. Your family and your students will benefit from this attitude. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLoved your set induction to your post. It really grabbed my attention. I would also like to add that I believe that when we prioritize the things that are most important to us in our lives (such as family), we actually become more productive in our work.
ReplyDeleteJosh, you hit the nail on the head...you said everything I felt last semester. I didn't think I was going to make it. But focusing on my happiness with prayer, family and friends...I can see the light.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your mind reading post!!