Accentuate the Positive

Work has begun again, and school is in full swing. We have officially made it through six weeks of school, and my grades are due soon! Ah!

The only way to achieve goals is to keep them in sight. Today’s post is a goal reflection.

 

1. I am bringing my fun with me. Being a teacher is stressful, especially in the current climate. However, I am bringing my fun with me. I am focusing on the positives of my job àstudents learning, ignoring (mostly) the negatives à BS, and having a good attitude. Before you think I am Mary Poppins, let me reassure you. I struggle with maintaining a good attitude. Some days/moments are harder than others. I am working on dealing with the negatives by venting or ignoring them. Sometimes Coach has to jump in there and shake me.
2. I start my mornings off with a devotional. Faithfully I start my day off with a devotional. It is enough to start the day off right. However, I need to spend more time in God’s word. Five minutes is just not enough.
3. Ninjasizing! I have made it to the three month mark of regular exercise. I am moving into month four. I am feeling a little discouraged, because one of the classes is difficult and I struggle. However, my gym colleagues assured me they can see growth, and that encourages me. I am seeing new muscle tone, but my weight is still the same. =( One of these days I will learn to love my body. Additionally, I feel stronger and more determined.
4. Being the best teacher I can be. I am improving current units and trying to meet students where they are. However, I am falling down on grading.
5. Maintaining life and work balance. As there are additional demands at work, it is easy to want to ditch home life. During the week Coach helps me keep my exercise commitments, I only stay at work until 5pm at the latest, and we are spending the evenings together. Unfortunately, I am spending at least half my Saturdays planning and grading. At least we carve out time for ourselves, so Saturday is not all work. 

Overall, I know things are going well. Life is good. Cheers!  

Preparing for October 15th

October 15^th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. At 7pm in every time zone people light candles to remember the children they lost. It is a way to remember our lost children for a full day.

Last year we lit two candles and participated in a local ceremony. We invited a friend, coach’s parents, and our pseudo-grandparents. The ceremony was overwhelming at times, and a dozen emotions rushed at me simultaneously. It was comforting to see so many people supporting one another. We were able to share our grief with our family. It was painful to remember our children. We shared Ava’s name with those gathered. I left exhausted and drained.

This year we plan to have a small ceremony at home with just the two of us. We will light our three candles, think of our children, and be grateful for each other.