As I am considering the 2019 things that I need to do before getting off the couch, away from the screens and heading back to school, it occurs to me that you may be in my boat. I have squandered much of my valuable work time during the break watching movies with family, having conversations with family, playing games, making memories, visiting Christmasy types of places in my community and cooking as little as possible. As I consider the remaining time I have before returning to the whirlwind teacher schedule, I’m glad for each wasted, nonproductive moment.
These moments remind me I am more than a lesson planner, scheduler, email answerer, paper grader, and all around miracle worker whose hours stretch from 4:30 am until past midnight 7 days a week. These moments remind me that I am a person who loves her family and friends, loves the pursuits that don’t involve school and loves life in general. These moments remind me I have other goals not related to teacher life. These moments remind me I need to keep this part of my life functioning past the break. Not even functioning–flourishing.
Is that you too? I feel like I should be working right now. I’m going to have to do so because we have deadlines before we arrive back on campus. But, I’m not going to pressure myself to the point I can’t/don’t/won’t enjoy my time off.
I’m going to take down my Christmas tree, read that book on my nightstand, hang out with family and all around clear my head. I just saw a video that states knitting can clear the mind. I may give it a shot.
I hope your 2019 things to do all involve the people you love the most, the pursuits you love the best and that your energy will be focused on that before we start the second semester.
I love teaching. It drives me, even after all these years. I’m full of ideas and plans for the second semester for my classroom. However, I may be holding knitting needles too.
Happy New Year.
First published 1/2/19
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