This Masochistic Moment

Now... you know the sleepless nights and frustrations are never far away, but this knowledge can't seem to remove the exhilarating smile on your face. And it's in this masochistic moment that you realize... that this is what you're made for. 


This weekend was incredibly indulgent, in the sense that I truly allowed myself to relax. Tonight I went to a BBQ at my PD's house (PD = Program Director, a TFA staff member and former teacher whose role is to support and mentor you through 2 years in TFA). I sat around with other K-2 teachers swapping silly, happy, and horrifying stories from the year so far; amidst all the chatting, I was able to ponder the week to come.

I have planned some kick-ass reading lessons (if I may say so myself) that include the kind of games meant to shift more responsibility for learning to the students, differentiate for all my learners, and allow the kids to interact; plus, there's lots of practical application for their new knowledge through the skills I will be teaching them. Writing is going to be phenomenal, as well; I'm excited about the new writing plans and structure my school is implementing. I'm also beyond thrilled to finally be teaching my students about regrouping! (As in: 34 + 37= 71 because you have to regroup the ones and trade 10 ones for a ten... anyhow.)

In spite of how invested I am in my plans for the week, I know that there will be moments where things do not run as smoothly as hoped. My students might not be as engaged as anticipated; there could be times where they are not making smart choices (a nicer way to say they are behaving badly, ha). In short, at some point this week it is possible I will wish to shake my fist at them and cry: "Have you no idea how hard I worked to plan and prepare these lessons for you?!" That moment awaits me at least once this week. My students and I are humans, after all; we are bound together more tightly by our foibles than by our successes.

Though I can look ahead to this week prepared to face obstacles and frustration, I can't wait to get to school tomorrow and spend the day with the 26 glorious children who grace my classroom with their vivacious smiles and the contagious joy they seem to have in endless supply (I absolutely credit them with keeping me joyful). And in that masochistic moment, I know: teaching is what I was made for. 

Blessing # 40: Comfy Friendships
I am so blessed... some friendships feel like that comfy hooded sweatshirt you've had for years. You know, the one you put on that smells like your favorite memories, places, and people. Today I was reminded of how some friendships really are worth fighting for. Those cozy, Sunday morning breakfast- and crossword puzzle-type friendships: those are worth crawling through the darkest tunnel. The glorious comfort of a well-worn friendship awaits on the other side, and, hey, we all need those.

Don't forget to count your blessings.
Much love ♥