Searching for Balance

I have been doing a lot of soul searching over the last couple of days.

And, I’ve come to the conclusion that I must change my attitude – shift my stance – so I can assume a new perspective. So that I am more aligned with what’s important and may add value to my life.

Focusing on the negative is not making me stronger or healthier. In fact, I am often stressed because I worry a lot about unimportant things. I obsess over situations out of my control. I dismiss positive experiences that would help lift my spirits and align my focus towards what’s important.

I need a distraction from my own thoughts.

I need balance in my life. Not because I work hard to prepare my classes. Not because I read a lot of professional literature. Not because I wrote a lot this summer and will continue to do so now that school has started. But because I have been obsessing on the wrong things. Mostly, I obsess about what someone said or did and what it says about me as a teacher. I obsess about my worth as a professional. And, I have to stop. I am not a new teacher. I have been doing this for a long time. I love what I do. All of it. But, my lack of balance is hurting me.

So, this school year I will find balance in small and big ways by taking better care of myself both physically and emotionally.

I will drink more water on a daily basis. I know this may sound insignificant and obvious. But since I haven’t been practicing this simple habit, it is not an insignificant change for me.

I will stay focused on the positive, especially what happens in my classroom. My students are always a source of joy for me as a teacher.

I will not imbue a casual comment with anything beyond its face value. It’s not always about me!

I will exercise on a regular basis.

I will eat well.

I will write down positive events that happen throughout the day in a small notebook and refer to it when I’m feeling down. Hopefully, this will help feed my soul.

I will stop worrying about what others think of me. My opinion of myself is much more important.

What will you do to find balance during this new school year?