I watch and listen to everyone stew and complain. The students get a little meaner and more spiteful. It's so sad to watch everyone turn toward the dark side.
Yesterday, I was having a conversation with my principal about one of my students who is really struggling. I said, "Have you looked around? No one is at their best right now! We have to be understanding of one another, breathe a little. No one is at their best and that includes the students."
My way of coping? Re-watching Grey's Anatomy from the beginning on Netflix. It has turned out to be good therapy. I literally say in my head, "It's not as bad as Meredith Grey." It seems like literally, everything happens to that girl.
And really, it never really gets that bad. Mindless drama watching seems to have put me at ease a bit and I am able to breathe again.
So, my advice...feeling like your life can't get any worse, watch season two, it could definitely be worse. I say that tongue and cheek of course. Some people do have serious and real issues to deal with. Myself included. However, I just can't dwell. I would get swallowed up if I couldn't find a reason to smile. Instead, I'm just going to keep moving.
I am so with you, Betsy. I'm glad I'm not alone. It's true- the kids are getting meaner, and I am getting more frustrated that all my lessons on kindness have fallen on deaf ears. No one is at their best- including me. My patience wears thin and I feel frustrated with a system that gives me 25 students and impossible expectations- not enough room in front of me for all the kids who need preferred seating. I want to help everyone and some days feel like I'm helping no one. A colleague had the unimaginable happen- her 3 year old suddenly has brain cancer right as her newborn arrived. On my worst days, I think of this poor teacher and all she is going through and my problems are really nothing.
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of what I repeated to myself during childbirth: "If it doesn't get any worse than this, I can make it." Then, as it got worse: "Well, if it doesn't get any worse than this ..." I just kept saying it! Forty turned out to be an extraordinarily good year for me - I am wishing the same for you. I enjoyed reading about how you found solace.
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ReplyDeleteHey...don't sweat 40. I actually fully embraced it and felt like I had really figured myself out at that point. I was very comfortable with it, and I hope you will be, too. Now adjusting to my 50s, well, that's another story! -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteI am sure that your current season is better than it seems and your next season will fill itself with this year's grow.
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