by Jenny Leeds
Teaching is a rollercoaster ride.
That’s how I felt my first ten years of teaching and the metaphor I frequently used to describe my experience. The twists and turns, as well as the ups and downs, left me feeling exhausted. Different pressures seem to fuel my rollercoaster. Some stressors were external like the politics in education and standardized testing while others were internal, such as my inner voice which cast doubt on my planning, performance, and creativity.
At the end of the day, it was easy for me to let these negative pressures tip the scale and cause an imbalance. I was unaware of how influential these negative feelings were and the impact they had on my teaching as well as the quality of my life. Many years ago on a drive home from school, I gained a moment of clarity; I hopped off the rollercoaster and learned how to rediscover the simple joys in teaching.
That’s how I felt my first ten years of teaching and the metaphor I frequently used to describe my experience. The twists and turns, as well as the ups and downs, left me feeling exhausted. Different pressures seem to fuel my rollercoaster. Some stressors were external like the politics in education and standardized testing while others were internal, such as my inner voice which cast doubt on my planning, performance, and creativity.
At the end of the day, it was easy for me to let these negative pressures tip the scale and cause an imbalance. I was unaware of how influential these negative feelings were and the impact they had on my teaching as well as the quality of my life. Many years ago on a drive home from school, I gained a moment of clarity; I hopped off the rollercoaster and learned how to rediscover the simple joys in teaching.
After another busy day in the classroom, I found myself tightly gripping the steering wheel almost white-knuckled on my drive home. I took a breath and wondered why I was so tense and completely checked out of everything around me - music, traffic, and so on. I wasn’t upset or even angry so why was I so stressed? Where was the happiness?
I purposefully began to reflect on my day and wonderful parts of the day quickly outnumbered stressful ones. My body began to relax and my mood improved. My hands unclenched the steering wheel and I became present. From that point on I realized how easy it was for me to get pulled into the stresses of the job and fall prey to my insecurities.
I purposefully began to reflect on my day and wonderful parts of the day quickly outnumbered stressful ones. My body began to relax and my mood improved. My hands unclenched the steering wheel and I became present. From that point on I realized how easy it was for me to get pulled into the stresses of the job and fall prey to my insecurities.
For the next several months I set an intention for the day every single morning. As the days wore on and I felt pressures and stresses creeping in I would revisit that intention. After practicing this shift in mindset a transformation began and I became a much happier person, a better spouse and friend, and a more effective teacher. These days I keep quotes on my desk, bulletin board, and even tucked in my planner. This one has hung around my desk for a few years now.
I’m a sucker for a sweet note from a student, a good pun, and quotes. Oh, the quotes! This summer I was on my annual search for the perfect planner (yep, I keep a physical calendar) and hit the jackpot! This planner is filled with inspiring quotes and fun challenges. Again, for me, it’s about finding the wonder and inspiration in each day.
I look for the positive in everything and everyone every single day. I get energy from the beautiful sounds I hear in the classroom and the conversations I hear my colleagues having. These are my sound tracks. I get pumped up as I greet my students each day and learn from my colleagues at school and across the district. These are part of my highlight reel. I seek out positive people who aim high and try to bring out the best in each other.
Over the years I’ve received many special gifts for my birthday, holidays, and sometimes no occasion at all. My students and colleagues know me well! They each had a similar comment about the gift, “This is so YOU!”.
Each day I feel like my teaching heart grows stronger. I try to make each day the very best day because in my mind today IS the best day ever. Do I still encounter stress and self doubt? Absolutely, but now I put them in check.
I challenge you to do the same. Be the light. Allow yourself to be inspired and inspire others.
Favorite Quotes for Inspiration:
“We rise by lifting others”- Robert Ingersoll
“Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect.
It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” - Unknown
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are all in harmony.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.”- Roald Dahl
“Smile. You’ve got this.” Jenny Leeds
