Finding balance seems like an impossible task in our profession. However, we still strive for it. The key is... to be okay with "your best". We tell our kids every day, "just try your best" or "you best is good enough". Our fault is that we give ourselves unrealistic goals and feel guilty if they are not attained. You're an AMAZING teacher, be thankful for however many years you have been impacting the future leaders of the world. There are not many things in our circle of influence, but something we can control is our opinion of ourselves.
I was one of those "young bloods" that came into this profession thinking- I got this! I have everything figured out! Yes, ridiculous I know. As many of you know, or are getting to know... this profession is never "figured out". It is always evolving, always changing in some way and you either have to adapt or fall flat on your face.
Change is hard and it takes getting used to. I am now in my sixth year teaching and I've had a REVELATION! I need to be okay with "my best". That doesn't mean I excuse poor planning, or general incompetence. It means- I will try my best to serve my students to the best of my ability and that I will try my BEST to get all of the lesson planning, incentives, initiatives, and data tracking done in a timely manner. Not to mention committees, evaluations, paperwork, research, and the various other tasks bestowed upon us. If for some reason I feel like a failure for missing a meeting, not sending an email, or forgetting the blackline to a craft- I will STOP, BREATHE, and ACKNOWLEDGE I am doing my BEST and I NEED TO BE OKAY WITH THAT!
Remember, most of your stress comes from YOU.
This is the VERY first year I have said "NO" to a few things, and guess what? The earth did not end, mountains didn't tremble, and the sea did not split. No one lost respect for me or was angry with me. But... the reward was and is that I am becoming a less passive person (inside) and that I am less swamped and/or stressed. So, be brazen and say "No" once in a while. Try it... I dare you!
I hope this reached a few of you. I know that it is hard to say no, and its hard to accept that it (life) is what it is and nothing more. Especially if you crave control in your world (your classroom). Stressing yourself out is not the answer and will only make you miserable in more ways than one.
