You must admit, there are days where this child's philosophy on life is so true!
School is definitely getting busier, which means the semester will be here and gone before you know it. As we're moving along in the weeks of the semester, I suffer the anxiety of balancing all of my responsibilities together. Taking multiple English courses on top of pre-student teaching is not an easy task, (Oh, not to fail to mention that I'm planning a wedding on top of this all - but that's a wonderful thing!) I am sure that my colleagues could concur to this statement. Getting out my agenda to check due dates from each class has become a real task that requires at least an hour to complete. I feel like my due dates are all aligning on the same day and that my planner is becoming one large ink blot. Granted, some individuals have an activity to alleviate their stresses; however, I try and I still feel like I carry a large burden on my shoulders. Do you know the signs of excessive stress? Not sure how to control it? If not, try this.
The crazy thing about feeling constantly stressed, is when the stress dissipates, I don't know what to do with myself. It never fails that after the first week of Christmas vacation I am ready to get back to the grind and doing what I do best.
If you're looking for additional ways to help with the stresses of teaching, check out this website:
http://www.smartteaching.org/blog/2008/08/101-ways-to-cope-with-teaching-stress/
A favorite song of mine to listen to when I get too stressed is Billy Joel's Vienna. I use music to help me get through my stress - it is a great type of catharsis for me!
I think it is so important that we remember to take care of our bodies, so we don't succumb to the unhealthy measures that stress can lead us to. I know that it has been so important to get enough sleep, because my mind and body just do not focus, and I lack so much energy. I feel like when I am lacking energy my students can feel and sense it, too. Sometimes I feel like it can easily rub off on them - which I definitely do not want that to happen!
Something else that has been on my mind as I have been going through this process is the importance of appearance. The saying "Dress for Success" has never been more true to my life. I know that dressing up for school makes me feel much more confident about myself. It is definitely a wonderful feeling when you not only feel good emotionally, but physically - and wow! what a difference it makes when I wear a dress, a nice blouse or a pair of some cute shoes. I guess we really have to "Dress for Success".
On a last side note, please remember me this weekend. I know some of you may have taken the Praxis tests, but I am taking the last required Praxis English content test and I really want to do well. Crossing my fingers! :o)
<---- If you ever get discouraged, just remember:
It's true, this journey seems
impossible; however in 8 months when our journey has
met its end, it will be done! Yay!
Keep on, keepin' on, my friends!
Sincerely,
Ms. Aden
