Breathe #KidsDeserveIt

There are many things I struggle with. I can list off more things I struggle with than I’m successful at. Oftentimes I struggle with sleep. Other times I struggle with eating my vegetables. In all, the ‘thing’ I struggle with most is finding time for myself.

If you look up the definition of workaholic, you will find my name and probably many others right beside it. We have our own reasons: not enough time, nothing better do, workload, etc. My reasons include: perfectionism, determination, and loneliness.

Being raised catholic I know that I’m not perfect, and despite all this my God will love me just as much. If I sit back and ponder those words it’s a powerful feeling that makes me feel as if what I’m doing (well, trying to), is good enough. Despite my mistakes and failures, I am good enough.

That’s why despite my perfectionism, I’m a risk-taker. That phrase, ‘ask for forgiveness later’ is all me. The other day I wore a jean jacket, jeans with HOLES, and my blasted my guitar as I greeted kids getting off the bus. Just today, I taped kindness phrases on the outside of my portable. Both times, my principal has no idea…shhh!  Be brave!

My determination to be better than I was yesterday is my motto. It’s been my mindset since I was young. I’m a competitor. (Today I swatted a basketball from a 4^th grader’s shot.) I’m not out to be the greatest teacher who ever lived; just better than the person I was yesterday. I have the most amazing twenty young individuals and our school grade that are relying on me.

I live alone. I teach alone. I work out alone. I have a few friends. Most reside in my home-state, Nebraska. Others are scattered throughout the United States, so I don’t get to visit them often, or at all. . Learning to be okay with being alone all-the-time is something I’ve gotten better at. I value the peaceful moments. However, having adult conversations and going places with people my age would be be a fun change. Tag and Fornite get old. Sorry, 4^th graders!

When people ask me how I’m doing I typically say, “just breathing”. People tend to respond back with a worried look. Have no fear! I’m saying those words because I’m not: teaching on tables, being chased by 20 sugar-craved kids, and creating my next classroom transformation.  Understanding that every second we’re breathing is powerful because it means we still have an opportunity.

If you have struggles like mine, don’t forget to breathe. Try reaching out. Keep being who you are. Most importantly, find time for yourself and accept you are okay the way you are. Take those risks you’ve been so hesitant to take. …Today is an opportunity. Breathe. YOU GOT THIS!