My Brain is Full- A Few Reflections

I finished up my first two days of my district's summer institute.  I have 2 more days left! Tomorrow I am even presenting a session over using a blog as a communication tool for the classroom.  This summer I have had a chance to really reflect on who I am and where I hope to go.  I have been looking for inspirational quotes lately, and my awesome friend Shawn posted this one today, and I just thought it was pretty perfect for all of my reflections right now.

This past year I have taken a TON of chances.  I work in a school district that allows me to do that.  I also work with some awesome parents and people that let me try out crazy new things!  I also know that I make a ton mistakes, but that I am really good at saying sorry.  The last line pretty much sums up how I feel right now.  Always be you... and be okay with it.

Things I have learned about myself:
-I LOVE traveling, but only for about 3 or 4 days at a time.  I also like things to go smooth and I don't like being stuck in airports.
-I LOVE presenting!  I love it because I am able to talk about different things that I am passionate about, but even more because I am able to connect with other really cool people.
-I think the most important thing I have learned about myself is.. I am always going to be me.. and when I try to be someone different I am VERY UNHAPPY!  I am always going to be the person that has my door open to help answer any questions.  I can't be mad at people (and hopefully some of my friends will forgive me for thinking that I was mad at them.. but in reality I wasn't.. just had to figure that out myself) I am always going to be an overachiever.  I am extremely passionate in whatever I set my mind too.
-I LOVE that I surround myself with strong people that have kind hearts and souls.  Thank you for helping my heart as you always do.
-I LOVE my parents for being the support that I always need and my husband for being right there next to me pushing me forward.
-My last AHA moment is one that is tougher for me.  10 years ago, I began teaching and had the assistive technology specialist bring me an intellikeys keyboard.  That is when I knew that I wanted to be an assistive technology specialist.  I worked, I presented, I got my masters, and I have continually pushed myself towards a goal that I thought would be perfect for me.  With different things that have happened this summer.. I don't know if that is the journey I will be taking.  I am a planner.. so that that is kind of a tough realization.  But in the mean time I am going to keep connecting and being the passionate teacher I am.  Because if I was something different I wouldn't be myself.

"There are only two options regarding commitment.  You're either IN or you're OUT.  There's no such thing as life in-between."

- Pat Riley-

Do you have any quotes that are your must haves?  What AHA moments have you had this summer?