Tomorrow begins my 16th year in education. I have been in school for 32 years.. isn't that crazy! It begins my second year as a librarian (my most favorite job ever!)
This year, we began our staff development talking about Grit. I LOVE that we are talking about grit.
I have shared this video before, but I have to share it again. You can also find my blog about Grit here.
I was very lucky in how I grew up. I had 2 amazing parents that continually taught me the value of hard work and love. I have a great sister (who although we annoy the heck out of each other.. I am super proud of all that she has done). I have family that I grew up with that shared love and compassion. Now I have a husband that helps motivate me to be a better person and work hard when life gets hard. I of course am surrounded by family and friends that have helped me grow into the person that I am.
But here comes the real talk!
Although I have had a life that has not been filled with trials and tribulations as others, I still have trials and tribulations and have those times where I have to use my own Grit to get through life.
1. I have anxiety. I over think things.. I worry about how situations are going to turn out.. and I stress. I worry about how other people see me and what I do (seriously.. I rethink conversations ALL THE TIME... did I say something weird.. am I to quirky.. did I say too much) I have always been this way.
How I cope- I list. I use essential oils (I LOVE valor) I say sorry alot. I also plan!
2. I am introvert. Now, if you know me.. I am sure you are thinking WHAT!?! I do enjoy being around people.. a ton.. but I also get easily over stimulated. I have to have quiet.
How I cope- It took me years to figure out that I needed breaks during the day! I build myself quiet moments into my day.. it might only be 15 minutes every 4 or 5 hours, but it is a time where I can sit and reflect and make my brain be quiet. This is very helpful during conferences. I used to feel odd letting people know that I need a break.. but now I don't feel so bad :)
3. I deal with a ton of things. I overbook myself with things that make me happy (okay.. so sometimes they stress me out a bit too) but I love feeling like I am making a difference. I love being a Girl Scout leader, a Destination ImagiNation team manager, and being active in the community. When I say I deal with a ton of things.. those are not the things. I am not going to make this list to make you feel sorry for me.. it is just a list (see coping number 1) I deal with infertility, I deal with being in debt, I deal with mental health obstacles in myself and my family, I deal with so much more that I probably won't ever write in a blog.
How I cope- I know that tomorrow is another day. Okay.. Real Talk.. I freak out and yell. I get LOTS of hugs from my husband, family and friends
I write all this to remind others that it is totally okay to still put on that smile for the outside world. It is totally okay to talk to someone about the problems and anxiety that you have. It is TOTALLY okay to be YOU! I am the person that I am today because of how I was raised, the people that have been brought into my life, and all the situations that I have gone through. Life is rough sometimes.. but life is great too!
I welcome year number 16! I hope wherever you are that you take a moment to think about how you got to where you are, and how you are going to get to where you are going. I am going to continue to SEEK out ways to encourage myself and others to be the best they can be.
