Perspective

“These are all exciting things!”

My knee jerk reaction was to awkwardly smile and stare back blankly at the screen. But in my mind, something totally different was happening. It was as if I had been running as fast as I possibly could with no finish line in sight… when suddenly my heels skid to a screeching stop.

Exciting. I guess I never looked at it that way. It’s easy to fall into a negative mindset- especially when it’s everywhere you look. On the news, in the hallways, social media posts, in a text message or email. It’s addicting. It’s unsettling when you start to think about it. Am I really THAT negative? Am I like so-and-so?

I could make a list of everything that’s perpetuating my anxiety and depression, but who would that help? It wouldn’t fix those things. It would only bring negative attention to them- fuel the fire.

I suddenly remembered a mindfulness training I attended last year- the instructor was brilliant and said something that stuck with me. He suggested adding “and” after every statement we make about our feelings or statements we make.

I’m in my first year of my teaching career… AND I am doing the best that I can.

I’m looking to buy my first home in a national housing shortage… AND I’m learning a lot along the way.

My observation didn’t go as I planned… AND I’m happy that I was able to get through it by adapting and being flexible.

I’m worried about my students… AND they continue to show me how kind and resilient they are daily.

These things tire me AND they’re exciting.

Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers March Slice a Day Challenge! I’m slicing every day this month. Thanks for stopping by.