I have made an unspoken resolve this school year to be more positive about my job–to not nitpick at the irksome annoyances that come with teaching 12- and 13-year-olds and to not dwell only on the negative aspects of each school day.
Considering that the last hour of my work day is by far my most challenging and obnoxious class, it can sometimes be difficult to go out on a positive note.
But you know what?
In the end, I need to learn how to change my focus to the positive aspects of my job instead of worrying so much about trying to control every last thing my students are doing (or not doing).
So tonight my focus is on the things that have brightened my day:
*a pail full of peaches dropped off by my thoughtful sister-in-law (which is filling the apartment with a heady fragrance that makes me head spin as I think of the possibilities: homemade ice cream, baked tarts, a bowl full of cream and fruit…)
*a 5-mile run that was nothing less than stellar (which did a nice job of clearing out any remaining annoyances from the day)
*30 uninterrupted minutes of bathroom reading (the latest issue of Good Housekeeping, if you must know)
*an early birthday present from Matt (reflectors to wear while I run at night)
*the fact that WAY more students passed their first test of this year than my students did last year (I’m improving!)
*a hot shower that left me with smooth legs, a fresh smell, and a clear (sleepy) head
It really is the little things that count, if you can just learn to take the time to recognize them.
