Thanksgiving for Thanksgiving

I said there might be days (weeks) like this, where all I have time for is a brief few paragraphs.

I'm looking forward to thanksgiving break. I'll likely get to see my girlfriend, who I haven't seen in person since we met that fateful night a little under a year ago. So that's very exciting.

And this week is parent teacher conferences Friday, so while there is work, it is a much mellower, less exhausting work. And then just two days in the next week, and I get a nice long break. That is happifying to look forward to.

Though I'm continuing to try and figure out how to make my job sustainable; I'd rather look forward to the school days and be sad when I can't teach on the weekends. I think it's possible. What's getting in the way? I think part of it is my perfectionism and fear of doing a bad job. That causes a lot of useless anxiety and guilt. I think I'd be happier and less stressed/anxious, and probably a better, more playful teacher who tries more things, if I was better at self-compassion and not worrying about things I can't control, past mistakes and possible future mistakes. I can stay aware and alert and do my best without the worry and guilt. Mostly they just get in the way.

But also I want to spend a bit more time studying. Studying books etc. on teaching, classroom management, taking more time to think and plan and problem solve. And figuring out rest/work balance, so I feel well prepared but also not burnt out from overworking. Those are all things I'm thinking about in my spare minutes as I try and tweak my life to be more joyful and myself to be more effective at my job.

Love, happy forthcoming holidays,
Isaac


P.S. I'm reminded of some TED talk wisdom on buying happiness. Aside from giving to others, one of the best bangs for your buck is to plan something you're looking forward too. Then all the time leading up to it, is also enjoyable, as you savor and think about what you're going to do. So I'm savoring my future thanksgiving break, now as well.