Quote of the Day Monday...

I've been going through a bit of a tough time right now and feel this is something to keep me holding on. Hope it helps some of you too.

Quote of the Day Monday...

 

 I think today's quote speaks for itself... I think this is something we should all keep in our mind when we have choices to make. Go for it!

Working hard...

My mind lately has been so career focused it's unreal. If I look back a couple of years ago I was juts plodding along, working and living. Now I don't know what has happened but I have this career addiction somewhat. I have seemingly, in the last year or so, decided that I want to go above and beyond being a 'regular teacher' and take on other responsibilities.

The turning point? I think it was heart break. The usual focus on something else to get your mind to change its focal point. So, from about last January I began to view my career very differently. I began working harder at the things I was given to do (above and beyond harder) and angling for more opportunities. Since the start of this academic year in September, I have taken on more responsibilities than I thought I ever would in my 5th year of teaching. I have this drive to succeed and be high up in what I do. 

Lately I have begun the uphill battle of working in international schools. As usual, I have been very controlled in this. I haev exacty in my mind where I want to be and that is my one focus, no other schools or offers could sway me. The idea of such a challenge is not only exciting but something which I think I would adapt to and enjoy. Being given the opportunity to teach in a different environment and work alongside other great teachers is something which I would love. Now I have to work even harder to get my CV sparkling.

It sometimes shocks me when I look at my determination for this. I often wonder if I am still trying to fill a void which I feel can be achieved by this? Or if it is a case of proving that I can do something even better than imagined? I don't know .... however I do know that I have a fighting spirit in me which is beginning to show. Who knows maybe this year I will be blogging about a big move? I just have this feeling something big will be happening and I'm excited to see what is in store...

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Have you ever had a moment which led to a change in career work eithic or dream?

Feeling valued...

If you've read my blog for some time you will know that one of my biggest stresses in life is my job. I'm a teacher and that brings so many different ways to feel stressed. In my job I believe that we are expected to be another caregiver in the lives of someones child. Parents expect so much out of teachers and rightly so, they are putting their precious bundle of joy in my hands for more than half the week. However, some parents see us not as educators but as nanny's. This is also the view of many people I come across who, when they know I'm a teacher, are quick to remark how long my holidays are or how my working day finishes at 3.00. How little do they know... as of late I have been working till 12 most nights and through my lunch break, leaving school at 6pm. Even when this is said, I still get the same old response..." But you get all your holidays." At that point I just walk away before I lose my cool.

Now while this is bad, it gets even worse because as a teacher you are constantly critiqued on your job performance against statistics and standards by fellow professionals. In particular, the headteacher! But, lately I have been getting on extremely well with mine. I have reached a point where I feel appreciated and valued at work and I can't tell you how much a change this makes to my general feeling at work. 

Today I discussed jobs and the idea of working in international schools (one of my choices to make) and she replied with, "I'm not writing you a reference. I can't let you leave here..." as her face dropped. This reaction was something which actually made me feel proud. Proud that not only does she think I'm a good teacher but also that she is willing to tell me that. By giving me that praise I not only feel happy but also more enthusiastic about my job. I know I'm doing well and that she appreciates it. She will help me without a doubt with my applications but just to know I'm wanted at my current school was enough to put a smile on my face.

Do you feel appreciated at work and how is it shown?

Quote of the day Monday...

I am once again faced with some difficult choices in both work and personal life. It seems that I always have more than one attractive option and I have both pros's and con's. I can't then seem to make the choice as I feel whatever I do will be wrong so I panic and bury my head in the sand. I ask for advice and play various scenarios in my head and begin to become confused. How do you know what is right and what isn't? What if my heart is lying to me? I don't know but I will let you know when I know the answer and the outcome of my choices.

Until then I will take some comfort in the words of the late Steve Jobs. 

Wish me luck! Any advice on how to find the right direction is greatly appreciated.

Quote of the Day...

New year and the the quotes are back. It's one of my favourite posts as I am a huge quote fan. I always find there is a quote to help me find hope, strength or encouragement for what I am experiencing in my life at that time. As it's a new year, I know many people have evaluated their life and also friendships. Friendships are the hardest as there are many emotions linked to relationships. I myself need to make a couple changes in my friendship circle. I feel there are people who, after communication, make me feel rather undervalued and useless. These people may not know the the effect they have on me but the truth is they affect me negatively. Surely those people would not be in my life? If someone causes me to look at myself and criticise myself and have that self criticism make me feel so badly about myself, surely they don't deserve my time or tears?

My quote today is about letting that go. When growing up we are always encouraged to treat others as we would like to be treated and take care of friends. What if they don't reciprocate? Let them go. I have been rediscovering my love of Rilo Kiley and stumbled across their song Paint's Peeling. The specific line I have chosen rings true for me and I hope it makes some of you stronger in regards to 'toxic friendships'.

Start the new year as you mean to go on and remember to take care of your own heart.

If you would like to listen to the whole track, check it out below:

Blog birthday and 2011 reflections...

Welcome to 2012 everyone!!! Hope you all had a wonderful celebration and you're bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to take on 2012!!! After my favourite posts of 2011 it is now time to reflect the year on a personal level.

Before I begin to reflect my 2011, I must celebrate 2 important blog milestones:

My blog birthday!!! 

Yes...As of today my blog is one. This time last year I stumbled upon a blog recapping their 2010 and I decided to do the same and thought why not blog it? I wasn't in the best of places back then, I remember sitting wondering why I let things which I can't control, affect how I felt. By writing, I have been able to focus my thoughts and get through many different moments when I just didn't know what to do. Also, through some amazing friendships I have learnt that no matter where in the world you are, there are people out there like yourself and are willing to help perfect strangers.

A collation of my blog to date!*

Also, as if I planned it, I have hit my 200th post!!! Yes..another excitement. As much as I enjoy blogging I was never sure that it would be something which I would continue. I'm the type of person who lacks a lot of concentration and get bored with things very easily. I thought my blog would be one of them. However, after 199 posts, many wonderful comments, feeling like I've helped people and the gaining of friendships I am still here. Just with anything in life, it's what you make of it. I feel like I've made quite a lot of it. Maybe I've somewhat tailed off the last couple of months but unfortunately illness, work and a couple personal things have got in the way but I have missed the blog and will be back!!

My 2011 Inventory

In 2011, I gained independence and great friendships.

I lost a feeling of worthlessness.

I stopped feeling the need to please everyone.

I started asking for help more.

I was hugely satisfied by my change of attitude towards myself.

And frustrated by my indecisiveness.

I am so embarrassed that it has taken me till age 26 to realise that I need to make decisions based on my own wants and not be influenced by those around me so much.

Once again, I worked my ass off to give my class the best education I can possibly give them.

Once again, I revisited my past.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is my hair cut. I went for the chop!!!

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is that I am stronger and work hard not to place blame upon myself for things I can not control. I'm not fully there but I'm definitely working on it.

I loved my family, friends and making amazing new friends!

Why did I spend even two minutes thinking I was making the wrong decision to travel solo?

I should have spent more time in silence and reflecting (kept from last year as I really didn't do it) and also sleeping.

I regret not being more straight to the point in some situations.

I will never regret revisiting the past.

I worry what others think of me way too much.

I didn’t sleep enough!

Work nearly drove me crazy.

The most relaxing place I went was on a bus travelling US and Canada. The most amazing place to think about life and love.

Why did I not look after my body better? Sleep, diet and relaxation!

The best thing I did for someone else was help bring them out of their down moments and make them smile even when they thought it was impossible.

The best thing I did for myself was challenge myself and in the process discover myself more.

The best thing someone did for me was to be a best friend when they'd only known me for 2 days. This has resulted in an amazing and honest friendship.

The one thing I’d like to do again, but do it better, even more open with new people. I don't like new people and I find the whole situation stressful. However, I managed to find a great friendship in doing so this year and hopefully next year I can become even more comfortable. I need to learn to trust more easily.

(Fill-in-the-blank template from Mary Schmich at The Chicago Tribune)

* Made using wordle.
 

What was your biggest achievement in 2011?