January Gloom

No matter how much I love my work---and believe me, I truly love my work--it can be hard to get motivated to go back into the big wide world after the winter break. Winter gloom is real--even living in Texas, in an area where it isn't often that it is super cold.

Winter break gives me a chance to hobbit up in my home. I revert back to my natural sleep rhythms of late-night creativity and slow, cozy mornings, wrapped up in my fluffy robe with coffee in hand.  I get to sit in my favorite chair and take my time to fully wake up. I have time to make yummy food without being stressed, and I have time to read and write without rushing myself into anything.

So, for me, much of what I struggle with in going back to work is the pace & timing of things. I don't love leaving my warm, well-lit home when it is still dark outside. I don't love not getting a leisurely start to my day. The alarm goes off and I hit the ground running. I'm sure many of you can relate.

This time of year I see so many posts on educator Facebook groups and other social media. about how we should not dread Mondays, or going back to work in general. I get it. I do...and yet... forced fake positivity isn't helpful for me.

I am a naturally positive person.  I also hate being told to smile. I spent my youth learning to always put others at ease, to make my edges softer. I've learned in my adult years that being vulnerable by telling my truth is also important.  Balance, folks.

And so, with that in mind, I want to offer you these words...
If you are struggling with being back at work, it is okay.
It does not mean you aren't great at what you do.
It does not mean you don't "have a heart for children."
It does not mean you are less than.

If you are trying to figure out new routines to make this transition back into the work world less awful, it is okay.
You don't have to always be perky. You can be real.
If perky is your real, great!. If it isn't---well, that is completely valid, too.

Take care of yourself. Add hygge to your work home. Remind yourself many kids and colleagues are also struggling with being back and having to people so much, or sit in those awfully hard chairs for 7 classes a day instead of being at home.

If you are so SO happy to be back and thrilled down to your soul to have all the time being ON, all the meetings, lessons, people, grading, and disciplining to do, then I ask you to have some grace for the rest of us as we transition back to work reality more slowly..

Let us all be kind & take care of ourselves and others.
Spring is on its way....the light is coming, y'all.
We got this.