Mindful Monday: Finding Perspective in 2020

As we reflect on this semester and the year as a whole, it’s easy to want to move past this year and just get to 2021 already. However, I would encourage you not to think of 2020 as just a "terrible year"- a year we would all like to soon forget. Instead, think of all the ways we have shown our students that they matter to us. We showed up for them both virtually and in person time and time again during all of this. We have shown them that even during these uncertain times, that their teacher would always be here. You have made care packages, home visits, and have gone above and beyond to try to make this year as "normal" as it can be. I assure you that there is a student in your class right now that will look back years from now and not remember how many technical glitches occured, not remember how many times they had to wash their hands; however, they will fondly remember YOU. They will remember how much you cared about them. They will remember how you made them feel, and how you believed in them. 

While we might want to mark 2020 as a dud of a year, don’t be quick to forget all the amazing ways we have shown up for each other as well. I couldn't have made it through this year if it weren't for all the "checking in" by family and friends. Between FaceTime, text threads, snail mail and surprise porch presents, those connections have made 2020 survivable for me. I have been most impressed this year by the creative solutions, the out of the box ideas and making things possible that I thought were never possible.

I challenge you when reflecting on the year to not dwell on everything we missed out on; instead, find the shiny unexpected moments that came out of 2020. Focus on the strength you found within yourself that perhaps you never knew you had. Focus on the community that surrounded you and supported you through all the peaks and valleys this year presented us. Focus on the students that you showed up for and are better for having you as their teacher.

Mindful Monday: 2020: Been There, Done That, & Bought the Shirt!

I would assume that no educator thought that in our line of work, we would EVER have the capability to work remotely. And yet, here we find ourselves. The notion that I would teach students that are not present in the school building is not even something I would have guessed in my wildest dreams. Yet, once again, this is our reality. 

2020 is a year we will not soon forget. It has most definitely been a year of many firsts. And with firsts often comes growing pains, lots of trial and error, and new, and often, uncomfortable situations. 

With all the change, with all the uncertainty, with what feels like an endless list of impossible asks, it's easy to feel buried. I have been totally and completely overwhelmed more than once during this year. At times, I have absolutely felt like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. And on occasion, I have felt beat down by life. 

But here we are. We have made it to December of what feels like the longest year ever. We have nearly made it through the first semester of what is sure to be the most bizarre school year of our career, and we're still in one piece. Perhaps, we are worn down, a little ragged and tired of staring at a computer screen, but in a few short weeks will we officially be able to say in regards to 2020, we've been there, done that and we've even bought the shirt to prove that we survived it. 

That's right- in a few weeks, you will be able to say that You Survived 2020! 

Hopefully, the thought of Google Meets or Zoom crashing no longer terrifies you. Hopefully, you realize that the idea of having all 20 students in the same physical space is no longer necessary for you to make a difference. And hopefully, you have come out of 2020 with more computer skills than you ever knew you needed. 

Having lived through 2020 means that you are tougher than you ever thought. Perhaps you were pushed out of your comfort zone again and again, but you are better for it. 

Here's hoping you find the light in 2021 and move past just surviving and begin thriving again.