Mindful Monday: This Takes Courage

There has never been a sentence that accurately sums up how I feel as an educator as this one does. And I'd imagine that I'm not the only one that identifies with this statement. 

How is it possible for us to give so much of our time, our energy, our passion, our tears, our worries, our dedication and even our money, yet we feel like there is still so much to do? 

This profession is a tortuous one. Surely I'm not the only one that feels this way. We do so much for our students while simultaneously feeling like we are failing by not doing enough. 

I come to you this week to beg and plead with you to PLEASE give yourself grace. PLEASE know that everything you do day-in and day-out is in fact enough. I'm going to say it again for the people in the back. Everything you do day-in and day-out IS IN FACT ENOUGH!!!! 

While our students, our parents and our community may never know everything you do to ensure their success, I promise you - you are making a difference. And ultimately, isn't that the goal? Our goal is to make a difference, NOT to run ourselves into the ground, NOT to deplete ourselves where we have nothing left to give to our families and friends at home, and definitely NOT to guilt ourselves into feeling less than. 

Please don't ever question yourself, your ability, or what you bring to the table. Our students are better off because of you. And news flash: You Are ENOUGH! 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. This year feels harder than last year. And let's face it, I figured anything after last year had to be uphill. Boy, was I wrong. As many times as I have questioned myself, wondered if I can continue like this, wondered if this profession is still for me, I come back. Why? Not because I'm perfect, not because I have it all figured out, and definitely not because it's easy. But because I love what I do. 

It takes courage to come back each day. And I see each of you that show up Every. Single. Day! You are not alone in your struggles, your worries, or your doubts. Your doubts DO NOT mean you are not enough. It's quite the opposite. Your doubts mean that you are human, and you care. THANK YOU for having COURAGE to show up each day and try again. YOU ARE AMAZING!