Today was not an ideal day. But if I was to design an ideal Thursday, it would look like this: 6am I wake naturally and rise before the kids wake. I stretch, read, and write with a cup of tea. The sunrise streams in through the slanted shutters. Harper sits at my feet. She has… Continue reading An ideal day
Tag: workin’
A Deep Breath
When my kiddos get sad, angry, hurt, or frustrated, the very first thing I tell them to do is to stop and take a breath. Slow and steady. In through the nose then out through the mouth. This calming practice doesn't just work for tearful kiddos. From women in labour to that breath you take… Continue reading A Deep Breath
Stepping back into my comfort zone
We are often told we need to step out of our comfort zone. It is meant to be useful for our growth or a way to keep our brains lively, or something. The problem is that being outside our comfort zones is distinctly, well, uncomfortable. I understand what drives the general advice but the reality… Continue reading Stepping back into my comfort zone
Finishing up my 19 for 2019
I did two things I haven't done before with regard to my yearly list of goals: a) I changed some of the goals mid-year to align with things that became more important to me as the year went one (in the past, I have doggedly stuck to my original list); and b) I completed my… Continue reading Finishing up my 19 for 2019
The Shortest Season
It is my favourite time of year. The summer ends and we start anew. The leaves start changing into golds and reds and oranges and the wind cools. Cardigans and boots get pulled out of the cupboard. Hearty dishes appear on the weekly meal plan. I do so love this time of year and yet… Continue reading The Shortest Season
Back to Work
I can hardly believe it but this is the last week of term which means I have been back at work now for a whole half term (that sounds like an oxymoron!). It has FLOWN by. Working two days a week is splendid in a lot of ways: the working week is over before you… Continue reading Back to Work
Balance
Every January for the past three years, I have chosen a word to focus on. Last year was Nurture - I did a lot of that but I also didn't really focus on it like I'd hoped. The joy of motherhood sometimes means that life seems to be passing by, like you're on a train… Continue reading Balance
An End and a Beginning
Today was my last day at work before starting my maternity leave. It was a teacher training day which was actually pretty useful with a particularly uplifting and interesting session with our behaviour consultant Victor Allen who is a complete legend. He has such a calming presence and he also reminds us that above… Continue reading An End and a Beginning
Little Bit of Sewing
I haven't done much in the way of crafting lately but I did manage to knock up a small piece of embroidery for my work bestie Louise for her birthday last month. We were almost Buzz and Woody for the staff talent show before Christmas but decided the costumes were too elaborate. I also liked… Continue reading Little Bit of Sewing
5 things I have learned about being a teacher (and about myself)
You like the kids more than they like you You will care more about the kids' grades than they will You can't be a perfectionist (luckily I'm not) You have to be able to take criticism (unfortunately I can't) I am rubbish at being a novice