I know it has been forever since I updated this. I have been busy. And not so much in the blogging mood. But lately I have been doing a bit of reflecting. I thought why not get some of these thoughts out.
So I was thinking about where I was a year ago, and where I am today. A year ago I was finishing up my Masters, having trouble in my marriage, was thrust into a new grade level, then expected to blindly lead it, stressed to the hills, and so overwhelmed I was mentally, and emotionally broken. So that made me think, where am I today? I am a third grade teacher leader, with her masters in Educational Leadership, who has a healthy balance of work and play. Am I 100% fixed or better? No way! I am in a very different place than I was last year.
However, through the last year I have learned a few lessons, which have helped get me where I am today.
I have learned
I must intentionally work on my marriage. Marriage doesn't just happen. It must be worked on continuously and by each person. Jacob and I have been able to join a small group through our church. We are really enjoying the opportunity that we didn't think we would have in the near future.
To set small goals, and not move on until you accomplish it. This has played out with my weight loss. I lost a lot through Weight Watchers almost 2 years ago. I was at an okay weight, but wanted more. So I demanded more of myself. Small goals. Must track my food. EVERY DAY. After I got that under my belt, I added in not hitting the sleep button, then added doing yoga every morning, then added in a training program, and so on. I had to truly change my lifestyle before I could move on to the next goal. Because of small goals I am now at my happy weight, and have been for almost 6 months.
Take care of myself before others. I was running on empty a year ago. I needed to do things for me. Not for my principal, not for my grade level, not for my classroom, but for me. Everyday I left school by 4 and didn't bring anything home. I took time for myself when I got home. Taking care of myself, giving myself time to recharge, created a better Amanda. I am much more able to take on the world, and be better for those around me, when I made myself take care of myself.
One must stay positive I guess this one has really taken a hit home most recently. I still have a disabled husband. We still have no orders, or direction towards the future. No dual income. Our "plan" is still completely up in the air. The contractors have started, so there is a hole in the side of my house, and my kitchen and dinning room is torn up. Earl (eldest cat) is sick, and we don't know what is wrong. There are a lot of things going "wrong". I could send myself to the silly house if I sat and worried. But, I am so blessed. I have a house, a husband, beautiful animals, my health, a job, and family and friends that love us. I can only focus on the good. It puts me in a good mood, and that mood carries throughout the day. I can't let myself get into the negative doom and gloom, so the alternative is looking at the good.
Literally take the time to breath. If you know my normal lifestyle this one should be self explanatory. Just try it. It works. Major change from this time last year.
Be thankful and let others know it. This comes from the 4:8 Principle, a really good/quick read. The positive outlook was learned from that book too, but this whole thankful aspect, I think we all take for granted. This past year I have needed a lot of people in different ways. Just letting them know, through an email, or even better a thank you note, I have found, not only puts me in a great mood, but buts those around me in a great mood. I have seen a note really turn a mood, in others and myself. I am so thankful for so much. Why keep it to myself?
Well there you have it. A few lessons I have learned. A lot I already knew, just wasn't putting them into practice. So in some ways I am in a better place than I was last year, and others, not so much. But I can say mentally and emotionally I am on top of it. I have become one of those people who when the world comes crumbling down, I stand smiling.
