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As the year turns to 2015, it’s a perfect time to reflect on everything that has happened over the past year.  For me, there have been many positive changes, both personally and professionally.  As I have adjusted to my new role (well not so new anymore) as a second grade teacher, I’ve worked to find a balance between my work and professional life.  After spending the last school year not in the main teaching role, I’ve realized again why I love teaching and being in the classroom.  I love being the teacher, leading the students, helping them discover and learn new things.  While there are times I joke I’m tired of hearing my name, at the same time, I love it because it means the students want to share their ideas or need my help.

Getting back into the classroom has been a whirlwind-setting it up, getting to know my students and other staff members, learning the curriculum, gathering resources.  It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now and the endless piles of work; I always feel like there’s something more I could or should be doing.

At the same time, I need to take a step back and realize how much I’ve done and how much my students have already learned.  If I had to pick a one word for 2015 it would be “breathe”.  When I hold my breath, I don’t enjoy the moment; I’m too stressed about what else I have to do.  Winter break has allowed me to relax and rejuvenate.  I fresh energy to begin the school year again.  Yes, there’s still things I need to learn and things I want to change to make things run smoother in the classroom and continue energizing the students, but by staying in the moment, we’ll all be more relaxed.

While at yoga, the instructor put it perfectly:

“When you focus on the past, you are depressed.  When you focus on the future, you’re anxious about what’s to come”  Being in the present is bliss.  Living in the moment brings happiness”

Here’s to a 2015 where I breathe and enjoy the ride.  

Happy New Year!