It's never a bad time for coffee. I'm unsure if my ability to sleep through any amount of caffeine is just because I'm seriously exhausted or if it's just a superpower. I've had two hot coffees before noon, and now I sit at 6pm with an iced Americano. Venti. Yes, dang it, Starbucks. I didn't need it, but I have all these fresh gift cards from students burning a hole in my teacher bag. I'm also in Topeka, KS. How am I in such a party city that never sleeps, you ask? I'm just lucky.
I actually really am excited to be here this evening, with a very unlikely date in the next hour or two. My sister. How great is it that we have the opportunity to meet up and hang out for the night? I multitask as I write, because she put me on the job of finding food and beverage that is also a dog-friendly location. Fantastic.
It's been a busy day, week, month, time... but I'm doing my best to enjoy all the moments and opportunities that we can. To be completely honest, I've felt SO overwhelmed. But not in the way you might suspect. I started the New Year off by thinking about what I've done over the past year and thinking about what I'd like to accomplish in the upcoming year. Pretty standard for most, yes. I have never been one to make too many "resolutions" per se', but I do like making goals and checklists. I also still like to have a written planner. I say that, but I've been pretty terrible at consistently writing down what I should. Definitely a goal for this year, but I digress. Last year, I started off strong and wrote out some statements for myself.
I will take control or what I can control. Yes.
I will put on my mask first. This is a theoretical mask, not the covid-kind. It's more in reference to being on a plane. Many may say it's selfish, but I'm realizing self-care is not manicures and spa-days. It's REALLY taking care of yourself in whatever way it takes. In turn, you can actually help others. Yes. I think I've done better with that this year.
I will trust my gut.
Hell. Yes. One of my favorite things that has recently been said was a conversation with a friend about a situation, when I had said "I trust my gut." She replied, "I trust YOUR gut, too!" I'll admit, I've lived a life where my imagination has gotten the best of me OFTEN, and I could think up some wild and creative stories. But when I really listen to my true feelings, more often than not, I've had a reason to feel whatever it was I was feeling. I've slowly learned to understand what is my imagination and what is a true concern giving me the butterflies. I'm learning the difference between good butterflies and bad ones.
Halsey: It's funny how... the warning signs can feel like they're butterflies (Graveyard). Gotta love her.
Anyways, back to the list.
I will create. YES. This has been something I did so much of, and I am so very glad I have moments of impulsivity. I agreed rather quickly to teach some after-school classes, mainly just to have some extra cash before Christmas, if I'm being completely honest. One, I led a book club for 3-5th graders. We read a book about the Great Chicago Fire, and I only had a small group of 5, and it was the best setting for such a great group; I could not have asked for a better introduction to these classes. I loved meeting with them and learning along with them. Then, as if one class twice a week wasn't enough, I decided that I should probably do ANOTHER class two other days of the week, but I'd teach 12 students watercolor painting. Thanks to an amazing coworker of mine, I had some excellent sources available to me, and this was my very favorite opportunity. I now had an excuse to paint and create at home, to prepare for these classes with the sweetest group of artists. Oh my gosh. When people talk about doing things that bring joy? This was truly it. I have said for years "Yeah, I wish I made more time for painting and drawing" but no real goals for making it happen. This was the best thing I could have done for myself. I hope my happiness in teaching these classes translated to everyone around me. Excited, to say the least...
Alright, enough for now. I've gotta find this dog hangout.
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