Keep Moving

Today I had a fabulous coffee date with Miss R, and as usual we relished the opportunity to share our teaching celebrations and frustrations with someone who is experiencing the exact same things.  One thing that we discussed this afternoon was the pressure we often put on ourselves when it comes to teaching.  Our first year, we both struggled with having incredibly ambitious aims and visions, and having to reconcile those goals with the fact that, as a first year teacher, you CANNOT DO IT ALL!!  We couldn't be the teachers we had always dreamed we would be, at least not yet, because we were barely staying above water.  This year, we have improved, but I at least still feel like there is so much more I could be doing, should be doing, WISH I were able to do.

The thing is, this pressure comes from how much we LOVE OUR STUDENTS and how dedicated we are to them and their education.  But still, we are only second year teachers, and we cannot do it all.  Every year we will learn a little more and be able to take on a little more.  And our students will benefit from it.  The important thing is to set small goals and truly take time to appreciate how far we have come.  Anyways, tonight I remembered a quote that I felt was appropriate for this conversation.  It's from the book The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life by Boston Marathon Winner Amby Burfoot, and while about running, I honestly think it can be applied to any area of life.

I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, 

as long as you keep moving.

It's not about speed.

And gold medals.

It's about refusing to be stopped.

You might find that one particular direction proves difficult,

but there are many points on a compass.

Infinite, in fact.

As long as you keep searching, you'll find your winning way.

That's what I will be remembering this week: It's about keeping moving, keeping trying, keeping teaching, keeping coming back and not giving up on the kids.  It's about refusing to be stopped.  :)