Reflections

We finished dinner two hours ago but I had not one ounce of motivation to clear the table completely and wash the dishes. I could see them right there... RIGHT THERE. Yet, I couldn't bear to jump in and do what needed to be done. Reluctantly, I get up, clear the table and wash the dishes exactly like I've done so many times before. I realize, in completing the task, it wasn't nearly as big of a chore as it felt like this evening. I'm spending some time trying to catch up on emails and also completing some paperwork that is due. I check my to do list while I work and realize there is more to add for each cross off I am able to perform. A quick glance, and it looks insurmountable. I push my chair back from my desk and think about the last email I've read from an amazing teacher. She's concerned about a recent decision. Between the lines, I sense she is upset. I worry she feels unsupported or worse yet, that the new task coming her way is insurmountable. I t...

When I was a young teacher, I can recall struggling in a particular parent-teacher conference. The parent was pleading with me to understand her point and I feigned giving incredible advice. At the time, I was certain it was good.  After all, I was the teacher and was basing the advice on what I learned throughout my short experience that far. It wasn't until many years later, I could fully understand the depth of her concern and the lesson I could learn from her. When I became a mother, what I knew about teaching and learning gained color. I can remember being home alone from the hospital with my newborn and ab-so-lute-ly scared to death of being alone with him. What if something went wrong? Not doing the right thing at the right time became all that more real to me.  When my son faced obstacles, I learned more about how to help more in different areas. I leaned on professionals for advice but still listened to what "my mom's voice" told me as well. I made some v...