Fast forward 35 years, a few degrees later, kids, and the same "giddy" feeling. This time it's not Christmas in July, it's day 1 of a new contract. The phone rang this morning at 3:30 (the joys of living with another service leader on call during the weekend) and I have been up ever since. I can't get this excitement of tomorrow out of my head. I wanted to go back to sleep but instead started working. For many days, I tried very hard to disconnect. Now, I cannot be connected enough!
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Finding the balance is a key topic I think and speak about often. Physical, emotional, spiritual, and professional balance is a necessity in any profession. Over the past several weeks, I have been mom. I have turned off notifications and did not allow the "ding" to drive my day. I started walking and sitting quietly instead of constantly working. I continued reading professional books but because I wanted to, not because I had to write a paper for a class. I needed to step away after surviving year 1 as a principal. I use the word survive because no matter how much I prepared and planned, a new learning opportunity would present itself. Breathe....just reading that takes me back to the struggle.
Now, I am preparing for tomorrow. The beginning of a new school year. The opportunities are endless, and I have the privilege to lead my staff in continued professional and personal growth. Tomorrow is about the team. It's about those closest to me and working alongside them to prepare the best year for our teachers. This is the most exciting time before the kiddos arrive. Ensuring all things are in place so when teachers arrive, they have everything they need. Scheduling time to hold each other accountable, for continued growth, in our own leadership capacity. Hearing the different directions buildings are moving and reflecting on what my staff needs. It's our own PLN in one room! Giddy!
Tomorrow is not promised and we constantly talk about living in each moment. My hope is that my teachers and colleagues have had time to work on their total well-being. I would like to say that I made huge gains in the balancing act but it's a continued work in progress. The critical thought moving forward is how do I maintain?
So tomorrow the future of limitless possibilities becomes a reality once again. As I prepare for tomorrow the bigger question of how do I prepare my teachers sets in. We have no clue what the future holds for our students but we do know what skills they need to be ready. The "giddy" feelings keep flowing and the passion comes back to life. Where are you in your professional career? Do you still get "giddy?" Our kids deserve leaders and teachers who have that Christmas morning feeling, everyday when they walk in the door.
I have many different hashtags I am currently following to keep the passion flow moving forward. Join me in these conversations as we begin another year of influencing tomorrow's leaders.
#tlap-Teach Like a Pirate-bringing creativity back into the classroom
#EdTech-current trends in blended learning and tech tools
#KidsDeserveIt-challenging conventional thinking and pushing boundaries.
#GoOpen- movement of open educational resources from around the world
#ObserveMe-teachers inviting colleagues in for authentic feedback-trust building
Don't forget that giddy feeling as you prepare for another year!
Just Love,
Kirsten
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