"Do Those Things That Make My Heart Sing"

[howfartheeastistothewest]

Don’t wait until you’re sick to take care of yourself and what you need.

[autumndreamswithpumpkinspice]

[howfartheeastistothewest]

“With one step, she became fearless.”

— Me (A Journey of Self-Discovery)

[howfartheeastistothewest]

Currently on strike and feeling all the emotions right now.

[autumndreamswithpumpkinspice]

I am prepared to face the blustery winds of Autumn with a scarf looped ‘round my neck, a Pumpkin Spice Latte in my hand, and leaves falling on my head.

[autumndreamswithpumpkinspice]

Goodbye shorts; Hello sweaters

Goodbye iced coffee; Hello Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Goodbye swimming; Hello crisp morning walks

Goodbye camping; Hello fireplaces

Goodbye sunflowers; Hello crunchy leaves

Goodbye flip flops; Hello boots

Goodbye August; Hello September

Goodbye Summer; Hello Autumn

[howfartheeastistothewest]

The closer I get to the start of school, the more nervous I get. I know that switching districts was the right choice, but starting somewhere new is terrifying.

[autumndreamswithpumpkinspice]

It may be summer outside but it’s autumn in my heart.

[howfartheeastistothewest]

“There’s no such thing as boy colors and girl colors. Anybody can like any color they want.”

— Kindergartener (Kids are the Future Y'all)

[howfartheeastistothewest]

Imagine this: Education being fully funded AND enough money leftover to provide you with all the glitter your classroom needed.

#dreaming

[howfartheeastistothewest]

This is still my dream.

[autumndreamswithpumpkinspice]

I’m 99% sure that Pumpkin Spice is my current emotion.

[howfartheeastistothewest]

Teachers have influence and absolutely make a difference in the lives of students BUT they are also working within a faulty system full of inequalities, and, so often, society is quick to place the blame upon the teacher rather than working to change the system.

[howfartheeastistothewest]

One of my kids told me that he’s starting a company and handed me a note he’d written inviting me to a business meeting, so don’t let anyone ever tell you five-year-olds aren’t ambitious.

[autumndreamswithpumpkinspice]

Autumn bliss: Drinking a pumpkin spice latte, snuggled up in a cozy, oversized sweater, with the leaves crunching underneath your feet.

[howfartheeastistothewest]

This past year has been hard. There’s been a lot that has happened, especially in my personal life. Balance was particularly challenging as I sought to keep a healthy work/personal life balance. I’m learning that if I’m consumed by work every single second of every day, I’m not able to fully show up. I can’t give what I don’t have. I’m learning about slowing down, stepping back, and saying “no.” I’m learning there’s grace upon grace for me, and that self-care is okay. In the midst of it, I’m working to continue to seek joy in the little things in life, the little moments. Take care of yourself because you matter. ❤️

[girlcanteach]

teacher life

when people say, “must be nice to have summer’s off”, i’m like YEP. 

like, i work really hard at my job and having the summer off (and other week long or more vacations) is a nice perk of this job. 

other jobs have other perks like a company car or fancy travel or free food any time or take your dog to work or mad respect in society or really high wages or the option to work from home. 

lots of people get perks. everyone’s are different. summer is one of mine, and i’m wringing every last bit of awesome out of it. 

“i have spent the entire summer playing WoW and D&D and taking naps with my husband and you are absolutely right. it WAS nice.”

[howfartheeastistothewest]

If you know someone with depression or anxiety, please don’t ask them if they have tried “exercise” or “eating this food that’s supposed to reduce depression.” A lot of the times, they already have, and, so often, their depression/anxiety is beyond simply jogging everyday. Many times, all these suggestions do is make the person feel more discouraged, wondering why these easy “fixes” aren’t working for them. Also; if someone chooses to take medication under the supervision of a medical professional, do not shame them. If they had an ear infection, you wouldn’t say, “Have you tried this instead? You don’t need meds.” What can you do then? Support them. Be there. Listen to them. Let your presence be enough without trying to fix the situation for them.