Today was the first day of school in the county where I teach. It’s the beginning of my 19th year of teaching. It feels different this time in large part, I believe, to the influence of this writing community.

How is it different? I feel happier because of some deeper understandings and commitments I’ve made to myself.

I’ve given myself permission to:

— set boundaries on what/how  I  will commit my time, energy, and talents.

— celebrate small achievements (like writing this post) rather than wallowing in all there is to do.

— find a few teachers at my school who want to be learners with me.

These few permissions have given me a window of optimism, a fresh field in which to grow.

Thank you, my Slice of Life community, for helping me feel supported and less alone. Thank you for your stories of courage, failures, successes, and beautiful insights into your lives in and out of school. Thank you for thoughtful reflections, “wondrous words,” poetry, and brilliance.