Loving People ... Part Two

Loving People by ... Going Back to Work

Tuesday, September 3 marks the day that I will return to full-time teaching.  There was a bit of controversy over my return to work ... The short version of that story is that I was going to return part time (mornings only) for one month, and then go full time October 1. However, my school district wanted me to be a substitute teacher for the mornings, placing a full time person in my NEW position until I was ready to return full time. Any teacher knows, there is no more stressful position than being a substitute teacher, dealing with a different group of kids and different staff members every day.  I refused!!  After a return visit to my doctor with new medical forms in hand, I convinced her that working full time at my new position would be less stressful and an easier transition back to work than part time as a sub. After swearing on a stack of Bibles that I would take a sick day whenever I felt tired, I left with new forms in hand stating that I could start full time in September.

I LOVE MY JOB mainly because I LOVE the students! Going back to work in September will allow me the time, space, and opportunity to love people.

I heard this quote by Aristotle for the very first time today.  "Educating the heart", to me, starts with caring for the child and this is likely the part of working that I have craved the most. I live to make a difference in people's lives, and I yearn to be "back at it" by cultivating compassion in my new students.

One of the many very important lessons I have learned during the past 10 months is that I am not ready to retire! I NEED to return to work to alleviate boredom and maintain my mental health ... well either maintain or return to it :)

Even though my cancer journey has become my "new normal", I'm extremely anxious to return to my "former normal" ... AKA my routine life.  I thrive on routine -- it's where I can produce, accomplish, achieve.

Working is good for me ... and, hopefully, good for those around me that I get to love.