They bloom again!

In the perfect time for reflection and gratitude. With the perfect prompt as a starting point.

It’s been a year since I “left” my 9-5. In that time I have come to learn so much about myself, the Early Childhood field and the world we are “living” in.

Let’s start here… I have come to the conclusion/realization that I am/have been experiencing what I’ll call “burn out.” Now, not very many people (cue the prompt) understand the early childhood and or education field. THIS IS NOT A DIG IT IS AN OBSERVATION!

First off… Being an educator is more than a 9-5. It is more than a wake up, go to work, go home live your life and come back in the morning and do it all over again job. It is full of emotions, passion, fire, relationships… It is a constant state of question, worry, reflection, excitement, guilt, anxiety and a whole ton more.

It is more of a state of being than an occupation. Being “on” for 8 plus hours a day. Don’t slip up, don’t shout, don’t leave the classroom, don’t leave anyone alone, don’t leave anyone out…. Don’t don’t don’t… Do all your paperwork, do say yes, do play, do count, do answer that email, do return that phone call, do clean that, do do do…

What we don’t do is enough self care. Enough self love. Set enough boundaries and opportunities to be the human we are. How can we? Even the teachers who “have it figured out” and “get everything done” and “never take a day off” are exhausted, burnt out and overwhelmed…

I will start here. With this realization. With saying it out loud. Because it has to start somewhere.

Educators everywhere… I see you. I respect you. I am here for you. I am and will continue my hardest to fight for you and support you in ways I can. Thank you for all that you do.