Monthly Wishes Vol 1
Well, as a chronic list maker and goal setter, I couldn’t resist this link-up on weekly goal setting from The Nectar Collective! Link-ups make me a bit nervous because participating in one puts my writing out there in the world. I love my little corner of the internet, where I can ramble on and on about teaching, and running, and eating delicious food (three things that have nothing to do with each other, and yet they have everything to do with my life). But I also love the idea of connecting with others who are pushing themselves to live healthier, happier lives. So here goes!

The Nectar Collective
Each month I plan to set intentions that will help me be a healthier, happier teacher and human being. I realize that it’s halfway through the month of April, but better late than never! This month’s goals:
  1. Practice my banjo every day. If I do it every day, I’ll buy a new banjo at the end of the month! Learning the banjo has been so much fun, and while I’m still pretty terrible, playing it gets me out of my head and in touch with my creative side, which I often neglect (due to being stuck in my head).
  2. Apply to grad school. I am so excited to have decided on a program where I can study both science and literacy education. It should be amazing so now all I need to do is apply…
  3. Do one long run each week (5-6 miles). I’d like to prove to myself that I don’t need to sign up for a big race in order to keep up with running frequently.
  4. Take steps to focus on the joy of teaching. Each time I get frustrated with some aspect of the education system, particularly around the new educator evaluation system, the political climate, or unreasonable administrator demands, look at this picture, and remember why I teach — to help kids have more of these experiences, in which they get to marvel at the beauty and wonder of the world:

Kids tree