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!
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:
- 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).
- 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…
- 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.
- 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:
Kaitlyn Soroka
Oh running. I was just commenting on Robyn’s post (the girl who linked up before you) saying that I really wish I could get into running like my family does. They do races every month and run together every Tuesday. I want to do that, but I hate running. lol.
Good luck this week with you goals and I’m rooting for you and your new banjo!
Kaitlyn
Courtney
Thanks girl! I know exactly what you mean – for so long I was trying to get into running and finally I just forced myself to do it enough so now I love it! But it’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. Thanks for the vote of confidence on banjo! And good luck with your goals this week!
Rachana
Hey :)It’s great that you want to stick with playing the banjo and improve. Sometimes I feel the same way about playing the piano. Seems like you’re pretty fit, I can barely manage 1 mile! Anyway, good luck with your goals!
http://www.scribblingmyexistence.wordpress.com
Courtney
Thanks! I’m trying to make it a regular part of my day, but it’s hard to pick up new habits sometimes! Also, I definitely started being unable to run a mile – it took me years to work up to a long run! Good luck on your goals this week as well 🙂
Lena
This picture is adorable, I am working on the same thing! I am a brand new elementary art teacher (literally just graduated in December!) and I get really overwhelmed sometimes! But then I hear a student using art vocabulary the right way “Can I see your three dimensional line sculpture?” {awww} and my heart melts. I am working on finding the balance and staying positive! 🙂
XoLena
Courtney
I know exactly what you mean! It’s so tempting to focus on the exhausting parts of teaching – but I’m working on noticing those rewarding experiences when I am feeling most overwhelmed. It sounds like you have a lot of passion for teaching art – so keep hanging on to that, even at your most overwhelming moments! Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your year 🙂
Madeline
Okay the running part of your goal list scares me 🙂 I’m such a horrific runner that anything more than a mile seems like an eternity. I’m also just starting the weekly wishes/goals link up and am pretty excited for it! I just made my new blog so it’s a good way to get out there!
Courtney
I totally understand, it took me years to be comfortable running more than a mile! Congrats on the new blog, looking forward to reading it! And good luck on your weekly goals 🙂