But I Smile Anyway…

“Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.”

Dodinsky

Thanks, Spidey, for another great quote.

When you are the kind of person, who is naturally that scaffolding of support for others, it is easy to forget yourself.

I count myself in that type.

My metaphorical door is always open, at home and work, for people to come and talk to me, vent frustrations, and request advice or support.

And I try my hardest to be that font of wisdom, or at least as much wisdom as accumulated after 47 revolutions of the Sun, and being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher and a leader in my job.

But it can be so easy to forget that you need that scaffold of support too.

I have worked hard to create my own network, from colleagues to friends and certain family members who will be my cheerleaders, agony aunts, and even just sounding boards, so I don’t lose myself in everyone else’s dramas.

I know that if I don’t keep my own cup filled, I run the risk of running dry, myself.

That, in itself, has taken years of understanding.

I’ve learned the importance of when to say Yes, and when to say No.

Recently, there was the chance of running for a promotion within my workplace. I knew that, though it might seem like a good option, more money and more responsibility, I was not in the right place in my life to even contemplate it. (And, to be honest, anything that takes me further from teaching and closer to ‘management’ is not my idea of my dream job!)

I have a family that has a lot of needs right now. Work, as it stands, is good for me. I can deal with my responsibilities and still have time for my family.

But, being recognised as possibly being good enough for this other responsibility was a boost in itself. And I was shown how much respect my seniors have in me by being asked to represent our leadership team at an event on Friday.

So that in itself makes me feel that I haven’t been ‘left behind’. I am appreciated. And I feel worthy.

And I can still be that scaffolding for others whilst being supported myself.

So, Peeps, are you making sure you have the right support? 😊