“Smile. It makes people wonder what you’re up to.”
Jill Shalvis
Thanks Spidey, for reminding me of that quote.
I’ve always liked it.
And it’s so true, isn’t it?
I’m not talking about that great big grin that some people flash, though, or the genuine smiles of happiness when you see people together, enjoying each other’s company.
I mean when you see someone, possibly alone, with that kind of Mona Lisa smile playing on their lips. Don’t you wonder what’s put that smile on their face? Is it a lovely message they received? Are they reminiscing some special moment? Thinking of something they arae about to do?
I love imagining what happiness is keeping a smile on their faces.
And, did you know, smiles are kinda addictive? Go on, try it. Smile at someone, pass on that kindness. It could trigger a smile revolution around you!
(Oh, and smiling is so, so good for exercising your facial muscles, so there is even more benefit!)
So, what about you? Do you exercise your smile muscles enough?
Thanks for that Meme, Spidey. It pretty much sums up my feels, right now!
I know I have shared something similar in the past, but right now, this whole sentiment of being a permanently exhausted pigeon hits the spot!
So, last weekend, Spidey and I had a break, as Pops and Mum were down, and we did spend wonderful moments with them, that went far too quickly.
And I am two weeks into my summer break.
Er, and I still don’t feel rested. But then, I suppose, in order to be rested, I’d actually have to be able to stop, for a h
The first week comprised of cricket (what a surprise!), at least 4 days, as well as the visit from my parents, which was lovely, but busy, and emotional too, which is to be expected after seeing each other after a year!
They left on Sunday, and then this past week’s commitments started, with a cricket tournament starting on Sunday, all afternoon, as well as a match on Monday and Friday, plus an eyebrow appointment on Tuesday, and then three visits to hospitals, (not for me, I was designated driver for my in-laws and their apppintments!) Two of those appointments needed them to be at the relevant hospitals early morning, and I had a 25 minute journey to them, followed by another half an hour to the actual appointments, so I was tired. The last one was actually my father-in-law’s cataract surgery, so I was sat in the car for 3 hours, waiting, and reading until he came out.
Friday/Saturday, aside from cleaning the house, and grocery shopping, I also built the garden furniture that we had ordered. Now we just need the weather to change, so we can enjoy it!
I have been shattered. This is why. No real time to stop, and put the breaks on. At least, I haven’t been in school, yet. I have tried, purposely, to stop thinking about work, even though I do end up with emails coming, that are still important ones to act upon, but I have managed to put them on the back burner, so far.
But, my writing mojo has disappeared. I really wanted to use August to do some more writing on book two, but it’s just not there, at the moment. I have sat with my document open several times, but nothing flows. My body and mind are on a bit of a strike, I fear.
Talking of body, my aches and pains are coming back, in the knees and shoulder… it’s not a fantastic place to be.
At least I am snatching time to read, though. Heaven knows I have enough books on that TBR pile, including another fourteen arcs I have a deadline on, to read!
I really must try and slow down… Someone, have a word with Life, and ask it to give me a little break… please!
So, what about you? Do you find it easy to step away from responsibilities, and take a well deserved break?
Today, Spidey and I decided to have a little chat about appreciation…
Friday marked the end of one of the most surreal school years in my career, and indeed, the career of many other educators. Last year was weird enough with the whole term long lockdown, but, dare I say it, it was easier, in many respects, because there were no real expectations, besides getting through. We did what we could to help our children, and hoped for the best, after all, none of us had been through a situation like this before.
This academic year, however, put fresh pressure on the whole sector, because, all of a sudden, we were meant to, overnight, become experts in remote learning; with no training or guidance, drop our usual techniques, and set learning in a whole new format. We were to, at the ping of an email or text, down tools and disappear home, if our bubbles burst, and embark upon that remote learning process, just hoping our pupils were able to access everything they needed.
We ushered in another lockdown and almost big term of full remote learning for all. There was the constant threat of OFSTED still planning drop in visits… Seriously? Maybe they would have been more welcome, had they been visits of encouragement, and thanks for doing all you are doing?
We were tirelessly trying to teach new things, as well as ‘catch up’ on lost learning time, to bring this generation of lockdown learning kids up to speed.
All this, coupled with, for me and my team at least, coming to grips with being a Phase Leader, managing a team of seven, and implementing a new framework for our Early Years department, as early adopters.
It was tough.
But we made it.
There were many up sides to the year too, though, and I can’t forget that. This year, the relationships we developed with the parents, were unrivalled, compared to other years. During lockdown, we spoke to our parents weekly, if not more, allowing them to be open about any worries or concerns they had about their children.
I’m not saying that we don’t have these conversations usually, it’s just that the lockdown ensured a more one to one personal connection, regularly, as we wanted to make sure our children were accessing their learning. In a typical year, we will see parents daily at drop off and pick up, and there will be snatched conversations, if needed, with the parents evening chats, too. Unless there was a specific reason to speak to the parents, outside of this, that was it.
This year it was so different.
They shared so much with us, meaning teachers sometimes became councillors for the parents, as well as educators for their children. I have walked through this year, virtually holding the hands of people who have been going through relationship troubles, those coming to terms with their children having severe Special Educational Needs, losses in their families, including miscarriage, having to relocate somewhere, meaning they won’t be with us next year… Dare I say it, they were almost friends…
And this end of year, as I hugged each child on their final way out of my classroom, (yes, I hugged them. They were a part of me, this year…) I was greeted with a round of applause by the collected parents. My already moistened eyes brimmed full of tears.
Some parents hung back, until my little classroom, one they had never been able to see inside this year, was empty.
One approached me, with her own eyes watering. “Mrs Bhathal, can I please give you a hug, if you don’t mind?” Me? Queen of hugs? Well as that is one of the biggest things I missed during this pandemic, threw my arms around her. She whispered the sweet nothings every teacher wants to hear in my ear. “Thank you so much for everything you have done for my child, and me. We will all miss you so much!” This was followed by several other parents stepping up wanting to do the same.
By now, my tear dam was fit to burst. And it did, once I got back home, that night.
These parents had been so generous with gifts, to top it off, as well as my wonderful colleagues. I read the accompanying cards, and the words touched me, deeply. (I’d not be lying if I confessed that as I type this, there are tears, rolling down my cheeks.)
All this, after reading something on a Facebook Group, I am a member of, as well as on Twitter, about certain people who were ranting about why teachers should even get a thank you card, seeing as they had barely worked this year! (Come, live a week in my shoes during term time, then try saying that to my face!)
I’m an exhausted, emotional mess, right now, and looking forward to switching off from school for a couple of weeks, at least, but I am feeling so, so appreciated, right now. Below is what I posted on Facebook, and the overly generous gifts that I received.
So… tell me, has a shower of appreciation ever brought you to tears?
I’m attempting something today, with a voice recording of my post. It isn’t highly edited, but I’d love to know if you enjoyed hearing it, as well as, or instead of reading it!
But I Smile Anyway... 