Among the anxious moments, there have been many moments of celebration. A partner presentation on a new topic of learning went off well and has gotten good feedback. Assignments submitted with positive review. Deadlines met and task accomplished with proficiency. It's these little things that make me realize that I am capable and I am able and that I can do more. It's what gives me the courage to take the next step and tackle the next object. It's also what has made me realize that I don't give my teachers enough feedback on the positives. I've made a point of stopping and acknowledging the great lesson, interactions, presentations, and conversations around me. If I am more willing to put myself out there after having positive experiences, why wouldn't I give my staff the same confidence?
For all those other moments, the ones causing my anxiety to rise, I've realized the need for an organized game plan. Map out when to work on items, what to focus on, how long to give it, and when to step away. Growing up, my dad always had me visual my swims before they occurred. What I wanted my splits to be, my pace, my short term to get my long term. While I think I've always applied that to life, I am finding now, more than ever, it is applicable and calming and a must. I'm also finding those around me appreciate it, find peace in it. It's made home calmer. It's made school calmer (well, as calm as it can get). It's eating the elephant one bite at a time. So, for the next 10 days, it will look like meeting and mapping out action plans with those that are taking over items for me, setting game plans for upcoming testing, making a meal plan for home, making to do list for school and home and my honey, and it will involve set aside time to breathe.
I am going to trust myself and the process. I am going to trust those around me, that I have delegated items to. It might not be done my way, but my way isn't the only way. I am going to learn from them, from their process, and our interactions. I am going savor the moments where they step up and shine and ensure that I acknowledge the steps out of their comfort zone they took and what a great job they did. I am going to reflect on myself and ask others to reflect on my actions and continue to give me feedback, whether positive or negative. And I am going to continue to push myself and ask others to push me too.
And in between all of those task of life- the struggles, the anxiousness, the celebrations, and those breaths, I will continue to grow.
