Tuesday, December 1, 2015

The great puzzle

Tuesday writing fun at TWT!
“Let me think:  was I the same when I got up this morning?  I almost think I can remember feeling a little different.  But if I’m not the same, the next question is ‘Who in the world am I?’  Ah, that’s the great puzzle!”
 – Lewis Carroll

This spring, I struggled to imagine what my life would look like with a baby. Could I still be a good teacher? Would I still be able to do the things that make me who I am?

Who, in fact, would I be?

Now, in December, I can hardly believe how far I've come. I'm certainly not the same. I certainly feel different. But I have worked so hard at this "great puzzle" that I've never been more sure of who I am, and that's an incredible feeling.

I am a teacher. I love my students and I pour everything I have into making them better readers, writers, learners, and people. My brain spins with ways to engage them, encourage them, and let them know how much I care.

I am a mom. My days are full of sweet snuggles, slimy hugs, gooey open-mouthed kisses, and smiles bright enough to light the whole world. I can change diapers, store milk, make up silly songs, coax wiggly arms and legs into adorable outfits, turn tears into smiles, do myriad tasks one-handed, and interpret a small creature's feelings from a variety of noises and faces. I love with a depth and ferocity that I never imagined, and I feel more joy and more gratitude every day.

I am a reader and a writer. I dive into worlds of words and those worlds change me for the better. 

I am a spark. I push and inspire others to become better. I am brave enough to leave my comfort zone and fight for what I believe is good and true.

I am both an expert and a learner. I share my unique knowledge and skills with others, but I constantly strive to improve, to wonder, and to keep my curiosity alive.

I am a light. My heart overflows with love, and I make sure I live so that love shines onto others.

I am strong and brave. I am finding ways to balance my life in order to take care of my body, my mind, and my heart. I know this is part of being my best, and I am proud of myself.

I am making a difference.


5 comments:

  1. Hooray! You are seeing all the positive attributes you bring to the world. It makes my heart light to read your uplifting words.

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  2. I love that your brain spins to find ways to let your students know how much you care about them.
    And kudus to you teaching and being a mom. Two big jobs bundled up into each tiny day.

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  3. Hi Jennifer, I've missed your bright and positive writing, and here it is again, the same, but different, you, a Mommy! A baby opens the world in a different way, doesn't it? I bet you might look at students in a different way too. Love hearing all your words today. FYI-Your daughter has the most beautiful smile!

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  4. I love the dichotomy you identify and its many juxtapositions. But mostly I love your love of life.

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  5. Isn't it amazing the way life twists and turns us to become the person we are meant to be? What a joy you are to your students, husband, daughter, parents! Your love of all things that surround you is like fairy dust that settles on every person in your world. You do make a difference!

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