Seven Reasons Why We Are Educators: Reason 2- Recovery (266)

Recovery. A word that I feel is so integrated in what we do. There are two definitions, both I think are applicable to education. The first, a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength. The second, the action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost. Now at first glance, it might seem that we do not have control over either of these. That we have been cemented in a field where we have truly little control.

Yet, as much as I get frustrated, enraged, and plain disgusted at aspects of my profession, I do have control over several things. My attitude, my personality, my mindset, my dedication, my optimism, my instruction and lessons (for the most part), yes we have a pacing guide and a curriculum but how you choose to connect and engage with the content- that is up to me. So, when we really look at it, really see it, we have a lot more control than we think.

If that's true then recovery is very much relevant and a part of our routine. It is integrated into our choices. It feeds our decisions. It amplifies our actions. It follows us around, not in the shadows but center stage. All we have to do is turn and look it in the eye, and accept its offer. It is offering mindfulness, grace, hope and joy. The joy might not be rigged with confetti and balloons, or songs of enlightenment, but it will be vibrating with a feeling of accomplishment.

Recovery is not passive. It is not mysterious or secretive. It is loud and obnoxious. It is the emotion jumping up and down in the corner of our peripheral yelling, “Look over here, you got this!” We just need to make sure to keep our field of vision shifting, flexible and forgiving.

You have to forgive yourself. The setbacks will be plentiful. The climate is harsh- changes ongoing, storms brewing. But, that sunny spot over there- we can get there if we navigate our attitude and allow recovery to speak to us. Recovery from fear, from judgement and especially from self-doubt. All it takes is giving yourself as much grace, patience, and love as you show others.

That is what teaching is after all- constant recovery, constant adjustments, and pivots. There will never be a time where everything is perfect. Where everything goes off without a hitch. We know this. It is a constant struggle for balance, a constant change of shoes, as our soles wear thin- but we do, and we do it with beauty not understood by many. And for that I say thank you.