Gratitude Post - 5 of 12

Gratitude Post 5 of 12

Teaching is hard. That’s no secret. It’s no coincidence that statistics show us most beginning teachers quit their jobs and run screaming in the other direction within the first three years. I certainly spend my fair share of time whining and complaining about how difficult my life is from August to May.

But summertime, oh summertime.

I can’t think of many other careers where one can have a full 9 weeks of glorious vacation. And for all of those out there who complain about those spoiled teachers with weeks of vacation, I’d love to meet someone who could develop the level of energy and motivation necessary to teach and actually sustain that level of energy for 12 months a year. There is no way I could possibly be a teacher, or a halfway decent one, without this 2 months hiatus.

So what do I spend my summer doing? It’s been almost 5 weeks so far, and I can say I’ve had a nice combination of laziness and productivity. I’ve read a great book or two that have no use in the classroom, and I love that summer gives me the time to do that. I’ve spent a week at the beach, shared lunch dates with friends, spent many a day at the pool, enjoyed some quality local theatre, and savored my coffee in pajamas at 9 or 10 in the morning as I watch my morning news shows. I make no apologies for my laziness, especially this summer as I enjoy my last summer of selfishness and childlessness.

I haven’t been all lazy, though. So many mundane but important things get pushed aside as the hectic school year progresses. From scheduling carpet cleaning to revamping household budgets to cleaning out closets, summer allows me the time to do all of those things I really should be doing 12 months a year. I’m grateful to be in a profession that allows me the time to be leisurely and to play catch-up from life’s craziness and chaos. Am I ready to go back each August? Of course not. But I feel more ahead, more rested, more myself (if only a little) than I did in May and that’s worth a mention of gratitude for sure.