I'm linking this post up to Time Travel Tuesday. This is where we dust off an old post and bring it back into the spotlight for just a little while. I hope you enjoy this post- one where I share some raw emotion, then offer you- the reader- a challenge. Go ahead, give it a try!
Through this whole ordeal with the shingles and nerve damage I've said that the worst part is that I will not get to teach next year. For three solid years I've worked toward the very moment that I get to walk into a classroom and welcome my first group of students. Because of the fact that I cannot work right now, I will not see that dream come true... at least not this coming school year.
I've also said that I will never regret that I earned that degree. If I never use it for one day in a classroom, it doesn't matter. No one can take that away from me. The experience proved to me that I can follow through with tough tasks. I can take life piece by piece and work on what is important NOW while still looking to the future. It's interesting how those very lessons are the ones that I am calling on now to get through these days with my stupid disease.
I danced with my dream, I held it in my hand, and I was on top of the world. IF I never get there again, I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I DID have. Our lives truly are "better left to chance." The pain is enough to bring me to my knees in grief, but I will always have the memories of my student teaching, volunteering, and substitute teaching days. Don't ever think that just because something hurts it's not worth it. EVERY minute of the experience that led to my teaching certificate was worth it.
I have a challenge for you: Go out there and dance. Find something that you've really wanted to do and give it a try. It could be a craft project (I've wanted to learn to knit), it could be an exercise (Zumba is FANTASTIC- don't worry about not being perfect), or it could be a class you've wanted to take (check your local parks and rec for affordable courses). It doesn't matter what it is- go out there and give life a chance. Don't hold back because you fear what might be. Dance today because we don't know what tomorrow will bring.
If you decide to take the challenge, please leave me a comment so others may be inspired, too.
8 comments:
Thank you for this, Karen. You're absolutely right, tho' sometimes this is hard to remember! Depression has kept me from teaching the past few years. I'm very sorry for your grief; I pray you will be well soon!
Oh Kerri, I am so sorry. I can imagine how frustrating that must be for you. I am so grateful that you share your stories with me. I love your honesty. Thank you for your prayers. I hope you will find your way back to a classroom soon!
Life ~ the only dance there is ~ So dance ~ I like your new blog look ~ Hang in there ^_^
Thanks Carol. I'm liking the new look, too! I hope you are having a great week.
Karen, I hope you find peace in this journey sooner rather than later.
I know what it can be to have sickness keeping you back from what you truly want to do.
In the meantime, find something else you love that you can do while you are waiting for your true dream.
Love you and support you in all that you do.
I'm working on finding that love to take the place of teaching! I'm writing, and I'm reading, but it's just not the same. I'll figure something out when the time is right! Thank you for the hope for peace. I have a feeling that will come either when I'm better or when the doctor says this is permanent. I don't do well with unknowns. I'm trying, though!
You're right. What you've earned is irreplaceable and is yours. No twist of fate can diminish that. And you have two lovely daughters who are happy to be taught by you. Hats off to your spirit and determination Karen. I will leave a comment about what I undertake soon. Thank you for continuing to inspire! Hugs- Anne
Thank YOU, Anne!
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