Looking Forward

“Looking forward” has been a mantra I have been adhering to lately, thinking to myself… LOOK FORWARD.  As much as I am looking forward, I will periodically look back to see what I have left.  Make note, looking back is not a good strategy when trying to implement change into one’s life.  I feel like I have made “the change” but I’m not acknowledging it. 

Bare with me Bloggies… I am in the midst of writing a “gratitude list” or things that I have accomplished in the past 10 months since leaving public schools to pursue academic work, professional development, and personal growth.  To write a gratitude journal… or blog, in my case… one can easily see what is going well and what direction one is heading in.  My list…

PERSONAL
1.  I am all paid and up-to-date with my credit cards.
2.  I am cooking meals at home for my family.
3.  I am able to drop off and pick up my daughter at school.
4.  I am able to volunteer at my daughter’s school.
5.  I am a part of the WSE bike club and LOVE IT.

PROFESSIONAL
1.  I have presented 8 workshops on to practicing teachers.
2.  I am successful at giving professional development workshops.
3.  I am self-employed.
4.  I provide a math/science tutoring service that is thriving.
5.  I am a member of the BCAMT excutive committee.

ACADEMIC
1.  I presented at the SFU EGSA Speaker Series.
2.  I am a Masters of Education Site Assistant at SFU-Surrey.
3.  I have created a learning community to support my
4.  I am tutoring at Capilano University with the CALL program.
5.  I am working on my dissertation and learning as I as I go.

MISC
1.  I pulled the 2011 Pulling Together Canoe Journey.
2.  I participated in the SFU Instructional Skills Workshop.
3.  I made an elk hide drum.
4.  I celebrated 20 years with my husband/best friend.
5.  I am running for municipal government as school trustee.

Thank you for letting me purge out my list of gratitude.  There is so much more to mention (i.e. I have a wonderul husband who supports me 100% in my pedagogical journey and I am presenting at 3 more conferences this fall) but, I will leave it for now.  I am on a journey.  As much as I miss teaching in the classroom… I am still teaching and learning.  I will admit that I do get ‘spooked’ on the way and I guess that’s when I look back to see what’s behind me.  In the end, it’s looking forward that seems more exciting.