Deciding on a concious effort...

to be a better role model for my students this year.

I need to take better care of myself. I worry constantly about my students--that they are eating enough, that they are doing what they need to for college preparation, that they aren't in unhealthy situations at home, etc. But I don't take care of myself. I don't workout, I don't eat as I should, I put all of myself into teaching, but not into me.

This year I really want to change that. I worked hard all summer in preparation for this year. I have been planning, thinking about what to do, and trying to read and educate myself as much as possible. I want to be able to do for me this year more than the last two years.

I know coaching was a huge part in my stress both last year and the year before, but I think that I allowed myself to get too bogged down by things that really shouldn't have gotten to me.

This year, they needed me back. I am back, and I am going to give 100% of myself for the girls. Not like last year. I am going to let volleyball be my escape for these next two months, and not look at it like an "extra" overwhelming "thing."

I want to give my best to my students, and I will, but I also want to give my best to myself, and this is going to include coaching again. I am going to work on being more flexible with random things that come my way, and I want to be able to not freak out if something isn't "just right." It never is--NEVER. I just need to decide that it will be ok. IT WILL.

I just don't want to be as exhausted all the time. Mentally, I need to develop better ways of coping in order to be able to fight the exhaustion and not get brought down. Other people live much more hectic lives than I do, and don't go to bed at 9. I want to be able to have a late-night if needs be, and still be able to function in the morning. This is a huge goal for me this year.

I wonder if my friends were here, would things be any easier??