Goodbye, Part One

I have officially bid farewell to my first classroom. This is a big deal, folks. Maybe you need photographic evidence to really grasp the situation. Okay, here goes.

I am going from this...

to this...

by choice, yes.

This move took a lot of courage. My old school was a great experience. It was very comfortable, and the staff, parents, and students became my extended family. Towards the end, especially at the end, I felt more at home in my school than in my actual home. (This may have a lot to do with a crazy roommate, but we'll get to that another day.)

It is interesting to me that I left what was, in many ways, a fabulous job. The problem was that it had become just that, a job. I felt within me such an overwhelming desire for something more. I knew that there had to be a school out there full of dedicated educators that nurture's a child's spirit as well as teach them academics. I posted a blog entry about it, which was really more of a plea to the Universe than anything else.

Then, something crazy happened. The Universe answered.

The Universe took me out of my comfortable, adorable classroom, in a school full of people I love, and moved me across town to something so much bigger. Saying goodbye was incredibly difficult, but even in the midst of my sadness, I felt that this truly is the right thing for me. I cannot tell you how incredible it feels to finally let go, hand over my dreams to the Universe, and to really feel Divine guidance leading me one step at a time.

I have already attended a weeklong Responsive Classroom training this summer, and let me tell ya, I am in love with this approach. Finally, finally, the answer I've been waiting for! I know deep within that this is how children's wonderful little spirits can be nurtured all while giving them the academic skills they need. My love for teaching has been reignited, and I cannot wait to put my new strategies to use.

I am learning, sometimes by stumbling and sometimes gently, that the Universe can be trusted with my dreams. I am finding what it means to ask, then allow, the good stuff to come into my experience. I'm having two-sided conversations every single day with a loving, giving Source. I'm learning too that sometimes we have to let go of what is good in our lives in order to welcome in that which is incredible.

Love to all,

Me

*Please know that in the midst of so much change, I am having to let go of many things temporarily. I've mentioned before that I pretty much suck lately at returning phone calls and e-mails. Be assured that I plan to rejoin you all when I'm ready, and in the meantime, I'm lighting a candle and praying for the realization of your dreams. Yes, yours. ;-)

Hi

Meditating today, I listened to the whirring sound of my fan and my roommate's guitar practice in the next room. And then, I felt the reassuring presence of something greater. God, the Universe, a spirit guide, I'm not sure.

I wanted to ask It some very big questions, spill out my overwhelming fears. Instead, all I could do was say "Hi," over and over, a smile on my face.

Grateful Friday

Thank you for...
Finally having the energy to tackle the major task of unpacking
Chips and salsa from Ted's
Funny movies (highly recommend What Happens in Vegas)
Hee-larious text messages from friends
Mid-day naps
Sunshine
A pedicure
Plans for my dream classroom
Purple eyeliner
Eat, Pray, Love for the gazillionth time
Sleepy storytelling with Tara at 1:30 a.m.
Health food store runs
Meditating
And always,
Grace. Hope. Inspiration. Love.

Just noticing

I'm aching to come back here, to spill forth words that evoke such strong emotions. Lately life is an interesting mix of highs and lows. So much to share, but I'm filled with resistance. Why? I haven't listened for the answer yet.

In an effort to reconnect with this space, I am going to start noticing one thing each day for the next week and share it here. Ordinary things that catch my attention, nothing terribly exciting or profound. That's where it begins.

Today-

I'm at peace, finally. I've been waiting for this moment for over a month. My mind is quiet, my to-do list bare. I'm curled up in the bright red chair, barefoot, listening to the wind. The back door bangs open, shut, open, shut.