Getting There

4 years ago I wrote my very first blog and let me tell you, things have changed drastically since then. I’m halfway through my 3rd year teaching at one of the best districts in the state and daily being reminded of the love of Christ.
Life definitely hasn’t been easy the last 4 years, but I have learned a lot and I’d like to share what I’ve learned in tonight’s post.

1. Teaching ain’t easy.
It’s by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s challenging and tiring, but by golly, it’s the most rewarding thing I’ll ever do.
2. Call your parents more.
I never understood the impact my parents made on me until I moved out on my own. Call them more to check in and update them on your life. Call. Don’t just text them.
3. Love anyways.
Despite the hurt you will probably feel after a relationship ends, choose to love anyways. They need to remember that  what was once theirs was the real deal and they decided to stop choosing to love you. Because when it comes down to it, love is a choice and they chose to leave. Even so, love them while it lasts.
4. When fear and anxiety creep in, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Stop texting the guy that isn’t texting you back. Your consistency is probably creeping him out.
6. If one of your students invites you to go to a family outing, go! You’ll probably end up meeting one of your favorite friends. :)
7. Talk to your kids/students about real stuff. Don’t let days and years go by hoping someone else will teach them. Step up and have those daily talks. I call them “teachable moments”
8. Tell people you love them.
9. Random acts of kindness are seriously the most fun thing.
10. Play Christmas music. Hearing your kids/students sing along is the sweetest thing.
11. Always use your manners. You’re never too old to use them.
12. If you’re single, then be the coolest aunt there ever was. (Currently living that life and it’s the best!)
13. Study the Bible. Don’t just pick it up on Sundays. Get it out during the week and see what God can show you through His Word.
14. Fold the clothes as soon as they get out of the dryer. Before you know it, you’ll have 4 loads just stacked to the roof nearly at the end of your bed.
15. Whatever you do, don’t listen to the person that says to “follow your heart”. It’s the worst advice. Follow Christ and He will give you the desires of your heart.
16. Get a hammock. It’s worth it.
17. Stop hitting snooze so much. You’ll be nearly late to work 3 times your first year teaching. (Guilty)
18. Keep calling The Hogs. They’ll disappoint you, but they need your support. And besides, red looks good on you.
19. Don’t be afraid to step up and be a leader in your workplace. You’ll be appreciated more and people will come to you for help. It’s nice to be needed sometimes.
20. Trust and obey.
21. Stop Facebook stalking other people’s lives and comparing them to yours. You’ve got a good life too. Live it.
22. Don’t be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone.
23. Love your kids/students when it’s sometimes hard to do. They need you and despite how you feel in the moment, you need them too.
24. “Me time” is needed. Don’t work yourself to death.
25. Choose joy because happiness doesn’t last forever. Joy is eternal.
26. Laugh more often.
27. Roadtrips to Fayetteville are necessary.
28. Random adventures having no clue where you’re going lead to pretty cool stories.
29. Saying “treat yo self” is not a good response when your paycheck is almost gone. Don’t buy the shoes. Wait til next payday. You’ll be fine without the shoes for a month.
30. Credit cards are of the devil.

I may not be where I imagined I’d be 4 years later, but I’m getting there and it’s all about the adventure.

Goodnight & God Bless

Jennifer