The semester started a few weeks ago, and I have yet to encounter the same sinking feelings of dread that so accompanied last semester.
Instead, this semester feels fresh and new, free of the issues I faced last semester. I'm already enjoying my students more, feeling less overwhelmed by grading and planning, and overall I'm so much more positive than I ever remember feeling in the last six months.
It's a new semester, and so much is looking up.
I feel like ME again as I walk into my classroom each morning -- the strength I always prided myself on has returned full-force, and I know that, no matter the workload, everything will get done eventually. There's no need for me to stress out -- I have the tools available to take care of myself and my students, and everything else falls into place as it should.
I am once again ready to face the inevitable challenges of my profession, and surprisingly, I'm looking forward to it. It's a semester of excitement: holidays off, spring break and prom, my seniors' last semester, pep assemblies, and all the fun events of the end of the school year.
I'm excited about teaching again, and I have really, truly missed that feeling. The rest of the year is bright and ready to go.
And the snow days don't hurt, either. :)
