Who I Am! Celebrating this Week
Today I'm celebrating who I am. No, that's not it. I'm celebrating accepting and loving who I am...YES!
For so long, too long, I tried to hide myself and my passions and fit myself into what I thought I was supposed to be. For years, I did things I didn't love doing because everyone else was doing them. (Oh my this is sounding so high school and immature, but it's honest and that's what I'm going for!) I felt like fitting in was the most important thing. The ironic thing is that I never really felt like I fit in. So I was failing at something that I didn't really want...and I was miserable...and things fell apart.
Within the last couple of years, I've experienced some big loss! My Dad died and I unsuccessfully attempted the process of adoption...but I started discovering, accepting, and loving myself... flaws and all! With age, I'm realizing that time is precious and I need to be myself with no apologies.
Today, I make choices that I believe are good for me and good for my students. There's a freedom in being myself. I've found true and real friends in the most surprising places! My family continues to love me unconditionally. And it's made me a better person and teacher. I highly recommend being true to who you are. (Although, I will say that there are those that will fight you and challenge you. It can be hard, but it's WORTH IT!)
Today I celebrate:
1. Being true to myself
2. Showing kindness
3. Teaching and loving my time with my students
4. Blogging...ALL of my students just started their own blogs
5. Growing and changing and making mistakes and becoming the best version of Michelle that I can
6. My dog and all of his unconditional love
7. Having students ask me if I'll teach 7th and 8th grade too
8. Friends who show me who I am when I'm losing my way
What a wonderfully honest celebration! It is so hard to be ourselves today. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one feeling this way. Glad you are being true to who you are--it is always the best you, I'm sure:-)
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! Amen sista!
ReplyDeleteI do wonder why we think that we 'should' be like that other person or group or ? It's terrific to hear you say these words in celebration of YOU! Don't ever stop! Sounds as if there are many people around you who believe that YOU are special, now you have to believe that too!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! It is a difficult journey to find ourselves, and sometimes I wonder if we ever really arrive. Loss of a parent is not easy, but think about what you have learned about yourself through the experience of loss. Wonderful celebration!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
ReplyDeleteYour energy is evident in this post. It reminds me of a quote by e. e. cummings:
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." I'm glad you are brave and willing to share your REAL self with us.
Shine on,
Ruth
Your list is great! It's amazing what we can find when we step back and reflect on who we really are.
ReplyDeleteKudos for honesty! You are a brave soul! There are so many great things happening in your life now; definitely reason to celebrate.
ReplyDeletei'm glad you're celebrating your true self. that's the best person to celebrate! and i think the more honest you are about who you are, the more confident you'll be and in the way you conduct yourself. so keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI love your list, and it's so true that even as adults we sometimes have to remind ourselves that it's more than ok to just be ourselves.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to celebrate and that I am sure you will be able to celebrate over and over. Enjoy the blogging with your students!
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