YOU are more than enough

This one's dedicated to all the tired, burnt-out educators out there. You are seen, you are valued, you are so loved!

This week I was sitting in my class after students had gone home for the day wondering the one thing all teachers wonder all too often. "Was I enough today?" Did I meet all of my students needs? Was I patient enough, kind enough, challenging enough... But, then I thought, enough is enough.

No more doubting dear one, for today you are enough. When the student needed another bandaide to calm their anxiety -- you delivered. When you were asked for the 1000th time for a pencil -- you delivered. When a student needed a listening ear -- you delivered. When a student needed you to reword the question so they could better understand -- you delivered. When a hungry student needed something to fill their hungry belly to help them focus -- you delivered. When a student needed a calm, safe, space -- you delivered. When another student needed to feel seen -- you delivered.

If you know me, you know I talk in tangents. So here we go -> off on a tangent, but bear with me, it'll come together.

A friend of mine shared "A little guide to glimmers" from @h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e on Instagram. I went over to her page and instantly wanted to follow her, so I clicked the little blue box.

Her guide to glimmers resonated deeply with me. I've spent a lot of time lately focussing on myself. Being thankful for the small moments. Recognizing and being grateful for all I have been given in this life. Spending time noticing these 'glimmers' does change the way one sees the world. It's changed the way I view my own littles, and the 10 year olds in my classroom too.

In those tough, thick moments I try to focus on a glimmer. What's shining at that challenging moment. This small shift of appreciation helps me focus and get through the challenge (big or small).

I wonder how I can spread these 'glimmers' to my students. How can I help them see light when they feel lost? How can I "be the rainbow in someone's cloud" like Maya Angelou said. I don't think it's a tall task. Listen. Actively listen and believe in their potential. Sometimes all it takes to turn a child's day around is to help them feel seen and heard. Jody Carrington talks regularly about the value of feeling seen. She even wrote a book on it. As I feel myself being sent into another tangent, I digress.

Teachers, educators, anyone working with tiny & adolescent humans (or really anyone who needs to read this), you are more than enough. You are the glimmer they need in their lives. You are the reason someone smiled today, felt loved today, calmed down today, learned today. Keep going, believe that you are in the right place at the right time. Remember you are more than enough!