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Gratitude

As Thanksgiving weekend approaches here in Canada, it is natural that gratitude is on most Canadian's minds.  I for one, am no exception.  I have a lot to be grateful for this past year.  One aspect, in particular is my mental wellness and life balance.

One year ago, a spark that was within me began to grow.  One year ago, I was at Toronto at the Google offices taking part in the Google Certified Innovator Academy (


#googleEI).  The entire experience was phenomenal, but what this Academy did for me was made me realize that as much as I loved my day job, there was something else in me that I needed to nourish.

Fast forward about 6 months, and I found myself turning 39.  Heading into the final year of my thirties and doing some major reflecting.  I realized that the hectic pace I was keeping as a teacher was not good for me.  I thought about my school year, and how this year I had likely taken the most sick days I have ever taken.  I questioned if the pace of my work was worth it, as it was beginning to affect my family and family life.  Over the next few months of the school year, I struggled with my heart wanting to stay because of my colleagues whom I adored and respected, my students who invigorated me, and their families who made the school a community.

Well, fast forward a few more months, and I find myself sitting here at my desk the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend and I know that I made a good decision.  Even though my headmaster at my previous job saw me burn through a ton of kleenex as I poured my heart out and resigned, I know now that my life is more balanced, and I feel less hectic and chaotic. 

Mental wellness is something to be cherished - more people than we know struggle with depression and keeping good mental health.  People I know and love face the struggle every day.  It isn't easy.  So, as I sit here and am grateful for things in my life, I am also very aware of what others are dealing with.  My decision to slow life down, change things up and regain a bit of what was missing was one of the toughest decisions of my life, but the impact it has had is immeasurable.  Sometimes taking that risk and jumping in is what we need to do so we can ultimately be grateful for balance and wellness.

#BeWellEDU

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