Take a Moment

I have written and deleted and sat here thinking about the right words to use. I want to write something that will inspire and encourage, but I want to say it just right. I want to share my heart and be a little vulnerable, but I’m not sure what sort of reaction I will get. Well, here goes nothing…

Most of you know that aside from being a photographer, I am a full-time teacher. This is my fifth year teaching, yet as the beginning of the school year rolls around I am just as anxious and nervous as my first year. This year I am teaching 2nd grade (which is my absolute favorite grade ever!) But I am teaching the advanced and gifted 2nd graders. Now, most people probably think “oh it’s all the same” or “it’s even easier”, but for me it’s the unknown and definitely a challenge! School started four days ago and thankfully I have an amazing group. I already love these kids and I’m absolutely loving their personalities and spunk. They are so awesome!

Right now I am loving it, but at the beginning of last week and most of this week, I was feeling very overwhelmed. Thinking of everything that could go wrong, wondering how the students and parents would react to me, and trying to conquer my never-ending to do list. This got me thinking, how many times are we overwhelmed in our lives? How many times do we look at our to-do lists and think “where do I even start?” How many times are we presented with something new and unknown and aren’t exactly sure how to handle it? Well I’m here to tell you that I have been there and am actually going through these feeling right now! So guess what, you’re not alone and if I can get through it so can you!!!

The best thing to do when you are feeling overwhelmed is to take a moment and think. Think about all the positive things going on in your life. Think about all the blessings God has given you and the wonderful things in store for the future. I was talking to a friend of mine today, and she told me something that I believe is true to my very core. She said that we should always appreciate the little things in life because at the end of the day, those are actually the big things. So when you start hyperventilating and having a panic attack as you are thinking about all the things you need to do, take a moment and focus on the important things in life.

Another thing I like to do is disconnect. I like to take a walk, watch TV for a little bit, read a blog, anything I can do to get my mind off the current situation. It is so important to take a breather and get away from whatever is overwhelming you. But my absolute favorite thing to do, and the most effective, is prayer. God gives me the peace I need to feel less worried and overwhelmed. This is my most powerful and wonderful tool and the best and most important thing I do! Not matter what you decide to do to help relieve the stress, always remember that you can do it, you aren’t alone and you will get through it!

Happy Thursday friends!