Monday, November 26, 2012

Ch, ch, ch, CHANGES

     Every week, Ruth and Stacey host Slice of Life Tuesday on their Two Writing Teachers blog.  Come check out everyone's slices!


Stacey Shubitz wrote a blog post Sunday that touched me about keeping busy, or not, and planning with more attention to needs, and with a further link to another blogger that expanded the reasoning of handling all that one puts on to-do lists.

Stacey began with looking at lists with the following headings:

Needs
Wants
Shoulds
Musts
Coulds
Mights

             She further asks why not look at the mights, wants and coulds first, instead of the musts and shoulds. 
             And then asks if we might look at needs differently, look at them first! 
             As some of you might have read, I am moving, in a couple of weeks!  I am fortunate that I do not have to vacate my house all at once.  I’ve already closed on my new home, and am moving some things a little at a time.  It is very close to my work, so every day for a couple of weeks I’ve moved some things in, to help with the big move later.  I do have movers hired, but am trying to move many things first, both to make it easier on the “un-packing” and on the “expense”. 


            And so, to keep myself a little sane because I’m moving in mid-December, have not even made a Christmas list yet, and when I received my first Christmas card a few days ago, my stomach clenched.  Oops, I say to myself, you’re not supposed to do that, remember?  You’re supposed to relax as much as possible.
old
           After reading Stacey’s post, I have realized that I am giving myself some of the needs she referred to.  Even during the many trips, even when carrying still another box, even when I carefully, but firmly, throw away one more piece of memorabilia, I am also buying a drink from a coffee shop whenever I pass by.  And I am taking the time to look out at the park outside my old home, to gaze and notice the tiniest of things so I will remember.  Also, I first moved an old blue chair that I bought a long while ago because I loved the faded blue paint.  It sits in what I’m calling the sunroom, facing south, off the kitchen, it could be a breakfast room, but I think it’s going to be my office.  And what I need, and what I’ve done, is to sit and watch out those windows, the new ones, at my ‘new’ beautiful old trees, the ‘new’ park/green space outside my lawn, and imagine.  I imagine how things will be, who will be here, who will play and walk with me, and how I will create the garden as my own in the spring.  I need those minutes. 
           Thanks for the post Stacey.  Thanks to your friend Barb for her ideas, too.  It is good to hear of others who are mindful of their time, finding ways to make life worth living.   
new
           My connection further with all this thinking is how can we have some of these conversations with students?  We have students who have moved into our school from far away, or just who have moved from the previous grade.  This is change to them that they have to accommodate, just as we do, and often, while we make great beginnings to the school year, it is difficult for students to learn while they struggle with the newness. And they face challenges with new (and more) work.   Can we talk with them about making good priorities, finding ways where they also are able to figure out what they need?  I know that I’ve not always considered this as much as I’ve been thinking about it lately.  Stacey’s post has started my thinking about parts of my teaching down good new paths, and for those teachers with whom I work too. 


                                                                 Thanks, Stacey!

31 comments:

  1. Your post strikes to the heart of the balancing act we ALL (teachers and students too) try hard to do. I too found Stacy's post (and it's timing) inspiring and know it is hard, but important, to do. Taking moments to do something for YOU each day seems to reduce the stressors just enough to get YOU through the day!

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    1. Thanks, Maria. Just a few minutes really does us good, doesn't it?

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  2. Sounds like you are doing the move perfectly. I love that you moved your chair and now can sit in it and ponder what you want this new chapter in your life to look like. Again, please let me know if I could help move a box or two…

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    1. Thank you again for the offer Carol. I hope we'll be able to meet soon!

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  3. I can picture you,Linda, on your blue chair, enjoying your view...and feel that you, of all people, will find a way to balance those needs and must-do's.

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    1. Thanks Tara-lots of 'must-do's' around, but I can also wait on some, so I'm lucky in that way.

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  4. I, too, enjoyed Stacey's post. I think it brought to mind all that we need to consider during this holiday season. I am happy for you in your new adventure. I moved one year around Christmas and didn't have a tree until the week before Christmas and guess what? It was OK. Christmas came anyway. Best wishes to you.

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    1. Oh Margaret, thank you for telling me that you survived a move at this time. it feels quite crazy!

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  5. Yes! Some of our "wants" - like a little breathing room - are absolutely "needs". We need to stop and give ourselves a chance to relax.

    Oh, and a small confession - I almost never do Christmas cards. My family and friends see so many pictures on FB of my sons - why should I dedicate hours to making, signing, and mailing those things? Shh.... don't rat me out.

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    1. I may not do the cards this year-you're right-all those I would send to, except a very few, I can send via e-mail, or Facebook. Whew-I won't tell, but this is certainly the year to ignore! Thanks Maria!

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  6. I loved Stacey's post. I think that many teachers and moms could identify with it. I'm always rushing to the next thing. Need to stop and prioritize, put some of my own needs first.

    I love that you are taking the move slowly, reflecting, and that you moved the chair. So wonderful.

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    1. Stopping once in a while is definitely a good thing. We've all heard the very old quote to 'stop and smell the roses', so why don't we? Thanks Katherine!

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  7. Stacey's post has done exactly what she intended, take a breath and ponder what's important for your soul. You are doing this move the right way, little at a time. I hope you have good weather for the big move, moving in snow is no fun.

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    1. Our weather is good so far, so I have my fingers crossed, Elsie. I guess it'll happen no matter what. Thanks for the good words!

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  8. You are such a wise woman, Linda. I find myself thinking about Stacey's post also and redefining wants and needs, etc, especially now with rehearsals starting for speech.

    I love how you are taking this move...slowly and with thought. It reminds me of my favorite John Green quote in The Fault in Our Stars. Although Hazel is talking about falling in love with Gus, I think it fits for your move too. 'I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.'

    Here's to falling in love with your new home! Good luck with the move

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    1. Thanks for the quote, Deb. Maybe I should re-read that book-so wonderful! Stacey's post was certainly in the right time for me!

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  9. I know that moving is stressful and hectic, but form your writing I can feel how you have been able to slow down, even if just for few minutes. You stretch out the minutes so beautifully. In the midst of the needs, wants, and musts post you used the word "imagine" and it was like a bright spot. In the end you do what you are master at, asking us to take an idea further. Thank you.

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    1. Thanks Terje. It always seems that I am a teacher in all things. The worst of it is that in a crowd, I find myself saying 'sh-h', or at least wanting to. Funny how that works. Your words of 'stretching out the minutes' gives me an idea for further thinking.

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  10. Good for you, moving slowly and taking time to make this a part of your life, not just a hectic "gotta get it done" time. I have not sent cards for years now. One year it just seemed too much to handle, so I stopped. What a wonderful relief it was. I don't get any cards now either....but hey, I've relieved some other people's pressure then, too! Looking forward to the new views, the new adventures, the new sounds...more to write about, more to love, more to experience! Wish I could help pack a box and move it for you!

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    1. Great to hear from you, & loved hearing about your writing too, Donna. Yes, I think the cards might have to go. Anyone receiving something will be a change-of-address mailing. I'll send a few to close 'older' relations.

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  11. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and was glad that your post prompted me to see the other two posts (I had missed Stacey's and the other blog is not one that I would have naturally stumbled upon without someone recommending it). It made me happy to read about the things that you are doing to treat yourself in the midst of moving. Here's to more moments like this along the way and a couple of weeks mid-end December to get settled in and enjoy the transition.

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    1. I'm glad you got to read Stacey's post, & thanks for going back to read the other too. Both were good, weren't they? It is such a change for me I know, but I am excited, now just look forward to being done.

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  12. Hi Linda, sorry I've missed your last few posts! I will go back and catch up soon. I feel as though I've missed talking to an important friend.

    Stacey's post really spoke to me too, since I've been having lots of trouble this fall "finding time" for everything!

    I love how you are taking the time to savor the memories of your old house and imagine your future in your new place. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer. I've wondered where you've been. Glad to see you back! The post is so inspiring & helpful, isn't it?

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  13. The heck with the cards, that's what I say. (Poetic, right?) You just need to worry about you this year. Do people send Easter cards? If you want to send cards, perhaps you could send them in the springtime once you're settled into your new home and you have had the time to do the things you need to do.

    Good luck with the move, Linda!

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    1. Yes, I do think people send Easter cards, at least to a few friends & family. Great idea, Stacey! And thanks for the good wishes, and of course, your good words!

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  14. I always look foirward to reading your slices of life. I too read that article about really observing and focusing on needs and wants in particular. Really makes one think.
    It sounds like you have moving well in hand - it is great that you can do it slowly and unpack in leisure. May your move go as smoothly. Sounds like your new place will really nouish your soul!

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    1. Thank you Beverley. It will be a good one, & actually it's nice to be busy in a different way, do you understand? But also, I will be happy to say goodbye to the clearing out of those things I do not need!

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  15. Those parallel pictures capture so much, Linda. I am so heartened that you are listening to the calming voice in your head, in your heart who tells you to take care of YOU in the midst of this transition. The details in this post, like the blue chair, really make it personal, really ground your reflections. Keep listening to that good voice!

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    1. Thanks Christy, I am convinced that I will keep listening. It's stood me fairly well for a long time! And voices like yours also add some big boosts.

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  16. I loved reading this post and all the care and devotion that is woven into your concerns and musings. I distinctly recall you saying a few months back (was it the beginning of the year) that you aim to provide greater comfort this year? I think you may have just outdone yourself with your keenly-felt kindness and acts of compassion. :)

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