::
There is the sound of laughter down the corridors of the Drama Block once more...
I find I walk once more with a bounce in my step, a smile on my face...
greeting people on corridors is no longer painful...
people think I have changed...
and I have....
::
A very dear friend and colleague died at the end of the Summer term...and the loss had a huge impact on me...I realised my creativity and joy were being crushed by the weight of my job and its responsibilities...
...if I didn't do something soon... I would lose everything ....
So this summer, in my German Castle, I made the very difficult and very painful decision to relinquish my responsibilities as Head of Drama, after ten years...
.I cant tell you how afraid I felt...what thoughts tormented me...the financial loss, the lack of control and power....The ten years I had spent building the Department up, the twenty years I had spent at this school ......but once the decision had been made ... the feeling was of amazing relief and immense joy....
The space in my head which had constantly been filled with work was empty and into it came flooding back all the reasons why I became a teacher...all the happiness and fulfilment that my job had given me......
During this first week back I have been elated, every lesson has been a joy...and I feel transformed...I feel I am home...
Sometimes the hardest decisions are hard because they are worth making and sometimes...whatever our faiths or beliefs...there is a negativity that doesn't want this for us... so it fills our heads and hearts with fear....
::
You may be wondering what I plan to do with this space in my head....
well I plan...
to become...
a ...
lay preacher...
for the first time in years I have passion and purpose in my life and it feels wonderful....
I think this poem sums up how I feel we should live our lives....
and as for me...
Well its my time to dance....
::
dance
as though no one is watching you
love
as though you have never been hurt before
sing
as though no one can hear you
live
as though heaven is on earth
::
17 comments:
Helen, can't tell you how happy I am to hear you are happy again... what an exciting time... love every minute :-) x
Hey Helen, tough decision to make but obviously the right one for you.
So glad you have that spring back in your step back.
Wishing you all the best for your future plans.
Just wondering how you get from Head of Drama to lay preacher, interesting journey there.
Have a great weekend.
Helen I'm so happy to be the first person to comment on this post and I'm so happy for you.
x
and I for one can tell you that you have made the right decision!
You looked amazing at work last week.
xx
Helen,
What a beautiful post, touchingly real for me to read. I wish you great joy & peace for the future, as you start your new journey.
Yes, its a time to dance!
Love Lydia xx
I'm so glad you were able to make such a difficult life changing decision. It sounds as if your spirit knew it was the right thing to do, one is never wrong when you listen to your inner voice.
Helen, I often visit your blog but I have just been a 'lurker' up till now! Your post really struck a chord with me, as I too, am facing some life-changing times in my career. It's wonderful that you've come through all your difficult decisions to find that you are once again enjoying the job you love, and that you have found something new which inspires and delights you. Thanks for your inspiring words :-)
Wow, a great post. Wishing you all the joy and happiness with your new found enthusiasm for your job and your new direction as a lay preacher, what an exciting new chapter, take care x
That is wonderful news!
I work as a teaching assistant and I too feel so happy to help the children in a subject I'm passionate about.
Your pupils are very lucky to have a teacher like you.
Dear Helen, through my own fault, I have missed your postings and had no idea of your unhappiness, or your bravery in making such a huge decision. I wish you well in your lay=preaching role and send love to your family as well. I have been thinking of you throughout the summer and feel I have my own decisions to make; you have inspired me to do so and thanks for the prompt. Ann.
Congratulations, I´m so happy for you!!!!
Have a great week/Love
Becky
It sounds as though you've made the right decision. Happy for you Helen.
Wow!! Monumental decisions indeed. Well done you for taking the bull by the horns and being brave enough to try. I am so pleased for you - you are an inspiration. xx
How is it going ? are you giving up teaching as well Helen or the position of head of Drama...what a step my friend you are brave beyond belief but I know only good things will come of this
Write soon
Hugs Lynn
must meet before xmas xx
Helen, it is with great happiness and relief that I read your post. Wishing you every success and happiness in your new life's path. x
the very best of luck with your new direction. My daughters partner has just taken a post as head of department in a big London school, he is feeling the strain 2 weeks in!
I NEEDED to read that poem this morning! ;) xo
Post a Comment