I’m an observer by nature.
Especially when things feel loud and chaotic, I’m prone to retreat a bit to watch and listen and process before jumping in with a plan. After about 10 days of feeling like the path forward was constantly changing and becoming more and more difficult to see clearly, I sent out a newsletter email last week with my thoughts about starting that path forward.
I’ve heard from several educators, that these are the reasons why they keep going too, even though the only thing that seems clear about the path forward is that it will demand we leave our comfort zone.
As others have asked to share it, I thought I’d post it here as well:
3/20/20
What a wild week.
I live in the state of Washington, and over the past seven days, almost everything has (understandably) shut down.
In spite of the stress and anxiety, I have to admit that the slower pace and increase in family and nature time has been a welcomed change for my family.
That’s not to say there hasn’t been some (*some may be an understatement*) stress and anxiety around here, and likely where you are too.
I’ve wondered about whether or not I should even be creating content right now, and I’ve come to a few realizations.
1. The first realization is selfish. I need to write to stay sane.
I’m prone to worry and prone to research, and prone to worry about the research. And right now, I could use something else to research beyond what’s dominating the headlines.
I’m not writing to pretend that big things aren’t happening, but I need to write to remind myself that they aren’t the only things happening. Children are still learning and growing and they still need well-informed, compassionate adults as much as they ever did before.
2. Forward planning always requires and reciprocates with HOPE.
As we keep moving forward, planning and working for our children and the future, we are naturally infused with optimism. And couldn’t we all use a little more of that?
3. When this is over and children return to classrooms and programs, they will need a lot from us. Families will need a lot from us. The profession will need a lot from us.
We need to be ready. Why not use this time to continue to grow and learn and prepare so that we can come back stronger and better and ready for the new challenges before us?
So that’s why I’m going to keep writing and working and sharing that with you, starting with a new article about early learning next week.
All that said, if right now is just not the best time for you to read or listen, no worries and no pressure. The content will all be there on the Not Just Cute website when you’re ready for it.
In the meantime, take care of yourselves!
Virtual Hugs,
Amanda
PS- If there’s any way you can think of that I can help you right now, please hit reply and let me know.
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