On the day of this photo taken last week on an epic 2.5 hour paddle, everything was perfect for my outing on the water:
temperature: mid 70s
wind: 4mph
skies: clear
time: endless
snacks and water: packed
mind: ready to go!
Yesterday, I was a living, breathing example of Murphy's Law:
wind: 9-11 mph
waves: 1-2 feet
seaweed: copious
time: limited
patience: nil
routine: not followed
I was off my game. The whole process of getting on the board took WAY longer than it usually does, and it seemed like I was operating in a stupor. It was not pleasurable in the least. But still I went. I logged a whole 15 minutes on the water.
So what does this have to do with anything - teaching, even?
We are all going to have some days when the wind doesn't cooperate and the seaweed is just. too. much.
Let it go.
If you're mid-activity and it's not going the way you want it to, wrap it up or simply stop.
If you're in the middle of reading a book with your students and they're not engaged: stop.
Stop the reading or even stop the book. No one says you can't go back to the book or even have to continue.
If you're having a rough time with some particular students, stop. Bring the stress level down by asking questions: either ask silly questions like, "what's your favorite sports team?" or something more pointed like, "how can I help you? (with whatever the issue is - remember that MOST of the time it has NOTHING to do with you!)
If you're stressing about the minutiae that has become part of your job, stop. Make a list and do the necessary first.
We all have 100% rate of survival of the past.
Don't fight the ick of the seaweed. Any of it. It will pass.
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