Fresh Start

 When you think about a fresh start, you might think about a new year, a new week, or a new month. You might even think about a new  job, new place to live, or a new set of classes for the school or college term. The word "fresh" itself means not previously known or used and something new and different.  All of the things mentioned above are definitely fresh starts 😊! When referring to a person feeling fresh, it means being full of energy and vigor. One feels energetic, rested, and refreshed. Fresh starts can begin anytime and anywhere. At any moment of the day, we can choose to make a different choice that will help us move forward and be better 💚. Almost a month ago (time is flying by!), I started a new school year in teaching a new group of students. When every new school begins, I view it as a fresh start. Today, I want to take a moment and share with you some ways I am learning to embrace a fresh start. 

1. Change the arrangement of my physical space. In my classroom, I have changed the arrangement of my student desks and furniture. I have the desks grouped together in small groups and moved the furniture to different places in my room. I moved large tables around to be more functional for me and my students. I have to admit in all the three years that I have been in this particular classroom, it is my favorite arrangement yet 😊💚💙!!! It looks a lot different, but I like it because I needed a fresh start 😉. I also want students and staff that walk in to feel like they are welcomed and can have a fresh start. At home, I'm continuing to work on cleaning out spaces and arranging areas differently. Recently, I've arranged the laundry room cart and living room spaces and it has made a huge difference in finding things. A new look is perfectly okay and should be welcomed at anytime 💚.

2. Use new strategies and routines. For a classroom routine, I have started a new routine that involves incorporating a new grammar skill each week. At the beginning of the week, the skill is introduced. Then, throughout the week, there is a task to do either whole group, small group, or individualized. At the end of the week, there's a short quiz. We just finished our first week of the routine and I like it a lot 💚! It's new to me as I'm learning the routine right along with the kids, but I already like what I see. I'm glad another teacher at our school introduced me to the routine. Last year, I struggled with being consistent in incorporating grammar into daily classes. Now, I have a fresh start this year in using an easy, fun and consistent way to incorporate grammar into every single class 😊.  As a grade level, we have implemented a new behavior reward system that involves candy when good behavior is displayed in the class and hallways. It's working! For me, when I come home from work and weather permits, I sit outside in my chair for a few minutes. The fresh air and reading time does wonders and helps me to reset!

3. Be open to new ideas and connections. I had to be open to the new grammar routine I mentioned earlier. There's also a new writing routine the same teacher introduced me to that I will be using soon. I started using more a popular teacher site called Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). It has become my bestie for resources 😉! There are many great resources that are free or are a low price on the site😁. I'm also taking advantage of free resources available on other websites as I have found 2 other sites that have been great. Since I want to see new and better results this year, I have to do something different I didn't do last year. I also have been able to connect to one of the coordinators of a local community organization and she's willing to come in the classroom and do lessons with the students from time to time. A fresh start involves being open-minded, so that's what I'm doing my best to do at work and life in general. 

4. Do the best I can. Every day brings something different. As you probably know, some days get so much busier than others! There are many times at the end of my work day that I have felt like I didn't get enough done. I feel like I'm constantly playing catch up (anyone else relate?!). However, I also have to ask myself this question: "Did I do the best I could?" If the answer is yes, then that's good. If the answer is no, that's okay too. I know what I can do better next time and look at how I need to use more time. Regardless of my answer each day, I still need to be kind to myself 💜. Don't forget to be kind to you also 💜. Some days your best will look different, and that's okay! Some days, we will get more done than others. I'm learning all of this is okay, too. What matters is that we keep doing the best we can.

5. Stay connected to my healthy community. Notice I said the word "healthy." Not every community is healthy. We can't have a close relationship with everyone. Once you know your people, stick with them. I'm thankful for my people 💚! I'm ever grateful for them and don't take them for granted. God has given me an amazing village who especially has helped me through the tough seasons I've experienced 🙏. They remind me to take the breaks, keep having new adventures, travel and have new experiences. They remind me to keep being me and don't compromise my standards for anyone. They point out the growth they see in me. They continue to support and encourage me through everything 💚. Now, that's what I call healthy!

6. Keep taking care of me. My physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health all need to be taken care of 🙏. I have to get my outdoors time, exercise, spend time with God, take breaks, eat right foods, get enough sleep, listen to my praise and worship music, and rest 😊. I have to make space for things I enjoy and do them 💜. I'm constantly working on a healthy balance. I have to feed my soul and spirit in a healthy way. If it's not adding value to my life, it's a no. If it does add value, I need to include it in my life and use wisdom in how to include it. 

Most importantly, I'm learning in this season that every moment can be a fresh start. I don't have to wait until the beginning of a new day or a new week to start fresh. I can start fresh right where I am. I can hold on to the lessons. I can make the most of the opportunities placed in front of me and do my best 💜. You can start fresh right where you are too! Here's to fresh starts 😊!! May God bless you all!!