If you are a teacher in B.C. right now, you can’t think. Coherence is next to impossible. Logic? Out the window. Just breathing and moving at the same time? Quite remarkable. As I type, both parties involved in the BC Education dispute are holed up with experienced (thank goodness times a thousand) mediator Vince Ready trying to get a negotiated settlement. Which would mean we might actually make it back to school in the month of September. After months of striking, it is more than time. I am not so good at sitting by while huge discussions are happening that impact my life, my children’s lives and the lives of each my students and their families. But sit by, I must.
And the best I can do, is make a list. List making is like one foot in front of the next. One, two, three, four . . . So here we go . . . While everything hangs in the balance and I can barely breathe, I am going to make a list that allows me to slow down and celebrate. Inhale, exhale, here we go.
Right now, I celebrate how very much I love my job. How being a teacher brings me joy. How lucky I am to be part of a classroom community. Let me be back here soon!
I celebrate . . .
Energy
Balance
Pride
Mentorship
Expression
Focus
Engagement
Current obsessions
Play
Embracing our Inner Goofy
All of it? The magic I desperately miss.
Do your thing Mr. Ready.
Thank you to Ruth Ayres, for the inspiration and her Celebration Link up that she hosts each week. I treasure this #celebratelu community. Despite our busy days, time is always found to share what we celebrate. It’s like passing a virtual gratitude stone!
There's a Book for That 
It is so easy to see the joy in your photos!
You are incredible.
You have been in my thoughts often.
Praying.
Loralee, thank you. Your support and concern means a lot to me.
It has taken so much patience from all the teachers to wait. It seems unbelievable that it has taken so long to find a solution and it’s still not here. I like how you find strength through thinking of all the things that bring joy at school. Wishing for your school to start soon.
Unbelievable, I agree. For months, my first thought on waking is “Is this really real?” Unfortunately, it is. Still.
Those are beautiful things to celebrate! Praying that the mediation works out quickly so that you can get back to all that joy!
Thanks Meghan. Too scary to be hopeful but I do so miss it.
I pray for a resolution and for a return to the joy that you have at school.
Much appreciated. So many rooting for a resolution but . . .
No time to write a post, but a little time to comment. Sending crossed fingers for a settlement fast, Carrie. Your words and pics say all that you need to say!
Linda, thank you. I think so too. Certain photos capture everything.
I love looking at the pictures and seeing the involvement, joy, and creativity you foster in your room! It’s a shame not all can feel that. Hoping to hear screams of joy from your neck of the woods soon!
Oh me too! But apparently talks yesterday didn’t go well. Don’t know how much longer we can all hang in.
Hoping that things will be resolved soon! I love the pics. I’m choosing three to inspire my retirement journey: balance, expressing my inner goofy, and expression. Thanks for a wonderful new phrase for our Saturday celebrations, passing our virtual gratitude stone.
Ramona, so glad some of these words/pictures spoke to you. Wish I could muster the energy right now for some goofy. Still just working on the breathing thing.
What beautiful pictures that show what a celebration learning is in your classroom. I pray that you can return to it very soon!
Thanks Beth. I can’t wait to get back with my students to begin learning together.
If those negotiating could see your pictures and read your words they would know what they needed to do.
Yes! I only wish!
All of those images speak to what matters. You are so smart and strong to hold on it up and hold on tight. Hoping for the end of this troubling time for you and your students.
Julieanne, thank you. Hard to be strong or feel smart right now – I so miss working with these fantastic children.
Hope you are back where you long to be real soon; until then, breathe.
About all we can do 😦 Thank you for the support.
Glad to read some good news about the negotiations. Hope there will be some actual results! Loved seeing the photos of your classroom. Such joy and love of learning in those faces!
I know – looking through these photos was tough. How I adore these kids! Unfortunately mediation didn’t go well yesterday so today is crucial if mediator to remain involved.
What a great way to express your celebration – through pictures and the joy of learning and teaching. I can’t even imagine what all of your are going through. Hope a solution comes soon and you get back to what you love!
Thanks Leigh Anne – latest news isn’t good.
Oh, my dear friend – I am feeling extremely discouraged today at the thought that I will not be welcoming eager faces on Tuesday morning. I fear that this will be longer than we could have anticipated and my heart is aching.
Love to you. It is very hard. Hard to have words too.
😦 My heart goes out to you, and to all the students that are missing out on time they deserve to be spending with you. I just don’t even know what to say.
Thank you Nicole. I’m not sure what to say either. I wake up every day hoping it isn’t real. But after months, I know it is.
I wish all your dedication and passion for your profession is stronger than whatever it is holding things up!
Thanks Earl.
I am so sorry that this dispute is taking so long. I can’t imagine the stress of it, but you seem to have the right idea. Breathe and celebrate what you can celebrate. You are in my thoughts!
Means a lot Crystal. There really is no end in sight. I have to very consciously take those breaths.
Hi Carrie, I am sorry that your school year ended this way and has yet to begin because of it. I LOVE how you captured the things you are celebrating. I hope you and your students are reunited soon.
Many thanks Jennifer. Things have NEVER been this bad in BC Ed I am very worried.