Change

Lately, when I wake up in the morning, I'm noticing the sun is starting to rise a little earlier.  I'm also noticing the snow starting to melt, and the bare trees are left behind, just begging the sun to shine a bit more.  I'm hoping that we have finally said goodbye to the snow, and hello to the sun.  One can only hope.  As we anticipate the change from winter to spring, it brings so much to mind besides the seasons changing. 

This time of year brings the anticipation for change.  We're heading into the last leg of the school year, students and teachers (and parents!) think about the year coming to a close, and the anticipation of a new school year, with new requirements.  We're already starting to think about creating the new classes to be passed on.  To be quite honest, it's one of my least favorite parts of being a teacher.  At this time, we're really bonding as a class.  I know my students better than the back of my hand, and they know me just the same.  We're like a giant family, and we depend on one another.  I'm not quite ready to be thinking about passing my kiddos along.

I also can't help but think back to life over the past few years.  The dust in my life has finally settled, and I'm actually able to take in every moment for what it is, and absolutely savor it and enjoy it.  I don't think you realize how sucked into a stressful situation you can get, until it's all over, and the last "boxes" are taped shut.  Looking back, I can't help but to be so thankful for taking the "New You" exit for this life, rather than sticking with the "Old You" exit.  Change, has been by far, the best thing that could have happened to me.  I am able to enjoy each and every day, moment and feeling because I'm present in it.  I love spending time with people who are special to me, and who make life that much better.  I appreciate so much more.  Birds singing.  A simple hug.  A good meal.  An incredible workout.  A quick phone call.  The simple things in life are incredible.

I have to admit, I love myself much, much more now, than I ever have before.  Change was good for me. That makes me stop, and ask you...looking back, can you say that change was a positive thing in your life, even though when you were going through it, you thought it would never end?  Life always has curveballs that get thrown our way, but we have no choice but to embrace change and accept it...because who knows, what's right around the corner may be better than where you feet are currently planted!