For many years now, I have had a yearly theme. I began this when I was in church work, focusing on the things that happened in the previous year and seeking to be/do better. Not sure if it has helped all that much, but now as a school teacher, I see things in myself that I need to adjust. I am always seeking to do and be better, so with that in mind, I have prepared my theme for 2020.
As an educator in my 2nd year in public school, I have had a lot of hoops. I jumped through a bunch to get my teacher's license. I am continuing to add endorsements, get more education, develop as a professional, improve and grow as a teacher. Some of it really helps me as a teacher, and some things are just hoops I have to jump through. As in any industry that is regulated and funded by government money, there are just things you have to do. This can cause someone to lose joy and passion and move into autopilot. It becomes just a routine of going through the motions. I can't tell you the number of educators I have met over the last 20 years who have moved into this mode. It happens. Teaching is a hard job that takes its toll. This is why there is a teacher shortage in this country. It's rough, and it can burn out the best teachers. I have had times when I have just gone into autopilot. This fall was tough, and personally, it was a tough beginning of the year, personally more than professionally. It was hard and looking at 2019 as a whole, I have shaped my theme for 2020.
My 2020 Theme "Operate from the Passion". I love teaching. I loved teaching in the church, in the community, in group homes, in vocational training, and I love teaching in school. I love teaching students, I love talking and having a discussion about complex issues. I lost a little in the fall of 2019. I didn't love teaching, I just taught. I did what I was supposed to do, I looked for things I needed to improve, I focused on managing my sometimes difficult classroom. I stopped enjoying what I was doing as I was so focused on doing it. As a result, I wasn't as good of a teacher as I should have been.
I found this was true at home. I wasn't as good of a father or husband as I should have been, because I did it, but I didn't love doing it as much as I should. I still love being a husband and father more than anything, but I lost my passion. I lost passion for lots of things in life, and I just did what I was supposed to do and just existed and survived most of the time. In 2020, it's time to reconnect that passion. I need a new passion for life, for living and doing what I love to do. In 2020, I want to renew my passion and have passion and zeal for my activities. It won't always be easy, sometimes it's just easier to survive. I'll get tired and worn out and frustrated. It happens, but I can't let it steal my passion. I hope you too have a new passion in 2020 and you can do all that you do with zeal and joy.
