“I’m Not in the Mood”

Monday morning, you are on your way to work, and suddenly it hits you: “I’m really not in the mood today…” Leading to all kinds of thoughts, like “I wish I could have just one extra day to relax. I wonder, who appreciates my hard work?” And then of course the guilt sets in, “Am I dedicated enough? If I am a dedicated educator, how can I have such thoughts?”

Before you have time to think any further, your dear students, full of life and energy, bring you back to reality, as you find yourself greeting them into your classroom for another day.

It’s not pleasant to admit, but of course I’ve had such days, and interestingly many teachers shared this question with me in conversation “What if I wake up one morning and I’m just not up to it today?”
There are two things that came to my mind on one such day that helped me enter my classroom energized.

Firstly, and most importantly “it’s ok!!” I can give myself the gift, not to be too hard on myself and accept that not every day will I be overjoyed to go to work. That validation and acknowledgment already calmed the feeling, and by the time class began the feeling was long forgotten and we were B”H engaged in a deep learning discussion.

Another thought, “what can I do to make the day slightly more exciting, not only for the students, but also for myself.”
Sometimes all it takes is one small change in the routine, and everyone feels the energy.

Suddenly it dawned on me, perhaps I have a student who has these exact thoughts one day, on his way to school, and in the same order, “I’m really not in the mood, I wish I could have an extra day off, I wonder who appreciates my hard work? Am I good enough?”. What happens if my student enters the classroom with these questions unanswered.

Can I help him answer these questions?

Join us to explore 5 ways to energize ourselves and our students, as we approach half point in the school year. Let’s learn how to avoid the mid-year dip.
For more information and to register: Artofchinuch.com/webinars

Mechanchim
Monday, 15 Shvat 5783, 8:15pm

Mechanchos
Monday, 6 Adar 5783, 8:15pm

Can’t wait to see you there!

Rabbi Levi Feldman