When the Job Beats You

 Okay, I admit it. We're doing a terrible job keeping up with this blog! I (Crystal) take a lot of the blame for that, since I recently started back in the classroom again. The last couple months have been busy, busy with classroom preparation, trainings and meetings, and lesson plans.
I have to say, I wasn't excited about this new year, not like I usually am. Last year was a rough one for me, for several reasons that I won't bore you with. I was tense and stressed the whole year, sometimes waking up with a nervous stomach. To be honest, I let myself get beaten by that school year. And as this school year drew ever closer, I found myself getting anxious. 
I spent a lot of time thinking about what went wrong last year, and what I needed to do differently this year. I realized that I made a lot of mistakes, let the schedules and the challenges and even the student get the best of me at times. I couldn't let that happen again, or I would be ineffective as a teacher. I may as well find a different job.
Have you ever done that? Look back and reflect on a situation and see how you could've done it differently? I think we all do at some point in our lives.
Teaching brings one (among many others!) advantage. It's one of the few jobs that I know if that allows "New Year's Resolutions" twice a year. We have our normal goals and ambitions on January 1, but teachers also get a chance to start fresh and new every fall with the new school year.
One of my goals this year was to be more organized and manage my time better. If you know me at all, you know those aren't my strong points. (If you have any suggestions for me, I'd be happy to hear them!)
I'm happy to say that I'm several weeks into the year, and I'm not anxious anymore. I've got a fun bunch of kids, all with their own unique personalities, strengths, and yes, challenges. I'm not dreading every Monday. I'm still working on staying organized, but it's a productive work in progress.
I'm actually looking forward to watching this year play out. And that, alone, is a big improvement from last year.
I know I'm not the only one who has dealt with work-related stress. But things do get better. Especially when we take a step back, pray about our situation, set new goals, and see what we can change to make it better. Maybe it's a strained relationship with a co-worker. Maybe it's a job you hate. Maybe the challenges are about to pull you under. 
Don't let it beat you. You're not alone! God is always near, and He will help you through whatever challenge you face. He did for me last year.
God bless you in whatever line of work you're in! Remember He's always with you and you are safe...
                                                                     In His Grip!
​                                                                     Crystal