As the first day my two babies are in daycare together arrives, I sit here trying to write to-do lists in an attempt to start 2018 organised so that I can attempt to manage life with a 7month old baby, 2.5year old, husband and beginning a full-time job in a new role. The distraction lasts for a few minutes before I remember Ned’s big blue eyes and I wonder what he thinks of the big new world he is exploring today. I am sure he will feel excited, nervous and at times scared of all the new and unfamiliar things but I hope that the love around him helps him to get through it.
What challenges will I face? How will I find my happy place? How will I keep the balance? How will I know the way back when it all becomes overwhelming? All I know is that I am entering a beautiful place with inspiring people and will have my amazing family beside me the whole time. Being a working mum is challenging at any stage, and as I spend the next few days transitioning my baby into his new environment, I will need to begin transitioning my brain back into multi-function mode.
Already the ideas, thoughts, pedagogies, philosophies, resources and strategies have begun to filter back into my thoughts. Every time a spark ignites I get excited and feel grateful for such an excellent opportunity. Supporting teachers is such an important and humbling role. Will I be enough? Will I know enough? Will they feel supported enough? Will I listen enough? Will I enable enough change to grow but not to leave everyone stressed and overwhelmed? The only thing I know is that I will try! I will try to listen actively, support proactively, encourage everyone, guide individual journeys, inspire through action, challenge authentically and grow myself. It is said that “Life is only as good as your mindset” and my mindset is ready for the adventures that this year will bring.
I am not ready YET for the challenges that will come my way, but I will grow throughout the year to meet and overcome them!