10 minutes...

This graph represents the story of my life. Although it claims these are the phases of a first-year teacher's attitude toward teaching, this pattern is seen in the lives of teachers young and old... tenured and non-tenured :)

Now, take this pattern and add the extra stress of everyday life.

After that, insert major life events.

Right now, I'm supposed to be transitioning from survival to disillusionment. However, I think I hit disillusionment early this year due to the extra stress of "major life events".

So now... I am going to focus on rejuvenation and reflection.

My goal this year was to take some time out for myself. Since my boyfriend moved away for a second masters, I thought I would have more time to do things that I love. I wanted to take some extra time out for me. It has been quite a challenge to find time to work out, read, hang out with friends, and just relax. I really don't know where my "extra" time has gone.

In hopes to surge into the next "phase" of this cycle, I made a deal with a friend that I would spend a mere 10 minutes every day doing something for myself.

Posting this blog is my first order of business. Hopefully, it will remind me to spend some time doing something that will help refresh and refocus my priorities.