In the life of this teacher, there are few mornings that compare to the moment the trill of my ringtone blasts through the silence of my five AM house to alert me to the impending, yet unexpected, snow day. When I was a child those days were blessings from above, a chance to spend extended time in my jammies and play with neighborhood friends in the snow. Later, they continued to bless my life, giving me an extra day to study for that test I just “knew” I was going to fail, or brush up on my Super Mario Brothers skills.
Today, these unexpected blessings continue to be the bright spots in an otherwise dreary, grey, Ohio winter. This morning, when the call came in, I was four chapters into the revision of my newest manuscript. Instead of having to call it quits for the day, I was given the opportunity to continue my work, stay in my jammies, drink another cup of coffee that didn’t need to be transported in a travel mug, and make cinnamon rolls for my daughter.
Now, as it approaches the time I’d be returning from school, I have nothing but gratitude for these days and this career that provides them. Teaching is hard – emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting. These days help me not only accomplish more toward my career as an author, but to downshift from the daily rigor. To remember who I am and why I do what I do. And, no, I’m not talking about the summers “off” and snow days. I’m talking about inspiring my students to be the best humans they can possibly be. To strive for more than the status quo, and to know deep in their souls, that anything is possible.
I hope if you were able to enjoy a snow day today, that you took a moment to recharge, revitalize, and reinvigorate what lights your soul on fire. For me, it was writing, meditation, yoga, a music-filled afternoon shower, and time spent with Jillian. Up next is creating a vision board. If you’re rolling your eyes right now, just remember, we have unlimited potential, my friends. Create. Inspire. Delight in what sets your soul ablaze. You have no one to answer to but yourself. And don’t forget to take a moment to bask in the magic that is a snow day (even though this is Ohio, and it’s already raining…again…).
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson