wild blossom studios

She called on her courage to begin her new journey.

It would not be easy, but she would do it.

She was leaving something behind.

She had to carry on.

It's that time of year when summer is ending, in the northern hemisphere. 

Change is in the air. Transitions.

My youngest son is leaving home for university next week, while a new school year begins, for me.

I'm finding my way in new terrain. Uncharted territory, even though the school territory is familiar. My new life at home is not. Uncharted waters.

His room. His shoes blocking the entrance to the back door. Hearing the fridge opening a hundred times a day. His voice. His movement about the house. 

The sweetness of togetherness. 

I will miss it dearly.

If only I could bottle it up and put it in my purse to keep, forever.

But, I can't. Life doesn't work that way. I must carry on. 

I'll have ugly cries, and the school year will feel like a different kind of start, even if I'm a veteran teacher and should know exactly what I'm doing.

My heart will feel different - a little off kilter, at least for a while. 

I'll have to be gentle with myself, as no one else will know how tender my heart feels. I can't expect them to know. Everyone is going through something hard. We all are.

What I do know is that through this longing, and change, and uncertainty I'll need courage.

Courage, dear heart.  

To all of the teachers and students getting ready to start a new school year, those who’ve already started the school year, and those who’ve been at it for a while, I’m sending you courage in each moment for the full days ahead. The preparation, meetings, set up, learning, re-connecting, and teaching can be all consuming. I’m thinking of you!

Please see the teacher tips below, to remind yourself to slow down for a moment as you move into a new school year.

The change of pace is a shock to the nervous system.

Quick nervous system resets for getting back into the school year:

Take a short break between meetings, or at lunch, to go outside for a moment. Ideally for a few minutes. Notice the air on your face, and feel your feet on the ground. Even if you only have one minute, or 30 seconds, do it.

Take a moment to notice your breath, even for one exhale and inhale, as you’re prepping your classroom or whatever you’re doing. Ideally, aim for 3 breaths. Notice the rise and the fall of your chest, as you consciously breathe.

Take a moment to actually sip, and taste, your coffee, tea, or glass of water. Make it a short break from thinking/doing. Just pause.

Wherever you are, whatever you are going through at this time, as August comes to an end, I send you courage through the changes.

Please share your feelings and stories around change, at this time of year. I’d love to hear from you!

In wild blossom spirit,

gillian xox

The “Courage, dear heart” card will be available to print digitally, and also available in paper greeting card, with envelope – coming soon in the Paperie shop.