Working on a Growth Mindset

I've been working hard on a newsletter. It took me forever to figure out a format I think (fingers crossed!) I like. Then designing it was another challenge. Now, I have one issue that I think is pretty good or at least acceptable enough I can make it public. But I can't seem to figure out how to get it on the blog instead of in my downloads folder. I am insanely proud of myself for getting as far as I've gotten, but that next leap has stymied me, and that's the leap that will allow others to read it-- the point of the whole project! (Figuring out how to email it out will be the next a challenge...)

So, yes, I'm frustrated. I'm trying so hard to approach all of this with a growth mindset, with the full knowledge that, like a house renovation project, it will always take longer than I anticipate. I'm trying to be grateful that I have the luxury of allowing time for both of those conditions. And I'm trying to be patient with myself. But sometimes I just want it done! Sometimes I just want to grow painlessly!

When I was a very new teacher, I flipped on the television one night-- something I rarely did back then-- and I saw the end of a show I didn't know. Two young adults were talking, and one said something to the effect of, "Growing is hard. It's like all these branches go every which way all at once, and all that movement hurts at our core." I teared up. I think those words are so clearly etched in my memory because they so accurately encapsulated how I felt at that particular time in my life, and they allowed me to feel seen and no longer alone. What I (probably fortunately) didn't know then was how often I would feel the strain of growth the rest of my life.

That's how I feel right now, all these branches of growth are waving all over, yelling for attention, and I don't have a deep enough well to feed them all!

So, all this to say, I have a newsletter coming at some point in the near future. I'm thinking I'll publish them twice a month in place of the blog. In the meantime, know I am pushing all my growth buttons over here! I know I'll figure it out-- I always seem to be able to-- but figuring it out is clearly not going to come without growth pains. However, with a little luck, the growth pains will be followed by that delicious sensation of success.

PS If you are also in a time of growth, I hope this blog post allows you to feel a little seen, a little less alone. Let's wave our branches proudly!