Ups and Downs
It’s been an up-and-down week for me – and unfortunately, things started on the downward side. On Monday, the finality of how this school year will end hit me like a ton of bricks. I was feeling frustrated, powerless, and sad. Once I started doing my virtual responsibilities for that day I looked up and it was time to go to bed.
When Tuesday rolled around things got better. Our staff formed a car parade and drove through the neighborhoods with signs, balloons, and streamers. Kid jumped up and down, smiling and waving (all socially distanced from one another, of course). For San Antonians, think Fiesta. For Louisiana friends, think Mardi Gras without all the throws. It was pure joy and wonder gift wrapped in small excited bodies.
Wednesday was spent, almost in its entirety, attending to business realities. Obviously, with all work coming to a screeching halt in mid-March, I’m continuously assessing and navigating the scheduling and other issues brought on by the pandemic. With so many unknowns, it is hard to plan – and that raises my anxiety.
On Thursday, after recording announcements and working on my next virtual lesson, I worked in the yard – and God smiled. The weather was perfect. Hummingbirds and squirrels were out in full force. And my wife and I enjoyed our time just hanging out amongst nature.
And so it continued – down, then back up, down, then back up. It’s now Sunday and I’m feeling dazed and confused – much like I feel after a roller coast ride. Did I mention, I’m not a fan of roller coasters?
Unfortunately, I did not choose to be on this ride, nor can I control it. But, this week when I am feeling low, I’m going to remember the smiling faces of all our kids at the parade…and squirrels…and hummingbirds – and try to move my own emotional pendulum back up. We need to own our emotions, even the negative ones, but we also need to make sure we are not living in that space, which can be debilitating.
My hope is that you have more ups than downs this coming week. That’s my plan.
Happy Spring.