Winding down...

Winter is a time to hibernate. I am almost certain that it isn't simply plants and animals that hibernate or sleep in Winter. I believe that we need to do the same. Teachers are not very good at hibernating or slowing down. With the approach of a weekend or holidays, many of us see the time to plan lists of things to do. Our lists are often filled with a balance of home chores, marking (particularly if you are an English teacher) and things we'd like to do - like go to the library or do something else for ourselves.

Teachers anticipate the holidays because it is a time without routine. We don't move to the sounds of bells, obediently every fifty minutes. We can choose to be as introverted as we would like. Many people think that I am an extrovert and to be honest, there is part of me that is an extrovert. As I get older I must say that I have become more introverted. I anticipate the times that I have at home, where I don't have to speak (though I do love to converse with my husband) and I can think whilst pottering among my plants or writing in my journal.

For these holidays I have decided to make a list of no more than five things. Total. Five things that I HAVE to do during the holiday break. I anticipate time to relax, to hibernate, to sleep and to be. I am looking forward to being somewhat introspective. I anticipate that a little bit of time out of the rat race, so to speak, will be far more beneficial to me for what I believe will be a huge term three.