For those who’ve been around this space for a while know that I am a newbie teacher who just started to experience ‘real work life’.
I work 100% even though it often feels more like 250%. I get up early, make some coffee, go to work, run around school all day from class to class, get home exhausted and prepare for the next day.
There’s not much time to eat, relax or do something for myself.
I just moved into a new apartment, but so far the walls have been blank because I find no time to gather some inspiration and decorate.
There’s no time left to enjoy.
These were my thoughts yesterday as I was stressed out from seeing so many different faces in such a short amount of time. People can be really exhausting. They are unpredictable, and sometimes they leave you angry and frustrated.
People can surprise you.
When I walked into my 8th grade yesterday, they were on fire.
I asked a question – fifteen hands shot up into the air.
We did some creative learning by staging a ‘protest’ in the 18th century – I’ve never felt so alive and energized in the classroom.
Seeing my students’ faces light up, hearing them speak and give their all has truly made my time.
Maybe there are still things to enjoy.
There are so many little things along the way meant for us to notice them. To savor them.
A smile from a stranger.
A train that is on time for once.
A quiet minute to ourselves.
A cup of coffee.
A warm bed at night.
The feeling that people can surprise and bless you after all.
Maybe there are still things to enjoy.
Maybe we just have to look out for them and allow life to surprise us sometimes.
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
thisiskatha.com 
There are indeed still things to enjoy. Loved reading your list.
Thanks, Tara!
Loved this: “Maybe we just have to look out for them and allow life to surprise us sometimes.” It’s so true! Oh, that my eyes would be tuned (can eyes be tuned?) to recognize the surprises when they come.
Such a beautiful building in the picture. May I ask where it is?
Have a great weekend!
Shauna
I don’t know if we tune our eyes, but we can certainly allow God to train them to really see.
This is a train station in London, really beautiful place!
Your post made me realize there are so many things each day that we enjoy but do not acknowledge that we enjoy them. Interesting to think on today. The connection between enjoyment and gratitude runs deeper than we may realize. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
There is definitely a connection there and we should nurture it more often! The more I give thanks, the more content i feel.
Happy thanksgiving to you!
So true- there are always little things to enjoy if we are intentional about looking for them and making the most of them. Not always easy, but it can make a big difference when we do.
There are definitely a lot of bad thins out there, too. But it’s too easy to just fall into depress and bitterness.