Who would’ve thought that I’d go back to teaching in the middle of a pandemic. God certainly does have a sense of humor. For those of you completely out of the loop (hi, welcome!), I jumped back into teaching this year after a seven-year hiatus. Here’s the back story:
In 2013, I had my first beautiful baby, Miss Charlotte. It was God’s divine intervention that called me to leave my nine-year teaching career to stay home with her as a new, stay-at-home mom. What an experience! Truly. I’ve documented my journey a ton here along the way. Seven beautiful years were spent at home. And oh my word, how I’m forever thankful for that time.
While at home, I started blogging as a creative outlet to help other new moms. I then had Colin, watched my babies grow, watched my blog flourish into a business, grew it into two divisions (lifestyle & wellness), and then I had a new itch…I wanted to go back to “work,” my first passion and love of teaching.
As most stay-at-home moms know, it is hard work. It’s sometimes lonely and exhausting. Much like 2020 has taught a lot us. ;) But last fall (2019), I kept hearing a little voice saying, “Maybe it’s time you start a new adventure outside the home.” In a back-to-school meeting last year at Colin’s preschool, our director of the program was retiring so a co-director position was going to be available.
“If you think you know someone who is interested, tell them to apply!” Michael and I looked at each other immediately, and we both knew. We’ve always been in the mindset that if things are meant to be, they’ll be. By January of 2020, I had kept forcing the thought of returning to work out of my head. I doubted my ability to even fathom leaving my role as work-from-home mom.
Then I kept hearing that voice, “Maybe it’s time to go back.” Why God? Why now? I don’t know if I’m ready. Those were my thoughts. I tried to convince myself that if I went back to teaching that I’d be considered a quitter for stopping my blogging and a failure in my Young Living business. Lies. All lies.
What It’s Really Been Like
I shared this with my Instagram fam recently:
Before I decided to come back to the classroom, I was super reluctant to even consider it. I had two businesses/passion projects in full swing, so why on earth would I choose another. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Can I manage it all?” 😜
I’ve come to realize that passions are lot like having children. Before you have another baby, you wonder, “How will I be able to love another human as much I love the one(s) I already have? Will I be able to care for him or her with as much care? Will my heart be able to hold that much love?”
The surprise is YOU DO. You do. Your heart grows a special place for your new baby, and you’re able to love all of your babies well, differently yet the same. You figure it out as you go, giving yourself grace while you do.
That’s what it’s been like going back to a profession that’s not only a passion but a true calling, while still managing to do all the other passions you’ve loved for so long. You figure it out as you go and give yourself grace while everything settles into its new place. Because it does. There are no rules. Just grace.
Thank you for sticking with me as we adjust to our new routines and schedules. This space is filled with so much GRACE, and I hope you’ve extended the same to yourself in this new season of change. It seems to be the theme this year. Cheers to new beginnings and pivoting into more of what we love, always letting God lead the way. 💗
So with that being said, I’d like to welcome you in to Mrs. Moreno’s English classroom. I teach grades 5-10, and I’m absolutely in love with it. Having my own babies there with me in the school is a dream come true.
CLASSROOM REVEAL
And we’re loving it! We CRAVED a routine, and only two weeks in, we’re already rocking and rolling, thriving with it. Busy again? You bet. AND LOVING IT.
If you have any questions about sources of items, please ask away in the comments! I’m linking my Amazon favorites page and I’ll link my favorite Teachers Pay Teachers accounts who added all the pizazz to my bulletin boards.
Favorite Teachers Pay Teachers accounts for decor, fonts, and classroom inspo:
Thanks for following our journey, friends! It’s been a fun one. I’ll update the classroom as I add more and do a video tour ASAP.
