Close My Eyes, Take a Deep Breath, and Choose to Begin

I was thinking of beginning this post with something along the lines of the beginning of "The Six Million Dollar Man": "we can rebuild her, we have the technology." But then I realized that as a teacher I am not broken. Many times discouraged, yes, but not broken. Schedules are cramped, getting books processed so that students can check them out only happens in fits and starts, and it seems that whenever I have a moment to think someone needs my help. True, that seems to be the definition of the career of the elementary school Media Specialist, but it does take a toll on creativity, energy, and attitude.

I have begun 2014 with taking charge of my physical well-being. I am working out again (it makes me feel good and increases my energy so I am not really sure why I stopped) and while I am not dieting, I am sticking with making good food choices. Physically I am feeling good and then I started thinking about what I do as a Media Specialist and how I could improve. I truly believe that I have the best job in the school and I want to push myself to be the best at it that I can. Enter the 30 Goals Challenge for Educators.

http://30goals.com/

I had heard about the 30 Goals Challenge a few years ago while attending a Reform Symposium event online, and was just too scared to try it. Doubts about myself as a teacher and a writer attacked me and kept me from taking that critical step of planning, implementing, reflecting on, and sharing my practice. Yikes! Sharing--letting others read about what I am doing and offering comments--I find this terrifying. Yet, here I am, sitting at my computer, taking the plunge into the challenge. Plans are taking shape. Here I go!