I have been following your journey in negotiations. I have to say with trepidation and anxiety. I have ptsd from my time as a union president and lead negotiator. I almost quit teaching. I went to therapy because a coworker in the new job I took basically forced me into it. I wouldn’t have gone on my own. I needed it desperately. If you are not already please find a therapist. It is soul sucking. Just writing this I had to stop and take deep breathes because my heart was racing and I was breathing shallowly. If you need someone to talk to about this I am available. I have fought through. I learned how to take a deep breath and remind myself of all of the good I have done in my 24 years of teaching. You are not alone.
Thank you for sharing. It is easy to feel guilty about these feelings, but not helpful. I very much identify with that guilt (sometimes I joke that it’s a result of my Catholic upbringing but I think it’s much deeper than that). You can’t always control the way you feel, just how you express snd deal with it, which you know and looks like you’re doing beautifully. I made a call to set up therapy a couple years ago and sobbed after I got off the phone, a mix of denial/acceptance that I needed anything extra, shame and guilt about knowing that I have an amazing life- but if you can find ways to help and care for yourself it generally seems to help anyone you’re involved with. Also, great job acknowledging those events and things that have brought you joy, peace, something positive. Brain science says that practicing gratitude helps with outlook and helps us be present.
Being a professional does not preclude being human. You are one amazing woman, including the ability to express what you are going through. Just so you know, you are not alone in your response to "modern life." Having anxiety and then berating yourself for having anxiety, I can relate. Hang in there, Susie, and remember all the arms that are around you.
I've been thinking about you as well, Frieda. I hope you and yours are finding safety and hope during Hannukah, it must be a bit more fraught this year.
Self care is a wise move. You are a remarkable woman and deserve to be paid fairly for your exceptional work. Stand strong and know you have many supporters.
Susie, you are a very brave woman! I sincerely hope that your contract gets settled soon.My first year teaching in Mpls we teachers actually walked out and picketed and finally ended up with lower class size and I think some other benefits… ( it was in 1969 or 1970). I have a prayer I’ve been sharing with my friends that I’ll send to you and hope it helps to bring you some peace!❤️🙏❤️
I have been following your journey in negotiations. I have to say with trepidation and anxiety. I have ptsd from my time as a union president and lead negotiator. I almost quit teaching. I went to therapy because a coworker in the new job I took basically forced me into it. I wouldn’t have gone on my own. I needed it desperately. If you are not already please find a therapist. It is soul sucking. Just writing this I had to stop and take deep breathes because my heart was racing and I was breathing shallowly. If you need someone to talk to about this I am available. I have fought through. I learned how to take a deep breath and remind myself of all of the good I have done in my 24 years of teaching. You are not alone.
I’m sorry you were triggered, Vangie. I appreciate your support.
Thank you for sharing. It is easy to feel guilty about these feelings, but not helpful. I very much identify with that guilt (sometimes I joke that it’s a result of my Catholic upbringing but I think it’s much deeper than that). You can’t always control the way you feel, just how you express snd deal with it, which you know and looks like you’re doing beautifully. I made a call to set up therapy a couple years ago and sobbed after I got off the phone, a mix of denial/acceptance that I needed anything extra, shame and guilt about knowing that I have an amazing life- but if you can find ways to help and care for yourself it generally seems to help anyone you’re involved with. Also, great job acknowledging those events and things that have brought you joy, peace, something positive. Brain science says that practicing gratitude helps with outlook and helps us be present.
Ah Jess, all of this!!!
We MUST prioritize our children as they are our future, and Teachers are a priority!! I back you 100%!!!
Being a professional does not preclude being human. You are one amazing woman, including the ability to express what you are going through. Just so you know, you are not alone in your response to "modern life." Having anxiety and then berating yourself for having anxiety, I can relate. Hang in there, Susie, and remember all the arms that are around you.
I've been thinking about you as well, Frieda. I hope you and yours are finding safety and hope during Hannukah, it must be a bit more fraught this year.
Self care is a wise move. You are a remarkable woman and deserve to be paid fairly for your exceptional work. Stand strong and know you have many supporters.
Thank you, Kathy!
yup...
Susie, you are a very brave woman! I sincerely hope that your contract gets settled soon.My first year teaching in Mpls we teachers actually walked out and picketed and finally ended up with lower class size and I think some other benefits… ( it was in 1969 or 1970). I have a prayer I’ve been sharing with my friends that I’ll send to you and hope it helps to bring you some peace!❤️🙏❤️
Thank you, Nancy!