Tuesday, June 14, 2011

gettin' my gumption back

bird mask and chalk

You know that expression, "My get up 'n go done got up 'n went."? That's me here lately. I tell you, teaching summer school is harder work than you might think. I don't know if it's because my body knows it's time for a break or if my mind does. Either way, I feel flat out of gas. Most nights it's all I can do to mange the supper dishes and laundry. That's not me. I'm usually up for anything and ready to play.

Hmmmmm... Obviously, it's time to take myself in hand. I think some help is needed.

Being a teacher, I am a fan of homework. I'm also a fan of teamwork and collaboration. So, I have an idea. Please give me an assignment: a bit of homework designed to spark my energy and get my juices flowing. Maybe you would be willing to ponder what revs you up and gives you a jolt of energy. Maybe you can suggest some things that might help me get my gumption back. I would be ever so grateful.

Happy day, friends, happy day.

24 comments:

Unknown said...

How about I send you a couple of images and you write a short story or poem around the image? I can just post on my blog what we are doing so you will HAVE to complete the "homework" or I can email the images. You do such a great job writing I thought maybe a prompt would be fun.

Tracy said...

Hi, dear Relyn! I've had a similar feeling lately, since getting back from our trip to the USA two weeks ago, I've been trying to get the mojo back... LOL! What often helps me get the creative juices going is to just play. I dig out all my happy stuff--papers, pens, glue, paint... then make a mess! Otentimes the mess turns on some ideas to explore later for some "real" works of art. ;o) Making something with the hand & mind--a good "fix" for what ails the spirit. Hope you get your mojo back. Love that you're still able to be here sometimes in spite of your busy days. LOVE YOU ((HUGS))

alexa said...

Dear Teacher,
Please excuse Relyn from all homework at present. She has been working and long and hard recently. The doctor has diagnosed 'brain fag' and prescribed the right to go potter, mess around and go AWOL until her natural energy recovers.
Yours sincerely,
A fellow companion.

maggie said...

Hi Relyn, What works for me is to rest the mind, quiet myself and see what wants to happen next as opposed to what should I do. It is very powerful to do and makes a life of more ease and peace. xo

Rita said...

Relyn, I loved the post you did on the painting. Maybe you should find some more paintings to do a post on! That one was wonderful. I cannot get on the internet with my old computer, so I will be off for a while till I can get another computer! I may lose all momentum! You may have to give me some ideas before I can get going again.

spudballoo said...

Oh gumption is a glorious word! I thought it very peculiarly British but obviously not.

I prescribe a week or so of not blogging, not bloggy reading, marking 'all as read' on the Google reader for a start. I bet it's hanging over you as 'something else that has to be done'.

Go to bed an hour earlier, read more, eat better, drink less alcohol. Those are my tips! xx

Drjuen1 said...

...how about a retreat at st. scholastica's...five days of peace, quiet, time for reflection..time for renewal..time just for you..time well spent! call sr. hillary..now!

Marilyn Miller said...

What helps me the most is to do something for myself. A long walk with my camera often helps, but if I need more I have thought of a day escape. For me the day escape would be to walk on the beach, but for you it might be something else. Good luck getting your gumption back.

Mrs. E said...

I.feel.your.pain!! (Is it all teachers right now?) If you figure out how to do it--please, please share!

susanna said...

I like The Eccentric Lady's idea of writing a story (or poem) about an image. That used to be my favourite lesson in elementary school. I still remember the excitement I would feel picking out an image from the teacher's basket. Anyway, YOU are good writer, Relyn. I liked your post about the house...oh, and your stories about your grandmother and her sayings always have me grinning.

What works for me...? Well, honestly, whenever I feel drained, I take a short nap. I love naps...just had one, too. Planning or working on art projects help, too. Tonight I'm going to be making a little moth (butterfly) net for a doll I recently made.

Oh! And coffee! Coffee helps and it makes me happy, too. :)

beth said...

okay. i've got one. how big is your class. do you only have one class ? i was thinking about you giving all the kids a disposable camera and having them take photos of what they think summer means to them and by the end of summer, then putting the photos together in a book/scrapbook/journal type of thing.

around here, kids do that and many of the businesses will donate the cameras and the developing costs because they know what a great gift they are giving to summer school students.

S. Etole said...

Beth's idea sounds like great fun and learning all combined ...

d smith kaich jones said...

well, dang. ditto everyone. for me, i have to stop trying. stop reading. (i know, i know!) sleep more. don't look at clocks. gumption will be back. it is, after all, gumption, and it has . . . well, i say sheepishly, you know. gumption.

Roban said...

I think it's okay to be a bit tired and lacking gumption, especially when you're a teacher teaching summer school. Instead of adding more to your to-do list (even if it is supposed to be fun and inspiring), why not ditch the laundry or make dinner something E.A.S.Y. for a while. Maybe plan meals and even cook them in advance on the weekend, so you don't have to do much during the week.

amelia said...

I find doing things I love helps: laughing with famiy and friends,long strolls with my camera. Trying something new. Exploring.

Funny, those are the homework assignments I love most too ... the spider making contest ... pulling words out of a hat and having to write a story with them ... writing a story from a picture ...

I guess they allow your mind to wander, even if your body must stay put! :)

Suvarna said...

Well I'm going out on a limb here but here goes.... allow your gumption to get up and went. It sounds crazy but I find when I accept what is, it allows me to move on. Just take one hour and let it be okay that you have no gas. You might even write about what that feels like, or take photos that express that feeling, but allow it and see what happens. There's my two cents.
big hugs,
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Kirsten Steen said...

Sustenex at the nearest pharmacy! I'm not kidding. We all knew probiotics were good for alot of things but who knew it was good for energy too. Might take a few days to feel the difference, but you will, you 'Car Chick', you!!
xoxo~ Kirsten

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear you're feeling a bit blah - but as the others have said, sometimes that's just how it is and you're better off not fighting it! But since you're a do-er kind of person, and a list-maker, here's my suggestion: make a list of things you can do *that only take 15 minutes* and that will make you happy / relaxed, etc. Anything from "sit and have a cup of tea" to "make a list for tomorrow" "take three pictures of the sky in 15 minutes" "tidy hat and scarf box" etc. Then when you're feeling a bit dissatisfied, you can look at your list and do one thing and feel better.
Along the lines of helping your body, a natural iron tonic is often just what mine needs. Be happy and feel better soon!

HKatz said...

For one thing, don't worry about the lack of energy if you're otherwise healthy; life has its phases and moods, and this is one of them.

If I had to give you a homework assignment :) it would be to go on walks. Personally I've usually found a good walk somewhere (anywhere) to be refreshing and also inspiring.

Go on a short trip somewhere, a weekend trip - go canoeing or hiking, or to a museum or farm, some other place you've been meaning to go. See the world a little, and pretend you're a tourist in your own town and state.

Listening to music.

And being with family. Even if you're listless in the evenings, just hanging out with people you love will make you feel better over time.

Chris Graham said...

Relyn,
I can relate to what you are feeling I am working longer hours and harder than when I was in my
30's.But on the other hand my job brings out a side of me that I did not realize was there. Two things give me engery blogging and people like you plus praise dancing,pure joy when I listen to music. Plus photography and creating give me so much pleasure. I just have to step out of the "tired zone" and make a decision to do it!
Chris

Jeanie said...

What a great photo! I'm loving it -- you know, sometimes you just need a break, no homework. Just time to be. You've come off a rough year and it looks like summer isn't exactly light. Just be. Your homework will make itself known!

suzanna said...

love this idea of yours! i always boost my gumption and creativity by just sitting quietly in my backyard, taking in everything around me... being at peace. and the creativity just comes right to me. good luck dear friend! i know you'll get your motivation back.

xo

Lubna said...

Hi Relyn,

My little world revolved around reading and writing. When I was told I would have to curtail this,especially the computer interface, I was devastated. But like you I prepared a sheet of my blessings. And I decided to find another hobby --- beading. Not gone down this path yes, but yes, someday I shall take it up.
I seriously think you should write a children's book. You would rock at it. Good luck

Karyn said...

Dear Relyn, I am sorry you are at a low ebb. My prescription is to pamper yourself, do what you would expect at a spa. Take aromatherapy baths; soak your feet; give yourself facials; color your hair a different shade; get a new hairstyle/cut. Try your creativity in making refreshing vitamin cocktails with fresh squeezed juices and decorate the glass with mint sprigs, slices of lime. Sit outside with your elixir and enjoy the sunset. You are sure to feel invigorated.

Oldies, but Goodies