I’m okay, I tell myself. I want to believe that, too. The weariness in my face has betrayed me lately, since strangers have stopped mid-conversation to ask how I was doing. The dark ruts under my eyes must be betraying me. I typically blow it off and mention I haven’t been sleeping much, and my mind is racing more often than not. I feel fine. I also feel exhausted in almost every way possible.
These are very difficult times. I am retired and feel I need to get away too. You do need to schedule some time to recharge. Having something to look forward to is as important as actually doing it. Knowing it’s coming gets you through the rough spots of daily life. Recharging also means you will do a better job when you return. You need to water and feed your would doing something that makes you happy. Staying at the grindstone can be very counterproductive. But whatever, you are very much right to know your friends are there for you. Count me as one
The "burnout" is a tough thing. I don't know how serious you would be about changing career paths, or even volunteering; I work at Stoner-Thomas School, which is a separate setting public school for children with special needs. We have teacher assistant vacancies or if you are interested in volunteering, I can send you a background check form to fill out. Sometimes a change of scenery or environment or perspective can help with that burnout. (For me it does anyway) Working with this population is tough, but can be very rewarding. On May 17 we are having our Spring Market with vendors and food, etc. I don't know if you'd be interested in coming as a vendor (with some of your books!) or as a visitor, but I would love for you and your wife to come! It is open to the public, so anyone reading, take note! We would love to have everyone come out to support us! We have an Aquaponics lab and one neat thing we do is grow tilapia in a tank. The water they live in is then filtered and fed into our water beds where we grow green butter lettuce. We have been selling the lettuce heads to staff, other schools, and most recently, a local restaurant! It's a neat process for people to see, if you know anyone that may be interested. My ADHD brain got excited and I got off topic, I apologize!
Haha thanks, that’s all awesome and I appreciate you giving me the information. It’s not really something I’m interested in and truthfully I’m already doing quite a bit of giving back with some of the things I facilitate after work for the writing group and etc. Adding MORE to my plate isn’t the answer no matter how altruistic it may be. Going into the woods after work today, I suspect that will help. As far as changing career paths it’d be awesome BUT in all honesty this is a good deal with salary and benefits but there’s definitely a cost on mental health sometimes. Finding balance is key and this time of year it seems to ebb towards chaos. Here’s hoping I find solace in the pursuit of frogs and snakes tonight haha
I get it! I wasn't trying to add anything else to your life's plate. I kind of just got going into the maybe I can help fix something mindset (something I need to work on) and I didn't mean to overdo it with information. I'd rather go in the woods than be around people any day. I hope the frogs and snakes find you, my friend.
There is so much stress in this world that we all have to deal with. I find that spending time alone with Glenna is the best thing I can do to renew my spirit. For many years now we have committed to a date night out once a week. This is very precious to both of us. We also have our own time. She with book club and craft and chat and crochet, me with dominoes with my buddies. Our happy place is the mountains and we try and get there as often as time allows. Take that time with your spouse as well as that time alone! We all need to renew our spirits! Love and hugs!!
Absolutely! Jess and I have been doing a Saturday routine for a while where we visit a coffee shop and then a few other things and they’ve been good days. I’m planning to get out to Uwharrie or Sandhills tonight and hopefully it puts some fuel in the tank.
You are absolutely right! I stare out my window all day while working wishing I was outside. I spend some of my breaks in my yard and I’ve found immense peace after work just sitting on my porch listening to birds lately. Hadn’t considered spring fever, brilliant.
Love you brother! I think you’re just getting old 🤣. Wait until you are my age. You just have to hang on for dear life as the wheels are falling off! 🤣🤣🤣
I always enjoy reading your articles. Thanks for being so dedicated and for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
Thank you for reading!
These are very difficult times. I am retired and feel I need to get away too. You do need to schedule some time to recharge. Having something to look forward to is as important as actually doing it. Knowing it’s coming gets you through the rough spots of daily life. Recharging also means you will do a better job when you return. You need to water and feed your would doing something that makes you happy. Staying at the grindstone can be very counterproductive. But whatever, you are very much right to know your friends are there for you. Count me as one
Thanks Larry. Hopefully I can get out and recharge soon. I did a quick trip
Friday and it was helpful. We’re about to undertake a huge home
Project in the next month and I think after that resolves I’ll feel better too. Just lots happening all at once lately haha.
The "burnout" is a tough thing. I don't know how serious you would be about changing career paths, or even volunteering; I work at Stoner-Thomas School, which is a separate setting public school for children with special needs. We have teacher assistant vacancies or if you are interested in volunteering, I can send you a background check form to fill out. Sometimes a change of scenery or environment or perspective can help with that burnout. (For me it does anyway) Working with this population is tough, but can be very rewarding. On May 17 we are having our Spring Market with vendors and food, etc. I don't know if you'd be interested in coming as a vendor (with some of your books!) or as a visitor, but I would love for you and your wife to come! It is open to the public, so anyone reading, take note! We would love to have everyone come out to support us! We have an Aquaponics lab and one neat thing we do is grow tilapia in a tank. The water they live in is then filtered and fed into our water beds where we grow green butter lettuce. We have been selling the lettuce heads to staff, other schools, and most recently, a local restaurant! It's a neat process for people to see, if you know anyone that may be interested. My ADHD brain got excited and I got off topic, I apologize!
Haha thanks, that’s all awesome and I appreciate you giving me the information. It’s not really something I’m interested in and truthfully I’m already doing quite a bit of giving back with some of the things I facilitate after work for the writing group and etc. Adding MORE to my plate isn’t the answer no matter how altruistic it may be. Going into the woods after work today, I suspect that will help. As far as changing career paths it’d be awesome BUT in all honesty this is a good deal with salary and benefits but there’s definitely a cost on mental health sometimes. Finding balance is key and this time of year it seems to ebb towards chaos. Here’s hoping I find solace in the pursuit of frogs and snakes tonight haha
I get it! I wasn't trying to add anything else to your life's plate. I kind of just got going into the maybe I can help fix something mindset (something I need to work on) and I didn't mean to overdo it with information. I'd rather go in the woods than be around people any day. I hope the frogs and snakes find you, my friend.
No, I appreciate the info. Haha. And thank you.
There is so much stress in this world that we all have to deal with. I find that spending time alone with Glenna is the best thing I can do to renew my spirit. For many years now we have committed to a date night out once a week. This is very precious to both of us. We also have our own time. She with book club and craft and chat and crochet, me with dominoes with my buddies. Our happy place is the mountains and we try and get there as often as time allows. Take that time with your spouse as well as that time alone! We all need to renew our spirits! Love and hugs!!
Absolutely! Jess and I have been doing a Saturday routine for a while where we visit a coffee shop and then a few other things and they’ve been good days. I’m planning to get out to Uwharrie or Sandhills tonight and hopefully it puts some fuel in the tank.
Good writing as usual! What you are describing sounds a lot like spring fever.
There is so much blooming now, so much new growth.
It is so hard to do the same thing every day, when you hear the birds singing & the frogs croaking.
Take mini breaks. Have lunch outdoors. Eat dinner out doors. It can renew our souls & strengthen our spirit.
You are absolutely right! I stare out my window all day while working wishing I was outside. I spend some of my breaks in my yard and I’ve found immense peace after work just sitting on my porch listening to birds lately. Hadn’t considered spring fever, brilliant.
Love you brother! I think you’re just getting old 🤣. Wait until you are my age. You just have to hang on for dear life as the wheels are falling off! 🤣🤣🤣
Hahaah I feel it man. I can’t imagine being your age cause you’re olllllllld hahahaah