A new grade a new perspective

As this journey has contined I have learned so much about myself and others. I know some people think I'm crazy and have totally lost my mind, others push me to the breaking point, some ask me to experience new challenges(100 mile bike rides, swimming, ultras), and some join me for this ride. I've met people in the most unexpected places(Atlanta, through Facebook, the gym, church) and realized that people accept and like me for what they see- not what I think I see! I can't help that I post and blog about my passions, successes, and struggles. I'm not sorry for that. I'm simply showing that this can be done but im not sugar coating the commitment, time, tears, pain, blisters, chaffing, and emotional changes it will take. I've changed and I know that...I've lost connections with some and need to fix that.

 This journey is and has been full of ups, downs, and unforgettable life changing experiences who make me who am today. 6 years ago I was a scared girl who was afraid of what her 4th grade students were saying about her. I heard them, they called me fat, huge, gigantic. Kids are mean- but honest. I remember a student asking me if I always ate chips for breakfast...wow! The answer? Yes! They saw my every move and they judged it. I was so scared to have fun with my students at times and let loose because I knew they made fun of me sometimes. I have always given 100% to job but I can say that I'm better now than I was. I'm now a better example to students, a better role model, more self confident, and so much happier. Most know that I was moved to first grade this year- I know that I would not have handled it very well 5-6 years ago. I didn't believe in myself!  But, now I take challenges head on. I now think I've run a marathon, an ultra marathon, and biked 100 miles through 3 states- 1st grade bring it on! I love nothing more than the excitement in my kids eyes when surprise them in gym and run laps with them, when I jump rope outside, and when I swing(I can actually fit on the swing!) next to them and we talk about the latest episode of Phineasas and Ferb they watched. The moments I can now experience with them without fear. Kids will always be brutally honest but I can now take it :) no fear. I'm still it always the most confident but man I'm better than I've ever been. 

Ms Rogers dressing up for the 100th day :) 

I'm not sure what this new year will bring. Yes I'm working loosing a bit more weight- I'm back down to 156- more pounds to go but it will happen!

 My hope is to be more selfless this year. Do things for others because of the joy it will bring them! Experience little moments with my friends. Allow myself to be pushed and challenged professionally and physically. Slow down and not miss the small successes when I still see the muffin top and extra skin. Allow people to get to know me without the walls be thankful for the new friendships I'm finding in a place that feels like home! 

I'm going to live in the moment and try to see things more simply- like a 1st grader!

A friend recently said something to me that at the time I blew off- I was asked "aren't you worth it? Aren't you better

Than that? The answer then I couldn't give- now I can say yup!!! I'm not perfect and don't have all the answers but one thing is for sure- 

No time for negative Nancy- only positive Paulies!