When was the last time you lost sleep over an exciting idea?

My brain was buzzing, my muscles tense. I had a million thoughts swirling through my mind, and couldn’t seem to put them on hold. I knew I should hang it up and go to sleep, but I just couldn’t seem to settle down. Was I about to embark on an epic journey? Participate in an athletic competition? Face a major surgery? Nope. I was about to begin a brand new school year at a brand new (to me) school. My adrenaline was pumping.

Every year it’s the same. There’s a period of time over the summer for recovery from the previous school year, then excitement begins to build. New kids’ names are memorized as they’re entered into spreadsheets and studied from a data point of view. Sheets from former teachers are also examined, and information gathered. Preliminary groupings are created, beginning of the year seating charts are developed, and room arrangements are finalized (only to change again during the first few days). Lesson plans are developed, charts and posters are created and hung, and supplies are gathered and distributed.

My head knows I’m ready, but my heart is beating out of my chest. This is the moment when fantasy hits reality. Until the students actually show up, the entire year is an unknown. It may be the best year yet, or it may be the worst. I may hit my professional pinnacle with this group, and help them learn and grow in an unprecedented way, or I may bomb. In my head I know I won’t bomb, but there’s still that tiny voice of doubt. The real excitement, though, is in the idea of the perfect year. The night before school starts is the most exciting night of the year. It is full of promise and potential, but I can’t wait for it to end so the real work can begin.

QUESTION #3

What do you do that helps you bring happiness and excitement into your life?

This passion prompt is really two questions in one for me. I don’t see happiness and excitement as the same thing at all. In fact, some of the things that bring me the most happiness would be considered coma inducing for excitement junkies.

Let me explain. The main thing that brings me happiness is being with the people and dog I love. I know, what a snooze. But for me, that’s what I want in my life. I love being snug at home with my sweetheart and my son and our darling pup. It doesn’t really matter what we’re doing, although I would much rather watch a movie than scrub toilets, in case anyone was starting to question my sanity. Running errands, doing yard work, or cooking and sharing a meal are all causes for happiness, when the company is good.

Another thing that makes me happy is taking good care of myself. I’m happy when I eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. I’m happy when I’m caught up on my work, my home is orderly, and I don’t have deadlines looming over my head. When I’m able to avoid procrastination and be productive, my sense of well being soars. None of those things are sexy, or exciting, but they lead to satisfaction and contentment, and happiness.

Now if you want to talk about excitement, I do have my share, but I’m sure most people would consider my view of excitement as tame. Still, it’s my prompt and my perspective, so here goes. I find excitement in trying new experiences. They don’t have to be earth shattering to be enlightening. To that end, I really enjoy traveling. Shaking up daily routine and seeing new parts of the planet excites me. I love finding little treasures in unexpected places and learning about the history and culture of other areas, even within my own state. Even small day trips are exciting to me. On a recent outing I was thrilled to find the perfect flying pig for my backyard nestled among iron coyotes and ceramic pots. As I do my laps in the backyard pool, it encourages me to embrace the seemingly impossible.

My take on fun and excitement has certainly changed over the years, but I’m ok with that. I’m having the time of my life.