Teaching, never gets old
35) And as a teacher, time never feels so finite as it does in the autumn time
I am at a loss for words. The school year has started and it has taken so much of my attention and time. In my district we are only five days in with students being present. Yet this year’s school adventure is already in full-force!
My brain is literally fried right now. Honestly, if I didn’t make a promise to myself to write one post at least one time per week, I wouldn’t even be writing this. I have a lot of thoughts and ideas about a lot of different things. My kids seem engaged in social studies, I’m liking where we are going, but everything still seems so new.
One theme that has been coming up for me is having one’s spirit line up with one’s purpose. Like when your spirit guides you to do your life’s work. I realize I have had so much stuff going on, that I lose sight of that. Writing has been one of my refuges from the noise of the world. Yet, where am I promoting it? Only on one of the noisiest chat mediums around, being the internet.
I realize I’m not alone in this overwhelm, either. Far from it. I see everyone being sucked in by all the noise. Connections are fleeting, that’s for sure. I wish I had more to offer here at the moment. But, all I can say is, it’s not like you are a captive audience of mine. Even though this reaches your inbox (for those of you that are subscribed), you all have a choice in what you do with it. It’s not like I can grade you on your understanding of my writing. LOL. That’s some good old fashioned teacher talk.
Some quick housekeeping:
I have changed my yearly rates to $36 for paid membership.
It’s still $5 per month for membership set by the good people at Substack (that rate can’t go lower).
Founding Members still pays $108 per year.
For those that initially signed up for my $48 per year membership (or was it 50?) If you feel cheated by the current discount, personally inbox me at joshoffthepress@gmail.com, and we can work something out that is fair for you, and keeps you satisfied as a customer.
Special shout out to my Kindergarten/1st grade teacher - Mary Jane Giordano! She became My First Founding Member, making a contribution of $108.
Hence, going back to the power of a teacher! That she has still shown the belief in me to this day, is something I am very proud of, and that I know my mom is looking down from Heaven just with the biggest smile bestowed upon both of us. Thank you again, Ms. Giordano!
Obviously, there is no obligation to be a paying member, but it does open up my newsletter/blog to different opportunities. For example, I’m pretty sure - On Substack picked up My Commitment to Writing piece in no small part because they want to see my newsletter grow, as they do get 10% of my proceeds. That’s obviously the cost of doing business here on Substack. I have no regrets about it, though. I actually rather enjoy the partnership.
That's so awesome how your teacher from back in kindergarten still keeps up with you, and is your biggest fan!
Both a busy life and ‘the INTERNET’ yes can be so overwhelming. I feel these things as well as writing as sanctuary as well as a place reframe. I think of substack as an antidote to noise online though. You’re writing thoughtful pieces for us to slow down and think about. That’s why we pay! Start of the school year is always a bit cray-cray, huh? So cool you’re happy the kiddos so far and hope you get a chance to slow down soon.