I promise

Last year I discovered that I ruined the best relationship I ever had with someone, it was with myself. I constantly kept breaking promising with myself for someone/a group of people who didn’t appreciate or reciprocate..

I know it’s a Pinterest thing, “don’t break a promise with yourself,” and I was for years. Last year I finally snapped. I was being taken advantage of, and my body was physically rejecting it. I had migraines, insomnia, and knots on my back the size of fist.

When I decided I come first, I literally felt the stress leaving my body. That moment changed my perspective of my own self worth, my relationship with myself, and even my stigma on mental health.

Last year, I promised to never let myself get as low as I was.

I promised to share my experiences with others… if they asked.

I promised to mentally check in with my self, and then fix the problem if possible.

I promised that my classroom is my safe place, and should be for the students and people that enter it.

I promised to teach my students that anger is okay, but acting angry isn’t.

I promised to teach my students the safe outlets for stress.

I promised to teach them how to ask for help in all areas.

I promised to teach them how to calm down and communicate what they need.

I promised to always be there for a student, present or former, to be their shoulder, ear, and support.

I promised these things to myself, and my students because it is something I knew I needed but didn’t know how to get. I didn’t even know I was in a dark hole until I was out of it.

What do you promise your self and your students?