45+20+2+1 = Infinite Potential

I've learned (perhaps a little too late in life) that making myself small extinguishes my greatness.  I need space to shine.  I need fresh air to breathe and a sunny blue sky to cleanse my soul.  I need space where I can fully embody all that my amazing body and mind has to offer.  

Don't get me wrong.  

I am not full of myself.  

I am not egotistical.  

I am not narcissistic.  

But I AM AMAZING.  

Why?  Because one day I decided to be. 

And now, each and every day I make a conscious decision, a concerted effort if you will, to be my best self.  To connect every aspect of my life with my values.  To live a life that brings me joy, feels meaningful, and makes an impact.  I make self care a daily activity and I place myself where I want to be.  The result? That I radiate the infinite potential that is within me.  

Don't get me wrong.  This task is not always easy.  It is a daily choice. It sometimes feels like real work.  And there are days when I can lose sight of it.  Especially when life throws me a curveball, it can momentarily steer me off course.  But I persevere unapologetically. 

Be skeptical if you want. Or even suspicious.

But I will not apologize for being self confident.  For building a life that I love and am proud of.  I will not apologize for finding meaningful work in what I do.  For having energy to keep going while making an impact.  I will not apologize for prioritizing my mental and physical health.  For continually seeking to be the best version of myself each and every day.  

For all this hard work has paid off.  

I take good care of myself so that I can take good care of others.

So that I can be a great teacher, mentor, mother, sister and friend.

This means that in my many roles in life and in my many responsibilities, I have made space to build others up.  To help others shine.  I have a positivity that gives others hope.  I have creativity that breathes life into the work that I do and the people I collaborate with.  I have joy radiating from inside of me.  I can encourage and inspire others because my cup is full.

But like any living thing I need space to shine.  I need new ways to evolve. Room to grow.  New lands to explore.  New places in this great big world to feed my soul.  I cannot and will not be contained.  

This is why I'm here.  This is why I'm seeking the opportunity to place myself where I want to be.

So when I condense my 45 years on this planet and 20 years of teaching experience into a mere two pages for a resume and a one page cover letter, I can’t help but feel diminished.

When tasked with condensing my intentions and potential impact, earned over years of excelling in a job I love, into a mere few pages, I’m left feeling unsatisfied, unheard, and unseen.

How do I fit all of me into such a small space?

Well the answer is, I don't.

So take a good look at me.  I'm so much bigger and better than what can be captured with just a few words.  My joy, creativity and zest for life cannot be contained on those pages.  My experiences, impact and expertise cannot be fully captured.  My fit in your world may not be so clear.

But here I am anyway.  Still using words to convey who I truly am.  Words that are only a mere whisper of what I'm fully capable of. 

If you ask me in passing, "how are you?" I will invariably respond, "I am amazing!"  Which is why I'm glad you're here.  I'm glad you took the time to explore who I really am and to dare to know me more.

Take me along with you on your journey and I will flourish.  And in doing so, my light will shine on others, giving everyone room to grow and flourish too.