Tuesday, March 4, 2008

don't look back...

...you're not going that way! These words are from a book that is illustrated by an artist (Mary Engelbreit) that I love. I first came across the book in college at a transition time in my life. I have returned to it a time or two since then as other transitions have come my way. I thought of it again this week as I received the letter from Jordan School District that I knew was coming. I took a year leave of absence from my job when we moved knowing that after a year, I would be resigning. The time has come to resign, and honestly, it is harder than I thought. I loved my job. I loved the people I worked with--the staff and the kids. I worked for seven years and had some great experiences. It was challenging. It was fun. It was rewarding. It was exciting. It was something new every day. I learned a lot. I was an expert (although sometimes I didn't really feel very expert), and I really liked that. People looked to me to solve problems and to know things. I was pretty darn good at it. Some days I miss it. Some days I don't. Now I'm taking some time to be the mom, and someday I'll go back and probably be better at being a school psychologist than ever. I wrote my letter of resignation, signed it, and will be sending it in the morning. For now, I'm going to "keep putting one foot in front of the other--and taking [my] life day by day" just like the book says. I'll be looking forward, not back, because I'm not going that way!

3 comments:

P4 said...

Oh, that makes me sad...you are greatly missed around here. You don't have to look back, but you can't forget us out here in the west. I miss you every day of work, but I can tell you are doing great at the mom thing. Enjoy every day with those cuties.

Shara said...

Officially quitting (professional)work is a hard thing to do; I remember well my final visit with my boss and filling out all the accompanying paperwork. It totally represents a new season in your life -- its a good one, and much more challenging in so many ways -- you're doing great!

Anonymous said...

I love Mary Englebert, I'll have to look at that book. I think it's a lot harder to be a full time mom than work full time, I commend you for your efforts, it is a sacrifice, but one that will make a huge difference in your life and the lives of your children.