I Teach

I had a thought today. Why do we say I’m a teacher, I’m an engineer, I’m a dog walker, etc.? When we describe what our profession is, why do usually say we we are our profession, rather than just saying what we do? I teach middle school choir…?

It’s easy for us to fall into the trap of letting our success at work dictate our happiness, our self worth. For me, it has been a real struggle to separate the two: I can be a good teacher, or a lazy or grumpy or obsessed or motivating teacher (most of the time many of these things at once) – but none of that has to do with who I am as a person. I can have a bad day at work, and still have a fantastic evening.

So today when this thought popped into my head, I wondered if this particular way of phrasing has impacted or even confused our society about how we see ourselves in relation to our work. I would love to hear if any of you have info about how this phrased in other languages or cultures!

I’m a person who enjoys teaching. I teach. But that is not who I am.

Ready to Detox

Wow, as you can tell from my last few posts, I have thoroughly enjoyed indulging in deliciously rich, sweet and savory foods these last few days! Mmm those mini apple pies were SO tasty! And, here’s the recipe I used for mashed potatoes today – so good!

Tomorrow is going to be a day of detox, for sure. My brother gave me a fancy blender for Christmas, so I’m going to try that out first thing in the AM. This will be my breakfast, except I’ll use almond butter in place of the protein powder.

Lunch will be an Aidell’s chicken apple sausage link, with a smaller serving of leftover potatoes, and mandarin oranges. Finally, we’ll have these pork chops for dinner with a side or sautéed green beans or broccoli. My snacks will be cottage cheese, and Skinny Pop.

And if I do a good job of sticking to all of that, I’ll have a mini apple pie at the end of the day! 🙂

Sunday is the Family Reunion, and I plan to indulge again.

Monday = Day 1 of my second Whole30. Let the detox begin.

There is more to me than food! That just appears to be the theme of my winter break so far.

#teachersonbreak