A big hit to the ego...

About a year after I decided to leave the classroom, I received a call from a good friend who taught at a prestigious private school.  There was a rare opening and she encouraged me to apply.  We can finally teach together.  You're the perfect fit.  

During this time, Breathe & Learn was very much a thing, but it was a struggle.  I craved a steady paycheck, a support system and community.  So, a return to the classroom seemed like it could be the right move.  In fact, I figured I'd even be able to bring B&L to the school in some way. 

I decided to go for it and I went all in.  I fixed my resume, prepped for the interviews and carefully planned and practiced my demo lesson.  Everything moved very fast.  After an email, phone call, a demo lesson and a full day touring campus and interviewing with teachers and administration, I felt fairly confident about my chances.  The thought of teaching at a school with more resources than I ever had access to in the past was exciting; I even felt a slight sense of relief.   

Naturally, I checked in with my friend to see if she had heard any news.  All things were still pointing in a positive direction.  In my head, I had accepted and began planning the new year and fresh start.

Then, I got the call.  Talk about a hit to the ego and a total feeling of failure.  No matter how it happens or what they say, they didn't pick you.  And that hurts. 

As I sit here two years later, I'm grateful for that door which closed SO HARD in my face.  I learned to persevere, push through those sh*tty feelings, find support, create community and take one day at a time as I worked on building what I was always truly passionate about, Breathe & Learn.  And, with much more perspective now, I'm easily able to see that it wasn't the right fit.

So, when a door closes...

"Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck." -Dalai Lama

xo

Joanie Plake Founder of B&L | M.A. Childhood & Special Education | E-RYT 200 www.breatheandlearn.com