What an incredible journey it’s been! Two years ago I started my blog, and this year I decided I would take a step back to celebrate everything. Celebrate the big wins, the little wins, and most importantly, the everyday things.
Blogging about early years education has been a great experience! My blog has become my online journal, where I can share my thoughts and perspectives, but more importantly, it has afforded me the opportunity to participate in dialogue with so many other incredible educators.
To be honest, I was a bit nervous at first. I felt the pressure of coming up with content, I worried if anyone would read it, and I found myself second guessing myself many times. Now, at the two-year mark, Teach Grow Love has truly become a labour of love – like planting and growing my own little garden in cyberspace.
To celebrate TGL’s second birthday, I decided to write a quick little post about three important things I learned about blogging:
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
This was (and still is) really hard for me. I am naturally an introvert and sometimes awkward (haha) – so taking risks like public speaking, blogging on an open platform, or even meeting new people makes me feel vulnerable. My first instinct is usually to want to hide but in the end, I’ve come to learn that amazing things really do happen outside of one’s comfort zone. New friends, new ideas, new experiences, pushing past fears are all part of the adventure.
It’s Okay to Slow Down
This was a big one for me but has made all the difference in my happiness. Blogging, teaching, and growing can all happen while we take the ‘scenic route’ in life. There is nothing wrong with taking a slower pace and really enjoying the simple things.
Be Authentic
You are unique and special. It is important to remind ourselves that we are great just as is. We all have gifts that are of value, and our path is our own. When we give ourselves the permission to be authentic, we begin to have the courage to dream and to believe that those dreams are indeed possible.
I’m excited to see what the future has in store for Teach Grow Love. Over the last year, I have had the pleasure of speaking at various conferences, making new friends, and the opportunity to contribute my knowledge to affect change in some of the poorest parts of Nepal. It really has been an amazing adventure thus far! I hope this quick post has resonated with you and inspires you to continue on your own creative journey. Here’s to celebrating the ordinary, the extraordinary, and one another!
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
African Proverb
X Kamini
