The Transformation

The Transformation – You conquer the fears that tried to kill your spirit in the Abyss. You have revelations about who you are and what you want out of life. You make peace with who you were when you were younger and less enlightened. You shed your old skin and emerge from your tests as a stronger, wiser, more fulfilled version of you with a renewed sense of purpose.~from The Hero's Journey

I've emerged from the dark abyss. I've slain a few dragons, and faced more than a few fears. I'm ready to leave this valley and begin another journey towards the summit.

I connect with new people and develop new friendships. I return to my first career, teaching. It's been 16 years since I stepped foot in a classroom. This time I am the sage, and I pay it forward in homage to all the veteran teachers who mentored me years ago.

I am determined not to let work be the hub of my wheel. I want more: more fun with my husband and kids, more time for self reflection and meditation, more ways to exercise and most of all- more time to write.

Journaling is good for self-reflection, but a little voice urged me to share my musings with others. I initially balked at the thought of a blog. I was never comfortable sharing my deep feelings with others.

"In Transition" was aptly named as a stronger, wiser me is slowly emerging, but I've learned a valuable lesson. Life is always in a state of transition.

The Call

The Call – you feel that your current life is not enough. You feel restless, dissatisfied. A crisis or series of crises may crop up, forcing you to reexamine your priorities and life path.

~ from "The Hero's Journey

The call came when I was in my late thirties. I was a stay-at-home mom for a number of years following a ten year career as a teacher. I had loved my job-both the students and the teachers. The plan was to take one year off to stay home with my new baby and four year old. One year stretched into six as my then husband was transferred to a new location every two years.

I loved raising my children, and my days were full. I had cleaned and painted every room, created a scrapbook for each child. My linen closet was color coded, and the garden flourished.

But it wasn't enough. My brain spun around in circles. I had so much mental energy that needed an outlet. I was lonely in each new city. My husband was married to his work, and my best friends were the cashiers and bag boys at the local supermarket.

So I began to write. Writing was a way to record the soul scream that welled up within me. I bought a journal and poured out all of the feelings and musings; the frustrations and loneliness.

For the next few years my journals were my only refuge from the pain of loneliness and isolation I had begun to feel within in marriage. That soul scream grew louder until it leapt off the page and forced me to act.

Creative Discipline

This is my 100th blog post since beginning this project over a year ago.

I haven't always been faithful. There were long pauses between thoughts, especially last fall-winter. I was kind of busy trying to stay afloat in the sea of confusion that defined my job most of the year.

So, this summer I wanted to make some changes: more exercise, more mindful eating, more creative outlets to balance the lack of creativity that comes with teaching to state mandated standards.


I decided in July that I would give myself a challenge; write everyday. I don't mean just blog everyday, but to also get back into the habit of journalling regularly.

I find that I need the daily discipline as much as I crave the creative outlet. I've have a deep desire to get all of the thoughts crowding my brain, clamoring for attention down on a page. It's a driving need that helps me stay balanced and sane.


So far, so good. I have blogged religiously for the last 22 days and I have recorded my thoughts in my journal, too.

I found a cool app that allows me to write a quick summary of my day, and I am exercising more (walking and yoga), and eating less.

Life is good. But now comes the tricky part-maintaining all these disciplines when the school year begins.

Wish me luck!