Teaching has become my mental health day.

When I went to teach for one summer over 2 1/2  years ago I was not prepared for the change that it would make in my life. First off I did not want to go I had worked in my own studio since 1982 and the thought of giving up my freedom to work as a loner plus one was terrifying to me. I pulled over 3 times before I finally pulled into the parking lot, making a change is hard for most of us, we like our lives, our order, the way we do our own thing. So what drove me to say yes that day? Income. I was looking for a part time job to help us make a living. Our income had dropped to what I would call a critical low. I was just about to place job applications anywhere and everywhere when the phone rang that day. I said yes, even though my heart was not in it and I was scare,yep, I was scare for many reasons.
Now, here I am after helping to take the program through some changes and waiting for them to hire a full time director, teaching one day a week. And, I enjoy it more than I can tell you. I have a great group of students who are working on a variety of levels. I have found that working with them to help grow their skills has been a real pleasure. They have pushed me and challenged me to learn more, try new things, think outside my box, problem solve, research, say, I don't know, but I will find out.
What I have gained from them is worth more than money.
The person who stepped into the role I had has taken on a new role in his life and is doing a fantastic job. I am lucky to work for and with him.
The students I have run from retired to their 20's. There is a seriousness about the work and yet, many laughs, great discussions, and at times they hold each other up, in sickness and in health.
 I enjoy watching the friendships form between the ages.

  In ending this thought I still have to say I am lucky to have not turned my car around that day to head back to my cave.
When I listen to people talk about not wanted to make a change in their lives, I think in my head, jump, you never know who might catch you.
M