This is part of a mural at the San Diego Zoo. There was a whole wall of the cutest and funniest pictures of pandas and this was one of my favourite segments :) I'm looking for lots of smiles today as I am incredibly anxious about next week!!Here's what happened: I found out earlier this week that International House (where I was doing the ESL teacher training) had hired me to teach. I was supposed to come in on Friday to find out the details. Somehow, I'd thought that I would be eased into the whole thing gradually as I pretty much have zero real experience. Instead, I was handed over a full time schedule, pointed in the direction of some useful resources, given a photocopy code, and that was pretty much it. So I'll be teaching four classes starting on Monday, from 9-3.45, and I don't really know what I'm doing. Hence the high anxiety level, agh!
It's funny, because when I was observing classes I was thinking, 'Wow, I really hope I have the opportunity to teach here, it's fantastic blah blah blah and I can totally do this" but now that I actually have to start teaching for real I'm scared. I'm hoping that after the first week I'll get into the swing of things and feel like I know what I'm doing. Anything brand new that you've never tried before is outside the comfort zone and takes time getting used to I guess, I just wish I wasn't quite this nervous :)
So this weekend will be all about lesson planning and trying to get well prepared. As prepared as possible :) Eek.
Have you ever felt anxious about jumping outside of your comfort zone?
Have a fantabulous weekend!
Whoa! How exciting! That is intense though, and I understand your nervousness! However, they obviously think you're totally qualified and are really keen on getting you teaching, so if anything, that should be taken as a compliment!
ReplyDeleteActually, I am totally starting to get anxious nervous about my month-intensive yoga teacher training in India, since it's coming up so soon! I'm realizing that being away for 7 weeks is a LONG time, and that 4 weeks doing yoga for 12 hours a day is going to be a TOTAL move outside my comfort zone!
That all said, I really think so much personal growth happens when we move outside our comfort zones. Keep us posted as to how it goes this week! :)
What a great adventure you're going to have! And I completely agree with you - it's when we explore outside of our comfort zones that we really grow and learn and experience life to the fullest. Life would be pretty dull if we didn't :) It's just funny how the things that I've enjoyed the most and have been most excited for in the past are also the ones that made me the most nervous and kind of scared. Like traveling or starting a new relationship.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure we'll all have wonderful experiences and feel very glad that we took a big leap and really went for it :)
Wow! I'll bet they saw how great you were teaching and wanted to have you around more often :) It may feel strange and stressful at first, but it's just more of what you've been doing, and doing so well! I can't wait to hear how it goes.
ReplyDeleteThe times when I've felt the most out of my comfort zones (traveling, taking a strong stand in class discussions, going up to a stranger and saying hello) are the times when I feel that I've grown the most. The past few years I've really tried to stretch myself, because I felt that if I didn't, I never would. Over time, trying new things and stepping outside my comfort zone has gotten easier and easier. I hope this trend continues!
I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I'm looking forward to hearing about your week :)