Issue #16: Changes and Discomfort

Last week, I did something I never, ever thought I would do.
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I resigned from teaching.

It was my dream job. The one I was set to do for 30+ years until retirement. And I chose to walk away.

Why?

There are so many reasons--more than I can actually explain well in a single newsletter post. Maybe I’ll write a memoir about it someday, lol. Honestly, I'm still processing this transition, and I feel like I will be for some time. 

However, if I had to boil my rationale down to a single word it would be this:

Changes. 

Changes in teaching--pretty much all aspects of the job. 
Changes in my priorities.
Changes in me. 

This decision to leave did not come easily or impulsively. It was one I agonized over for years. It was scary. It was filled with unknowns compared to the relative predictability of teaching. It was uncomfortable. 

But last year, I decided to make an exit plan. I started freelancing as a copywriter for advertising and marketing, and I took classes to develop my portfolio. All while teaching English full-time. And being a baseball mom and a wife.

Needless to say, it was the most grueling 18 months of my life.

^^me this past year. Forever thankful for Jon’s help and tireless support.

Now, I’m working as a copywriter at an advertising agency. This world feels so different (in good ways) from the world I just left, and it sometimes feels a little…unreal. Like I’m going to wake up and be back to my old “normal”: sitting in my classroom, grading tests and essays, and hearing the bells ring every 55 minutes.

This process reminds me of a David Bowie song--also called “Changes”--which has these lyrics that really resonated with me: 

Chorus: 
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time

One of my students this year wrote an essay, and in their piece, they asserted the importance of being comfortable with discomfort. In that space, we can discover our potential and find the most growth. 

That idea really stuck with me, so much so that I read the essay to my own kids because I wanted them to understand that healthy discomfort shouldn’t be avoided. It is a stepping stone into a better, stronger, wiser version of ourselves. 

Packing up my classroom, saying tearful goodbyes to my beloved students and colleagues, and starting a brand new job in a brand new industry has definitely been uncomfortable. 

^^me when the emotions hit. Reader, I was no match for the torrent of tears that flooded me on my last week. 

In fact, saying goodbye to this part of my life was one of the hardest things I’ve done in a long, long time. 

But I’m embracing the hard things. The discomfort. The unknown. All of it. 

Instead of dwelling on the “what was,” I’m going to allow myself to lean on the “what could be.” 

Here’s the David Bowie song if you’d like to listen:

Pet Pics:

       ^^Our cats and pup are always on the lookout from their favorite spots around the house. 

Current Read: Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo 

I just started reading Raymie Nightingale, a middle grade book by Kate DiCamillo. It centers the story of a 10 year-old girl reeling from the sudden and unexpected abandonment from her father. Raymie constructs an elaborate plan to win him back, but it is clear from the start that the plan will not work. In the meantime, she develops an unlikely friendship with two other girls dealing with their own heartbreaks. DiCamillo puts a lot of heart and energy into this story without making it overly tragic. With short chapters and an engaging pace, DiCamillo is able to help us navigate through these characters’ genuine and sometimes messy emotions while keeping us hopeful that they will find some healing. 

                                          Topics: Grief, Loss, Friendship, Coming of Age, Family 

Writing Update: 
Jon and I are hard at work in preparation for the launch of our Crowfundr Campaign later this summer. I will be announcing the official date soon. 

​This story is one we have enjoyed developing, and we are so excited to bring it out into the world!

Here is a new version of our book cover:

I’m loving Jon’s character re-designs! Can you spot which cartoon and children’s book characters inspired this design? Hint: look at the faces and legs/feet. 
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Sanity Corner:
I’m a big fan of Lo-Fi music, especially when I’m working on anything having to do with writing, editing, or revising. 

I’ve recently discovered this station, which plays Lo-Fi versions of alternative/rock music from the 90s. 

I can’t work in silence, so instrument music is soothing and gets my creative juices flowing. 

What music do you like to listen to while working? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Also, Jon recently bought us coffee from a local Yemeni Coffee Shop, called Qamaria. It was delicious! I love that it’s a hot spot just a short walk away. Because of Qamaria, I realized that adding a small pinch of spices like the ones pictured below is a game changer for coffee. 

​I strongly recommend trying this if you’re a coffee drinker. 

That’s it for June. I will definitely be reaching out in July with more updates, so stay tuned!

Thank you for reading! If you have any friends who’d like this newsletter, feel free to share this with them. :) 

Take care,
Desi