If I could use one word to describe my attitude in the reflection of the school year it would be “uninspired.” It shocks me to say it, and I certainly do not blame it on anyone but myself. What I realize now is I allowed myself to slip back into a place I vowed never to return and had become complacent with my actions and thoughts.
I don’t really believe that I did a horrible job or caused any permanent damage, but I know for sure I didn’t do everything I could to have a positive effect on my staff and students. Years ago I had an experience that knocked me to my knees professionally and left my self-esteem reeling. I took the time I needed to recover and in the end felt it was one of the most life changing and attitude adjusting experiences I have ever had. Out of the negative came many positives. Out of the negative came the realization that I was in control of my life and how I was going to react to my experiences.
What I have realized lookng back now on my “unispired” year is that I lost sight of my passions. The things that really drive me through each day took a back seat and, instead, I was caught up in moving through each day in survival mode. I allowed things around me and decisions that were out of my control to dictate my attitudes.
Writing this first blog post is only the beginning of my new journey. This is the first of, what I hope will be many, blog posts to come. I want to refocus, learn from others, change my mindset so I can charge back to my students and staff with the attitude and drive they deserve to have from me.
So…back to my passions I go!
Principal Smart's Blog 
I also felt that this year I didn’t do everything I could have. Great job figuring out what you want to do to change that!
Excellent start! It’s great to see you writing, reflecting, and sharing your journey! It’s isn’t easy to put yourself out there for others to see. Well done!
At the end of this year I began to worry about burn-out. After all, I made it ten years. But after attending a conference and getting that feeling again, I knew it was just a bump in the road. Congratulations on finding your refocus – may you recharge those in your care this school year!