I write when I feel I have something to say, something important. Not just anything. On the other hand, I realize regularity is the key if you really want to connect with this one-sided communication mode called blog. And I’m torn. I haven’t written here for a long time now although there was so much much going on. Or maybe that’s why. Sometimes I simply feel a story worth telling needs space, time, nurture. Perhaps, giving myself the permission for that time and space was my biggest lesson in recent weeks. Perhaps. Or a major setback, no idea yet… 

Nevertheless… Oh, I love that phrase, I repeat it to my Students on writing classes over and over again… you should see their faces! Anyhow (another one…), so anyhow, I’ve recently found myself sitting in my favorite spot in our flat – the balcony, on my dream deckchair (it’s one of my weaknesses – deckchairs), sipping chilled Prosecco, with tears in my eyes.  Then I decided. 

Some time two years ago my friend contacted me and asked if she could recommend me to this school she works at, for English, perhaps some minor coaching project, let’s see. 

I agreed – I trust her, if she thought I’m a fit, I’d go for it! After some meetings and several cups of coffee I found myself supporting some Students with their daily education, English language skills, and the university applications abroad. At first, it was just incidental meetings, some diagnostic work, sometimes a bit of English. Very varied – „yes” I thought „exactly how I like it the most.” Within few months, I had some ideas too how to facilitate some processes within what I was doing. It was a great adventure for few months. 

And then. suddenly, I as the summer went by and September came, there it was… My own timetable! I had a timetable!

Let me stop here and elaborate… I haven’t had a timetable or a schedule since… well, I don’t know when…I am a master of my time, that’s how I chose, with all the ups and downs connected with it (and boy, there are many…). If I decide to work long hours, I decide, If I decide not to work, I decide (yeah, like that ever happened…). But still, even for the trainings – it is always a mutual decision when and how, never a timetable…

So, here I am, with set hours weekly, caught in the middle of a game really. I even got a name from the head of the College… I was the Educational Coach. You know this state of mixed feelings, highly mixed? Like: „Ok, I got it! There’s the change I wanted.” And then: „Oh no, I’m stuck, how on earth am I ever going to blend it into my unsteady work life?”

It took a while. I’m still not sure if the „while” was short or long. After two weeks all was ready. Actually, I was ready. And then…

…and them it turned out that my greatest fear was just…a fear. I currently work at a place where change is our daily routine. Where we adjust, sometimes within hours. Where those few stable hours a week became a blessing. 

The lockdown was and will remain a game-changer. Also for me at the college. But I think in a different way you may suspect. 

No, we didn’t stop even for a day. This place happened to be more than technically ready for online teaching and learning. Within two hours, the place was empty, everyone sent home with the promise of support and help. And yes, these were the days when the frontdesk girls used their amazing superpowers to aid us all. 

Strange days spent in front of Skype followed. No A-Levels exams, predicted grades instead, mountains of written assignments, amounting signs of social distancing, tiredness, full house, empty house, no space, too much space… all at once. 

I will always remember and tell stories about it when I’m gray and old. Stories of this one morning when I was holding classes on resilience, one of our children was randomly shouting words in English with headphones on (yep, online English lessons),  the other one running around the house for PE classes – BT headphones naturally on… and the third one away in the other room occasionally commenting on the poor IT skills of the teacher (seriously, how???) And my M on a morning meeting with his team assigning daily tasks… Crazy place I thought, not clearly remembering if the next one is on Skype, Zoom or Teams… Crazy but a bit of a dream come true too. I loved it! Of course, it was tiring, exhausting even, at times. But the gratitude in the shape of „we are together, we are handing” was and is enough. And real-life resilience lesson for all. 

This time of online turned out to be a gift that I enjoyed immensely, doing all I can to empower, support, accompany – whatever was the utmost current need. I had a chance to enter the world of a beautiful secret garden leading to grandma’s house, the space where an adorable kitten is the family’s love, the moments when a child wanted to join, when I shared the feeling of pride when deliciously looking buns were ready… I said yes to it all, allowing those I worked with feel comfortable – that’s how I like it, want it… as I praise honesty higher than an ideal image. 

As days went by, I suddenly (yes, still suddenly) found myself finishing off the classes at my college. The days became warmer, the workload slowly lessened, the summer mood was gradually taking over… 

And you know what, they did it! I did it! We all did it!

So, the school year was about to end. Phew I thought, finally… oh, wait, actually, so soon..? Really? That’s it?

One of them goes to study in the USA, the Other in the UK, another One in Barcelona (BARCELONA!!!!)… We say goodbye, thank you, enjoy the summer, good job, I’m proud…

And then suddenly I am overwhelmed. My throat goes dry, the voice trembles, my eyes get watery… What the… I’m thinking…. And the Unexpected happens. I got attached. 

I have no doubt when I say, from the bottom of my heart, I wish you all there is to wish for the game-changers, badasses, rulers, visionaries, creators… you certainly changed my way of working, perceiving, planning… 

May the odds be ever at your favor Dear Friends! And the Unexpected visit you as often as possible…

Remember, you are worth it!

We are worth it!

And you? When was the last time you noticed the Unexpected?