LA BELLE VIE

Dress: H&M | Jacket: H&M | Sunglasses: Ebay

Here's a true story. Not too long ago I was a teacher, yup a fully fledged academic and all round bright spark who taught the future minds of tomorrow, and today. I say today as some of my 'kids' (as I fondly refer to them) are now in their 20's. I taught Business and Economic to GCSE and A Level students and I'd say I was a pretty good teacher. Professionally I was outstanding, in teaching terms that means I was a kinda bad-ass teacher, but personally I wasn't fulfilled. I never dreamt or even planned to be a teacher, the story behind it is actually ridiculous (more on that another time) so becoming one was even a shock to myself. Even though I never actually loved it, the best part about being a teacher for me was the 'kids'. As testing as they could be they kept me being a teacher - which is ironic because the young people are the very reason most people stop teaching. At school I was a naughty kid, the kind of kid that had lots of potential but too much mouth. I was always in trouble, never on time and usually in detention, that's if I turned up (sorry Mr Wallman) gosh, imagine he read this! 

I've questioned if I regret being a teacher, like if I had of pursued one of those amazing creative type jobs, I'd have been the cool girl, the envy of all my friends and basically not tied to the academic calendar and scheduled toilet breaks for the best part of my twenties. But then I realised there is nothing to regret and the grass isn't always greener, being a teacher at that time was a great decision for me. My first 'proper' job was so bloody hard that any job I've done since has been something close to a breeze, it was all kinds of a learning experience, plus it allowed me to buy my first home and I met some great people along the way. But most importantly I proved to myself (and all the doubters) that I could do anything I put my mind to, whilst doing something that is meaningful and left a mark (I hope) on the hearts and minds of 100's of young people - shout out to all my 'kids' who read this and follow me on social media :-)

So here I am, a woman reflecting on her youth, my journey so far and where it has led me. I know now more than ever that nothing stays the same, so who and what you are doing will change. Don't be defined by a situation, society's standards or what someone says your capable of. Look at me at 14 I was a crazy kid, by 22 I was teaching those crazy kids. And that's why I told this story, because I want to remind you and myself that you can do it, whatever it is don't let anyone tell you that your not capable or good enough. And even sometimes you can smack the backside out of something you never had any intention of doing - but you have to make it happen, you have got to take that first step. And if you have done it - stop, clap for yourself, show yourself a whole heap of love and now go and set yourself a new target. xx