Let us "Normalise"

Can we start normalising the fact that it is OK not to check your work emails on the weekends or holidays? Yes it can wait! Whatever it is.... It can!!! Before all this instant technology, urgent matters had other ways of being waited upon. Why not now? Switch off and take your time off. Respect your own time! Work CAN wait your time can not.

Sailing in Sicily

Can we start normalising that we don't need to feel guilty for phoning in sick when we have no other option but recover? Sick is sick! Point blank!! Take care of yourself before you take care of others.

Warm Embraces for comfort

Can we start normalising standing fearless when stating our mind in a civil consultation even when it's context is debatable? Agree to disagree, move on and set peace. Not being on the same wavelength doesn't need to become the group chat gossip or getting disheartened to speak up about your truth. You do you and move on!

Making my kind of lemonades from lemons

Can we start normalising that it is OK to have work friends outside of work and that it is FINE not to invite the whole lot? Sure we like to be inclusive but let's be realistic, being invited on an outing simply for "sympathy" is a bore. We are colleagues and work together but friendships go beyond and no I don't envy the groups that meet, chat, post and proclaim their friendships without sending me an invitation. Go have fun and ENJOY with your friends. I do the same too!

Bingo Night with some work friends in Aid of Lucas

Let us normalise the critics in face of a disagreement because it is then when everything is laid on the table. Face the critics, challenge your thoughts and reflect. You might find situations in which you may have a change of heart, get inspired or reflect on yourself. Don't do it because everyone else is doing it! Do it because you believe in what you do and when you feel you have no choice, remember that YES you always do.

First time experimenting with Pink Hair (2016)

Let us normalise taking our days off without justifying it to others around us. No need to explain anything about your plans should you not wish to share. They are yours, take them and spare minimal details unless you feel you should need to or if you need proof of evidence. OFF with anything work related, unwind, switch off and do YOU. All other things can wait!

As a Parent my days OFF are this Important

Let us normalise mental health issues and develop a safe community where we can feel safe to vent out too. Stigma is pretty much still there. NO... sending an email about how we have access to well-being is not enough. It actually needs to be passed through with the necessity human resources, available support network and most of all individual drop-ins which can help all to vent out without fearing of losing their jobs. Mental health needs prioritising in education not just with children but the workers too. Let us normalise panic attacks, anxiety, depression, bipolar, eating disorders, PTSD, ASD, ADHD and so much more, because we all have something that may trigger us which needs attended too as much as a bruise, bleeding or a broken arm.

Mindful settings for a Mindful Body & Soul

Let us normalise getting paid for our presentations at seminars, conferences etc the same way as any other professionals do. Why should we do the work just to uplift our CV or LinkedIn profiles, when we have families to feed, look after and most of all spend time with? Yes let us get paid for showing up at a PD session outside school buildings but during school hours. After all, aren't we suppose to be promoting self professional development? Or should we just don't give a fickle and simply say NO even when we really and truly wish to reply with a YES PLEASE?

Equal Pay not Peanut Payments

Let us normalise giving a justified warrant to all those hard working educators who deserve it. You put in the work to study, fulfil everything on your job's requirements and above all work endlessly to reach your goals. So why not get the right recognition? Why mess with loopholes when there are professional educators teaching from childcare all the way to university students, who are doing the same kind of mentorships, care, educational strategies and above all love? Yes everyone teaches different age groups but everyone has put in the efforts and dedication... So why not get warranted for what is truly deserving?

YES we have EARNED IT

I can keep listing the things I feel need to be prioritised and most of all normalised. Whether anyone likes to hear it or not, I am frustrated, annoyed and getting fed up of situations in which I have to let things go just because "it is what it is". If we don't stand up to make change then change will not happen. If we don't take the bull from it's horns we will remain as we are. So this is my two cent about what is putting me off and on edge. Once all passionate educators are lost, the inevitable things can happen. It is a cycle we live by and we need to voice out what we feel. Only then we can stand on our two feet with pride and say "I said it and I'm ready to change it".

What else do you think needs to be added?