2021: Focusing on different Priorities

As the year is slowly closing in, I could not just go by without mentioning the highlights of my 2021. With all the shimmering, hurrahs and wows, it is inevitable to say the least that obstacles and hardships were also faced amongst the most rewarding of all.

I am more than just my work

The Pandemic continues

The taboo behind this pandemic is still stronger than empathy, making it harder to discuss the elephant in the room with any other but yourself. The pointing, the gossips, the judgments and the panic, forced us to be blindsided when being ethical and morally supportive to those effected by the pandemic was by far more important than selfishness. The hardest part of it all was the he say-she say, instead of dropping in for a chit-chat or a simple call. No one is at fault and no one is immortal nor immune! Therefore going in this year with an open mind to get proper information was given a priority from my end. Like everyone else I too am Covid tired and can't wait to get back to where we (kind of) left off... but in the meantime I simply live by as well as I could and in the best way I know how.

Looking at this year from a humanitarian point of view has helped me stay in touch with my dearest.... Whether they are vaccinated or not, whether they agree with mask wearing or not, whether they have had courage to attend protests or not, whether they have been found positive or negative to the virus, whether they have sent their child to schools or not, whether they have been working from home or out in public, whether they have been front liners or not.... because this is what humans do!

Of course my fears contributed to my anxiety and the possibility of the unknown factor is my weakest link, however I observed, evaluated and followed through day by day. It is what kept me going throughout 2021 and gave me a better understanding of the values from my roots

Humanity is what matters

It is more than just Professional Growth

A window of opportunities to collaborate and grow as a person. 2021 was a year in which my CV grew along with my networks. Not only did I blossom in work outside my school but I managed to become more wholesome in what I do in and out of class too. Stripping away my comfort, my resources and my class was the hardest part until I was able to settle in what matters most, and that is the process of teaching and learning. Being naked from what was normality brought back innovation and creativity! It sparked room for better understanding of what my purpose is and how I can facilitate growth better. Sustainable resources instead of cluttering, brought back the beauty and joy of loose parts play, storytelling and more. It brought back my passion for playful matters instigating me to revisit theorists such as Dewey, Piaget, Froebel and Vygotsky in order to refresh my pedagogy. The more I read the more I got intrigued to puzzle pieces together to the whys, the what's and the how's.

Less is more

I can nit pick on what I needed but I would have then missed out of something better! I therefore grew in self-reflection and was not afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I put my foot down when I needed too and diplomatically said, "no" to situations which I deemed not fittingly. It was not out of rudeness but rather as an open invitation for debates, leading to conversations and collaborations. I didn't have to bow down or feel belittle! Instead I stepped away with better understanding, increased network and a clear conscious

Diving in Head first

YES!!! The word that was frequently used in my vocabulary throughout 2021. Whether it was for presentations, teaching opportunities, research collaborations, e-learning, moderating online courses/groups, sharing practice, proposals, testimonials, mentoring and my latest of all enrolling again into something fearful which will soon commence in 2022. With a year that gave us less time to mingle physically, at least it gave us room to socialise online through various platforms, making my digital competencies stronger than ever. 2021 was the year I challenged my boundaries, I explored what it takes to reach new heights and by far made a bunch of friendships in the process. Of course with a few hiccups here and there, but worth the risk everytime.

My expansion on the media has grown drastically and I am not talking about social media interactions! I have learnt how to mask mishaps during live online presentations or how to engage an online audience during seminars, workshops, webinars, events and more. My public speaking skills have taken me back to when I had time to perform with an audience. I had all the knowledge in my head, so carrying myself throughout a presentation was successful at the end because I was confident while nervous at the same time.

Photo credits to Alexia Baldacchino and eTwinning Malta

Everytime I said "YES" to something, I had to commit and while my impulsiveness was eager, gitty and smiling all the way, my nerves got to me at times too. I had times when I was overwhelmed, burnt out or simply exhausted, while other times I had self-doubt, fear and I still have a detailed vision of my low self esteem. Luckily with the support of my closest friends and love from my family, I managed to believe in myself as much as they do. I carried my way throughout the year with so much opportunities that by far topping this one would be hard. I made my opportunities worthy of my time

The ones who stayed and the ones who are long gone

We all have them! Whether they are keyboard warriors, online trolls, bystanders, gossipers, rumour starters or drama kings/queens, everyone can relate to someone who tried to step in your way a few times more than others. This year I had many of which I thought were close but indeed they were very afar. Jealousy of where I stand was in abundance but instead of falling down to their little talks and insecurities, I built my circle stronger than ever. I let go of grudges by simply ignoring the thirst for unnecessary attention and moved my focus onto meaningful matters. Think with me here! I am sure you can all relate to someone who has a thirst to make others feel small, be it by actions or talk.

As open as I am, I am also very private. My work life and my private life are two separate things. While some think I'm an extrovert, only a few truly know that I'm an ambivert. My closest and tightest peeps know when I need a hug, a shoulder or their heart. This year unfortunately I had to distance myself from a few because I was misunderstood and while I'm the kind of person who fears no confrontation, I am not the one to start up an awkward moment neither. So I move back to listen less, know only what is necessary and keep away from anything other than what benefits my closest friendships.

With Stephanie Mizzi my best friend and a mother figure to my son Luca (middle)

Some may blame the latter due to the pandemic, the change, the isolation or even on myself, to which I respect their opinion and move forward from there. The ones who stuck around are the ones that matter most. They know me, my family and my circle. My shenanigans have been shared with the most dearest and our laughs were endless and powerful. During a year which offered constant uncertainty at least I managed to pin down my inner circle of people whom I can be my true self with. We talked about school, students, family, friends, food, holidays, memories and more.

I am not just Ms. Charmaine

So this year whether it was the pandemic, growing holistically, challenging yourself or even finding yourself, remember that at the end of the day you made it through. Your work did not define who you are and your job description did not stop you from believing! My recommendation is to not have any high expectations for 2022. Instead let it work out day by day and live the moment as you go. Don't limit yourself just because of your work. Be open and spread further to explore what else lays ahead.

Get yourself kicking and moving by following your heart but most of all make yourself a priority because you are worth it everyday for the next 365 days.

Happy New year everyone!