It’s the last day of school for my students. It’s also the last post I’m going to make for the year. I’m closing out the year on two different fronts.

From a professional standpoint, I’ve done a lot of growth. I attended a teaching conference this year. I’m implementing some new policies and procedures. I’m working on my classroom management and just being better overall. I know there’s still room for improvement, but I like the things I’m doing and the direction I’m headed.

Personally is a little bit of a different story. On some aspects, I’ve hit a lot of milestones. I’m doing a lot of things I love and figuring out more about myself every day. In a number of ways, I’m a lot better than where I was in January.

But in other cases, I know I’ve missed the mark. I’ve stumbled, I’ve fallen, I’ve gotten out of routines. I’m not perfect, and it can be hard sometimes.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year is the idea of giving grace. I give grace to my students because they come from a lot of pain. I give grace to my friends and family because life gets in the way. And I’m learning to give grace to myself. I’m not perfect, and that’s okay. The perfection I strive for is unattainable.

There is still so much to learn and so much to do. I’m thankful for this year and all the things it taught me, even if it wasn’t always good. I’m still learning, still growing, and still working on me. I’ve learned, and I’m so thankful to be able to continue on this journey.

In this last portion of the year, do some analyzing of yourself. Did you hit your goals? Where did you fall short? What can you work on? What do you succeed at?

I know within this time, it easy to get lost in buying presents and planning parties, but don’t get so caught up in those fun things that you lose some of who you are. Don’t neglect your goals and dreams just because it’s the end of the year.