I am reminded

Edited: I originally had numbered statements but after reading Jan's reflection on the day, I decided to elaborate.

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I'm was invited to an event titled Hawai'i Educators Write retreat today as an alumni of the Hope Street Group Teacher Fellowship.

The retreat was held on the beautiful and serene campus of Kāne'ohe Elementary.  This campus is BEAUTIFUL.

I always feel nervous going to something for the first time, especially if I'm not quite sure about its purpose.  

My initial nervousness caused me to not look carefully on the sign in sheet which was organized by first name (I'm a Y) rather than last name (I'm an A) and I thought I was left off for some reason because I also did not get the confirmation in the days prior; only the email mention of the bento being changed.  The helpful person ran off to ask about me since I thought I wasn't on the list. 😵‍💫😭😵  

I'm so sorry, I can read.  Is this what happens to our kids sometimes?  Good thing she didn't lecture me after my mistake.  I would have felt worse.

After that, perhaps with the location in my hometown, at the school of a leader I know, at the school of my niece and nephews, a place where I once played soccer, seeing familiar faces I have never seen in "real life" or for a while, I felt settled and at peace and at home.

THESE types of convenings invigorate me because I get to be a learner.  No student, faculty, staff, or parent demands, simply learning - with music, in nature, because I chose it.

The types of educators who attend these sessions are energetic, hopeful, passionate, curious, and THESE are my favorite educators (or people in general) to be with.  Their energy fills my bucket.

When I saw my former leader, Jan Iwase, and knowing this was about writing, I realized I have not written in a long time 🥺.

So here I am, reminded of my writing, reminding me of my voice.  What will I do next?  How do I bring all the parts of me forward?