Real, Not Ideal

I will be taking a break from the blog for an unknown amount of time. I will be having surgery in a week, and I need time to process and heal. I will still attempt to do #booktalktuesday on Instagram, so keep up with me there. -           Daniella

 To my sister, To the outside world, we are fundamentally different. You’re the one who prefers staying in, getting up early to be productive, and running for actual fun. You can’t sit through a movie, you hate physical affection, and love your bed more than anything in the world. We’re opposites in every way. Yet, you’re my other half. You’re the one that makes me laugh more than anyone, the one that makes me strive to be better more than anyone else, and the one that has been there for me more than anyone else. You’ve worked harder than anyone I know to get to where you are now. Your tunnel vision when it comes to your goals is to be admired. When you set your mind to something, you will work the hardest to make sure you get there. You’re the most loving person I know. You may not show us with loving words, daily hugs, and bringing us a fork when you get yourself one but with thoughtful gifts, well-curated TikToks sent to us, and Spotify playlists for every situation. I am

  I’ve been thinking about flexibility a lot lately. My mom told me that I was always a stubborn child that did not like change. She helped me change my room around regularly to help me learn how to become more flexible. I learned how to be flexible thorough every job I’ve had. Whether it was lifeguarding or teaching my first few years , I’ve learned how to be flexible through that in order to meet the demands of the job. I was flexible when I did my exchange , then again when I moved to Wales and then again when I moved back to Leeds. I’m past a year since I moved back home , and the past year has been filled with a ton of flexibility with finding a new job and dealing with working from home. This past year has been challenging. I recognize that I’ve been lucky in this pandemic, but that doesn’t mean it has been easy. We’re not through this yet, and being able to be flexible about the ways I teach has been a massive learning opportunity. I’ve written about being relentle