from that to this…

A year ago I was living a stressful and time poor life in London. Today my schedule includes: reflection time, brunch, four hours of practical exam with my students, picking up plastic on the beach in Stone Town, sunset beer, prep for class tomorrow, a cricket podcast…

A year ago I was earning a handsome salary. Today I will earn nothing except some amazing life experiences (not a sustainable life of course, but am sure you understand the picture I’m trying to paint).

A year ago I was working on a programme about how to measure the success of learning interventions in a rich corporate organisation. Yesterday, I was trying to work out how I can help one of my students, who has reading, writing and English language challenges, learn better. He is really struggling to retain knowledge, but I can tell that he (like me) has ‘service in his blood’ so I cannot give up on him! I see the confusion and frustration in his eyes when he cannot answer my questions, and the happiness and pride when he actually does remember something. Making the materials visual and practical for him is the only way for him to pass this course, so it doesn’t matter if it takes me twice the time to prep my lessons, – but wow this is not my strength. I’m not a qualified teacher with knowledge about this stuff… Google has been working overtime for me! I just hope I can do enough for him.

A year ago I was eagerly anticipating my move to Tanzania… everything was planned and organised with a three year plan. Today I’m feeling quite calm about not knowing what is happening after Xmas.

A year ago I was a stone heavier and feeling all of my 42 years. Today I feel healthy and can at times fool myself to think I’m still 27 (not really!). 😂 Also, still need to work out an exercise routine but can’t do all at once! 

Anyway, all this to say that I find it really surreal to think about the contrasts in my life from last year to now. Of course life is never perfect and I have real low moments still and feel alone at times, but it’s better than it was… it’s more rewarding, it’s calmer and it’s happier.