Daily Vlog | Something's Got to Change

[@planningcalm]

I’ve been feeling like this for the last four years. I’m depressed because teaching is nothing like is use to be. I’m been teaching for 25 years and so much has changed and not in a good way. I deal with racism, defiance, lack of support and gaslighting just to name a few and it is taxing on one’s mental and physical health. You’re not alone. Thank you for talking so openly about this. Be well and be brilliant my friend😊❤

[@SmartieStylelr]

Hang in there. I am so sorry that you have dealt with all you have dealt with over the years.

[@LaurieReynoldsReed]

One saying is "You can not pour from an empty cup" ...we all have to replenish ourselves otherwise we are depleted.

[@RobDawnFenwick]

I felt that way too. I started meds and I feel so much better. It may feel like you are alone, but there are many others standing with you feeling the same feels. You are a great teacher from what I have seen. Take care of you!

[@MichelleGayscienceteacher]

I know how you feel! I have seasonal depression and this time of the year is hard emotionally and physically. One suggestion I have is to plan a nice trip for yourself so you have something to look forward to. Blessing

[@SmartieStylelr]

I really need to. I am overdue for a good travel session.

[@acivilright]

Curriculum development, education-focused companies. Instructional design.

[@theteachingfiles7628]

I have been feeling the same way for the last 3 years. I appreciate you talking about burnout so openly. Praying for us all❤

[@iciedanielle4490]

I seriously relate to the perpetual to-do list. I'm really flabbergasted at the amount of work I'm doing daily within and beyond contract hours!😵‍💫 Hang in there. Break is on the way!

[@lillianwashington7767]

I have been dealing with depression on & off for years now. The past month I just felt numb, no joy, or just hurt. Long story short...my job had a wellness program. I went to a free stretch session, which made me want to go back for a full session. The instructor I had said that she was leaving & going to focus on her yoga practice. That made me think about how I haven't done yoga in a long time. She told me about how we hold stress in our body, which I never thought about. I pray & exercise but I don't take the time to release stress from my body. I am still praying through some issues & trying to figure out my next steps but I have started doing yoga again. It has helped me feel like I am releasing the stress that my body has been holding for a while. You mentioned the meditation & these things really help to calm the mind. When your mind is calm you can better think about the next steps you want to make & pray for God's guidance. It will all work out. Side note: I wanted to add that when you find your method to release the stress from your body, a lot of emotions will come up. Try not to question them, just let it flow because you're releasing.

[@ginaprosser3595]

Love this.

[@SmartieStylelr]

I used to do yoga at a studio regularly and it really did help. I have thought if there is a way for me to add that to my monthly expenses. Perhaps when I pay off my treadmill at the beginning of the year. I do think that is an element of self-care that is missing in my life. Currently, all of the body care that I do is pretty intense which is adding a different type of stress on my body.

[@lillianwashington7767]

@SmartieStylelr until you are able to find an affordable yoga studio, KZbin is an alternative. I just do Yoga with Adrienne on KZbin for free. She has a lot of videos & also meditation videos.

[@Klassroomkronicles]

Hey there! I'm sorry to hear you've been in a funk. It is definitely scary being in education, being a woman and in a minority right now. Please know you're not alone. I love watching your videos as you're such an inspiration to me! Have been for years. ❤ We got this!

[@FocusOnWhatYouLove-t6c]

I have been doing bed yoga. That's the level of energy I have had, but it helps to motivate me to want to get on the treadmill. The level of despair that I have felt since the election is awful. All I can say is I'm trying. Wishing those of us who value democracy the best. 💜💜💜💜

[@lovelygenise8178]

Sending prayers to you bc as a teacher I totally understand the burnout that you’re feeling. So often teachers are having to pour from an empty cup with not much time to recover. I think I’m learning in my current season that a change needs to happen like taking more time for myself and to rest. Taking days off has helped too ♥️ you got this!

[@LynnDanielleTreasure]

A friend is taking short-term FMLA. The struggle is real.

[@SmartieStylelr]

It truly is!

[@teachjackie9667]

Teach at an alternative school like me: guard in the classroom, no parents, observations without pain

[@christinalove6351]

I just wanted to say that I have been watching your channel on and off for years! ❤You inspire me to make it back to the classroom someday even though I relate with how you feel currently so deeply! Thank you for always keeping it real!

[@bmccray4657]

I was just having the same conversation a few days ago. With over 25 years as an educator, I have reached the point of having no desire to continue on and will be considering transitioning to something else. The burn out is real. It’s so sad because many of us had such a strong passion for educating kids. Unfortunately, this climate is not worth the mental anguish.

[@SmartieStylelr]

In some ways when you are this far in, you feel trapped in a sense. I have no idea what my future holds, but the profession is truly draining the passion out of teachers which is ultimately bad for students.

[@theteachingfiles7628]

It is interesting to hear you say going back to elementary will help. I did the reverse switch (ms to elementary) 2 years ago and did the same roles as you in middle school and still feel like elementary is more work with all the subjects. It’s all hard, I guess choosing which hard we can manage is the question. Sending good vibes!

[@kristyboyd4809]

What makes me so discouraged is that so many incredible teachers are thinking of this too. Something has got to change. I've honestly thought if we strike it won't be over pay but the LACK of support in the face of unbelievable disruption to learning. That's my world anyway.

[@pamela.imagines.p10]

Zephaniah 3:17. The Lord your God is with you. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing. God definitely rejoices you. He gave you so many gifts (Humor, love, compassion, wisdom, determination, and more). Many of us feel defeated, but I'm not going to let evil win. On another note, I used to buy a Starbucks often from 2003-2023 and say it was my vice since I don't drink, smoke, or etc. I stopped going and decided to make my own coffee at home and fancy it up. I play a little Jazz, relax a little longer at home, and breathe in peace before going to work. It has saved a lot of money. I added a good breakfast and enjoy the extra time, gas, and money. This set me up for a hopeful day. Begin the morning with only positive actions and that is something no one can take from you. You are a blessing and I hope you continue to find ways to renew your mind and stay healthy.

[@SmartieStylelr]

That is what working out is for me...when I get it done. I love your routines and wish I could add that, but if I did I would have to wake up at like 3 in the morning. I am not sure if I have that in me.😅

[@teachloveinspire561]

Watching the dogs made me so happy...they are so cute playing together! Making a change would be a good idea...elementary school might be worth a try :)

[@teachjackie9667]

Cute but Whoopie was bullying Lula: jerking/yanking.😊❤

[@SmartieStylelr]

@@teachjackie9667 It's payback because she definitely bullies him. 😂He also plays with his toys alone like that.

[@nenelady7049]

A lot of this seems like perimenopause symptoms. I’m 60 and my 40 s were sooo difficult. I felt like I was losing my mind, always exhausted, tapped out. I have since learned that at that age, when it starts, you can’t take as much stress as you used to, and need much more rest. I wish I had known this at that time. Maybe talk to your obgyn and see if they can help. God bless.

[@SmartieStylelr]

I’m planning on meeting with a doctor or doing some research on what I need to do to feel better.

[@samiyahkams5547]

I definitely understand how you are feeling because I’m going through some of those emotions as well. I may switch to another county and hopefully get a non instructional position. Right now I am a special ed interrelated elementary teacher. I’m over all of the micromanaging and paperwork expectations. By the way, your hairstyle looks great on you.

[@erinichole3]

Sending prayers to you as a teacher. I have been feeling the burnout this year as well and it feels like its much worse than it has been in the past. Seeing excellent teachers like you struggle but keep going despite the obstacles has inspired me to do the same.

[@SmartieStylelr]

Thank you! Your words encourage me to keep fighting through the difficult times.

[@wendyzellers2288]

I was just having a similar conversation with a coworker about that exact topic. If we took a poll on our campus of how many teachers are on either anxiety medication or mood stabilizers for depression, it would absolutely shock people. The amount of stress and responsibility we are required to carry without any concern at all for our mental or physical health is just astonishing!

[@SmartieStylelr]

The job can be very toxic if you let it. That is why we all need to work to establish professional boundaries for ourselves. I am in the process of working on that.

[@samanthaspencer8167]

Thank you so much for your consistency with vlogging! You have no idea show much you motivate me to be the best teacher I can be. Also, it seems like you are worried about the election because we don’t know what’s to come. It will be okay. Dont be worried about what you can’t control. It will drive you insane. Just keep living and being your best self. Continue to take care!

[@SmartieStylelr]

I am trying, but it is definitely easier said than done when I feel deep in my soul that this country is headed in such a dangerous direction.

[@mariluzreal7784]

You are not alone!

[@francesharrigan1374]

God Speaks to us in dreams. You were wondering as you fell asleep if were you depressed. I think your dream was God confirming your awareness. Take care of you. This year of teaching is challenging, as always, but more so mentally. The atmosphere and environment surrounding education is extremely ---- (fill in the blank). To you and everyone else, let’s be intentional about taking care of ourselves. 🙏🏾💕

[@shannonluzchris]

I'm not a teacher but I work in an After School Program and I am so tired and drained. And now that you mentioned it I've been have been feeling empty too and my cup is dry. October was pretty hard mentally and emotionally, so this month I'm being really intentional with prioritizing self care and boundaries. Meditating has been helpful. Also, if you sign up using your work email, you can get a premium Headspace account, which helps me with customizable meditation sessions

[@SmartieStylelr]

I tried Headspace with my work email, but it still asked me to pay for the membership.

[@charlangethompson1982]

Your are an amazing teacher. A llot of teachers are feeling the burn out in Houston Texas also.

[@YT4Me57]

I went through some deep depression for a few days after the election. It’s been a struggle to pull myself up out of that pit! In response to stress we often crave rest/sleep, As you said, this is a season to allow ourselves a measure of grace.

[@tokyolover86]

No to going back to elementary, it’s wild down here, send help!

[@trujackson9747]

Love your content. 2 things- I have went through something similar with my dentist. It’s like they were price gouging. They prices went up, I had to pay for random things. I just found another dentist. 2nd- I don’t know how it is in California but here in Florida my sister is an educator and she was told based on her years of experience that she can take some mental health credits and become a mental health counselor. She is currently pursuing that so she can transition in a hospital or private practice.

[@carolinacastro-22]

Getting closer to God Ms. That's the change humanity needs as a top priority.😊 You will see results sooner rather than later. Then, start taking care of everything else that needs to be taken care of. Greetings.

[@cckay80]

I totally understand. Because of many of the reasons you stated and some others, I transitioned out of teaching into a career in corporate training. It’s the best decision I ever made. If you ever want to chat about this career path, feel free to message me.

[@SmartieStylelr]

I will definitely keep that in mind.

[@FinniusFog]

This is exactly how I feel, although I'm not a teacher. Everything else, this could have been me talking--especially about planning on exercising and not doing it

[@kiddanger11]

I had the same issue about not wanting to work out the following day. What helped me a lot was dynamic stretching the night before, right before bedtime. After stretching, I enjoy some of that everlasting water to help me face the challenges of the new day. Continued success, always in my prayers.

[@vickykaragiannis146]

Not to dismiss what your feeling because I completely agree with all the issues in education and I feel I can relate to you as we have similar personalities. I'm going to just take a risk and put this out there (hopefully without offending you) but could it be that your entering perimenopause? I feel the same and was told by someone that it causes changes in the body-mentally and physically. So I will be checking this out through my next scheduled blood test.

[@SmartieStylelr]

Yes, that is possible. It is something I need to investigate.

[@kelrubino340]

Change dentist. Only need a cleaning once a year continue to floss and use mouthwash. Run!

[@StephanieRace17]

I had the same thing done at my mammogram. It’s a little unnerving as they put that chip thing in without telling me. I guess though moving forward, it’s been recognized as just dense tissue.

[@arleenwilliams5600]

That color looks great on you and you look really youthful with that new hairstyle (not that you ever looked old, lol). I wish you peace in this uncertain climate.

[@portialewis1826]

Year-end blahs/blues, social jetlag, burnout, etc. are temporary. Depression is long-term. I think you are purposefully looking for your sweet spot between work and what makes life enjoyable to you. Be whole and well.

[@SmartieStylelr]

Yes, that is what my therapist has pointed out. I don't think I am depressed, I think that I am realizing I need to change and also seeing that change is hard and tiring sometimes as you work to find what changes need to be made to feel a certain level of personal peace and contentment.

[@YT4Me57]

There’s a ministry in "No". Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

[@fdoctor79]

I am believing one day you will be able to take a sabbatical whether that's a few months or longer. That reset could do you some good. I love your hair btw! ❤️ Tfs

[@fdoctor79]

Although I am not a Medical Doctor, do you think you are going through perimenopause?

[@SmartieStylelr]

That would be amazing, just not financially feasible for me. That is why I try to totally detach from teaching during my breaks.

[@SmartieStylelr]

@@fdoctor79 It is certainly possible.

[@ReignBeauxStar]

Yes, i too feel empty. I feel like i have POURING into many but not only not getting poured back into but basically getting squeezed for the last drop. EMPTY INDEED. In the car you spoke on what youd do if it were not teaching. Do you have a clue on what you would do?

[@SmartieStylelr]

No clue really. I've heard project management has been popular, but I have no clue what that is really.

[@NorvilleNorville]

I wanted to say you are an excellent educator. Is it possible to have a another teacher on campus assist you with leadership so it can be co-run? I was also even thinking maybe letting the leadership students start handling more of the decision making.

[@SmartieStylelr]

There are three of us. One at the 6th grade level, one at the 7th grade level and me. However, they are relatively new to the positions so we are still working out how to proper divide an conquer everything. Also, my leadership kids do as much as they can. I am all about delegating appropriate levels of responsibility. Trust me...lol!

[@rhoyalt_time8992]

You mentioned the election. I know that the results from this election has stressed me out. I can't even say the pledge with my students right now. I look at everyone and wonder who they voted for. I know everything happens for a reason. As a Christian, I need to let my emotions go because He has me but it's so hard. Pray for me everyone.

[@SmartieStylelr]

Agreed. I’m working trusting that there is a reason for all of this.

[@MrMarino930]

What's crazy is that when you were driving to work I was thinking "would she consider going back to teaching elementary school?" and now you're discussing that at home lol

[@marie-louisedekort9360]

Thank you for being so real. I am feeling the same. Something has to change, but I don’t know what. Being a teacher is hard lately. I don’t even live in the USA, but I was so sad because of the election results. Just lost my faith in humanity.

[@SmartieStylelr]

Same here. So, disappointed in my country right now.

[@brandypowell8281]

They are taking your money. The dentist don’t fall for that.

[@deshannapratt990]

Have you ever thought about a support teacher role? That’s an option.

[@SmartieStylelr]

Do you mean as a support to people pursing their credential? I have thought about it, but I believe it would be a big dip in my overall income.

[@deshannapratt990]

@@SmartieStylelr no I’m actually referring to teachers that support other teachers in the classroom. Here in Georgia we have ESOL teachers, EIP teachers. We work with students in small groups. So we are one the same pay scale as classroom teachers.

[@regisnyder]

The dental office issue: my mouth dropped when you said they had you coming in every 4 months! I wish my dentist would! 🫨 Especially just for a cleaning! No way! As for the uncertainty with education in this country, I figured families are going to soon find out how much having their children educated when a teacher’s going rate will be much higher since they will be considered independent contractors. I’m not making light of this situation but some people will be in the FAFO era soon.

[@teachjackie9667]

Is high school an option? I love it! You could be a test away.

[@SmartieStylelr]

It is on the list of options. I just feel as though the subjects I want to teach are always hard to get into, but it is definitely on my list.

[@TheRealwithRuthie]

🫶🏽🙏🏽

[@Eddiesenses]

Beautiful

[@teresafavors9148]

It’s just awful these days we are living in..😢

[@jamarconway4459]

If you do go back to elementary school would you be willing to teach second grade or going back to teaching third grade 😁

[@SmartieStylelr]

Third would be the lowest I would go.

[@jamarconway4459]

Good luck 😃 Miss Robinson third grade will be happy to have you back.

[@jamarconway4459]

@@SmartieStylelr if I came out of retirement I would be teaching third grade 😁

[@jamarconway4459]

@@SmartieStylelr would you ever consider teaching fourth grade

[@Prophetmother]

Long time viewer here... I'm sorry you're feeling this way... I'm a therapist and also make guided meditation videos, maybe there's one you will find helpful... I'm glad you are using the tools your therapist is suggesting. You're right though, something has to change because the coping tools only help so much when the problem is deeper, if your environment is toxic, or if it's a hormonal imbalance. I've heard of so many educators helped by moving abroad, taking a sabbatical abroad, or retiring early. Picky Girl Travels the World is one of them and she has a video called Should You Take a Vacation, Sabbatical, or Retreat? kzbin.infoyJ0QjDYl2nk?si=fVGn_jGvZSRZr7Nu

[@SmartieStylelr]

I love the idea, just not sure if I could financially afford to take a sabbatical or a leave.

[@tsgrant89]

Latawyna, I'm not sure you want to dlirt with the idea of coming down to elementary school. Elementary is crazy!!! I think you have outgrown being a classroom teacher. Your platform is so much bigger. That may be why the satisfaction isn't there. Pray about, and I will pray for you as well. I have also given thought about what all I can do outside of education. We definitely need a plan.🫤

[@SmartieStylelr]

I know the elementary environment than what I left it, based on the things I have heard at union meetings. I pray that God guide me on my career path everyday because I feel like I am at such a place of uncertainty with my professional life.

[@jamarconway4459]

@@SmartieStylelr you are a excellent teacher can I ask you something does your district offer looping as a option if so have you thought about dropping down to 7th grade and going back up to teaching 8th grade.