To be inspiring, you need to be inspired

At the end of last term, I was physically sick. Migraines, a really nasty cold were getting me down. I was creatively and pedagogically spent.

And then I had the most amazing two weeks in Japan.

I experienced so much, the language, the toilets, riding the bullet trains, art, music, cityscapes, the bamboo forests, shrines, deer and of course, a round of karaoke.

I experienced so much and couldn’t wait to share. By the end of the trip, I was chomping at the bit to be back teaching.  I felt and still feel relaxed and rejuvenated. As a result, I had a great first day back.

Teaching can be all consuming and despite my best efforts, I’m am terrible at my inability to switch off.

Yet to be inspiring sometimes you need to be inspired.

My trip to Japan was a reminder to myself that I need to go out and experience the world, nurture hobbies and passions as well as get some-well needed sleep.