Amy M. Schaefer
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From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor.  It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone!  (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)
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Stress Should Be Considered A Four Letter Word

5/31/2016

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Picture
Image from rockinteachmaterials.blogspot.com
I'm pacing outside the door to the room where I will proctor yet another End of Grade Test, anxious before the process even began, when I noticed the bulletin board outside the classroom. The theme was "our internal speech", i.e. how to turn around a negative perspective. For example, one item on the board said, "I hate this subject"...and beneath it, the corrected version was, "What am I missing that makes this subject anxious for me?" As I read through the blurbs on the board meant for elementary aged eyes, I began to internally apply them to my forty-six year old viewpoint.

How many times do we, as adults, get angry or frustrated with something and let those feelings cloud what's really going on inside? I know for me, it is far too frequent, but I am aware of, and actively working to change that. Trust me, it's a S-L-O-W process (...what's that dumb adage about  teaching an old dog new tricks?)! Today during our school's EOG process, I found myself feeling more and more stressed out by various events that were taking place. As those feelings of irritation and anxiety reached a crest, I was able to stand guard in a room filled with easy-going students having lunch after a very long morning. Their happy chatter, although a bit on the noisy side, began to drain away my tension. Students who knew me, saw me, wanted hugs. Students who didn't, asked who I was an engaged me in fun conversation. It was a room filled with warmth, smiles, and interesting food items packed in colorful lunch boxes, and the entire scene just flat out made me happy. Plus, at least five adults came by to ask me if I'd had a chance to eat, fussing over me the same way they might with the kids. It was quite lovely.

I know that part of my problem is when I think something is "wrong", I am very adamant about pointing it out and/or attempting to argue my point. I have yet to fully embrace the old military concept of S.U.A.C. (...which stands for "shut up and color"). Not everything has to be an argument, even when you're right (...and let's face it, most of the time, I am...*snorts*). One day, hopefully before I'm too old to apply it, I will embrace the times I need to just S.U.A.C. and discern them from those times where fighting is the proper path. Until then, having the children all around me serves as a really good buffer and frequently relieves most of my stress.
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    About The Author

    I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

    Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

    What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

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  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery