Quicksand: It Was Never About the Sand

Send us Fan MailThis week on Teachers in Transition, I share a deeply personal story about a medical event that forced me to confront a difficult truth: sometimes our greatest strengths - resilience, endurance, and the ability to adapt - can become our greatest blind spots.  It’s so personal that even the show notes are in first person!Using the GenX childhood metaphor of quicksand, I explore how teachers gradually normalize exhaustion, chronic stress, and declining health until they no longer recognize what's happening. I also share the frightening experience of a vasovagal syncope episode after a "perfect storm" of circumstances and the lessons it taught me about paying attention before our bodies demand it.In this episode you'll discover:• Why "Teacher Tired" isn't always just teacher tired. • How resilience can accidentally hide a growing problem. • Why the best career decisions aren't made from survival mode. • A practical Teacher Hack to help you recognize when you're slowly sinking. • How a Battle Buddy can help you notice what you've adapted to. • Why asking better questions can be more important than finding one perfect answer.If you've been wondering whether you're burned out, exhausted, or simply running on empty, this episode is for you.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodePsoriatic Arthritis Learn more about psoriatic arthritis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and living well with the condition.  https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis/Vasovagal Syncope Wondering what happened during the fainting episode I described? This Cleveland Clinic article explains vasovagal syncope, common triggers, warning signs, and prevention strategies. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23325-vasovagal-syncopeTed Lasso – "Be Curious, Not Judgmental" One of my favorite scenes from Ted Lasso and the inspiration behind this week's reminder to respond with curiosity instead of defensiveness. https://bouldercrest.org/resources/ted-lasso-be-curious-not-judgemental/🎵 Rush – "Sweet Miracle" If you've ever wondered why Rush lyrics occasionally sneak into my vocabulary, this song has quietly lived in my head for years and it applies beautifully to this episode. Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/song/710036902Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0YKb38t83LD65mQps699y9A Personal NotePlease don't let my story discourage you from donating blood.My experience was unusual because a whole bunch of factors lined up at exactly the wrong time. That's really the point of this episode.If you're healthy and eligible, donating blood is still one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to help another human being. Find your local blood bank and consider making an appointment.A great place to start is: https://americasblood.org/Sometimes one dramatic story can overshadow a thousand quiet successes.I don't want that to happen here. Support the Podcast!If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:sharing this episode (or any of them!) with a teacher friendleaving a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotifysupporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition.  It helps with production costs to keep this show on the air.   Connect with Vanessa Jackson💌 Email: [email protected]📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar🧭 LinkedIn: 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategyThe transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout Support the show