Living the Dream
The news:
When I was 8, I decided I wanted to be just like Miss Honey from Matilda.
My grown-up life was decided, locked in, submitted to the universe.
“CALL ME MS. DLOUHY”
I did what most aspiring teachers did as kids: I taught my little brother, read aloud to my stuffed animals, created worksheets for no one, and drew pictures of the outfits I would someday wear in front of my students (soooo many pencils were incorporated).
When I graduated high school and headed to college in 2007, my choices for majors were tied between Elementary Education and Psychology, but my dream of being Miss Honey prevailed after taking my first Elementary Education class- I was hooked. I became a teacher in 2013 and was truly the proudest I had ever been.
My 9 years in education were tumultuous, filled with hiiiiigh highs and loooow lows. It took a lot out of me and stole a lot of my energy from my husband and kids.
Despite my absolute adoration for the job, when another opportunity came knocking, I decided to take it and try something new. There was something missing in my life, and I knew I needed to figure out how to find it.
In 2022, I signed a two-year contract as a full-time graphic designer, hoping that stepping out of the classroom would help me find the missing piece/peace (they both apply here) I had finally acknowledged was missing in my life.
I took the job with enthusiasm and pride but maintained it for a very long time out of commitment, comfort, and fear. The commitment was in the form of a two-year contract. The comfort was familiarity and safety. The fear was facing the reality of figuring out what to do next.
I learned so much in my role and made relationships that changed who I am in the best ways possible. I had the opportunity to travel all over the country and learn from countless educators. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been a graphic designer, however, being in that position taught me that graphic design alone isn’t exactly a passion of mine. I had confused it with being a passion because it supports so many of the things I am passionate about.
Passion and purpose were the missing pieces, and I’m happy to say that I did end up finding them, but once I did, I knew I needed to leave my position at GYTO and try to create the peace I’ve been searching for.
In May of 2024, I left my job and decided to start a business of my own.
I realize now that my goals for my life have been in the form of job titles, and they’ve created so many limitations and have caused so much discomfort.
When I was little, I didn’t want to necessarily be a teacher—I wanted to be like Miss Honey.
It wasn’t the job title I was after, it was the character.
I wanted to be happy, truly happy.
I wanted to be real and authentic. I dreamed of making deep + meaningful connections, and strived to have a profound impact in the lives of others.
In 2024 I’m not switching jobs– I’m switching perspectives.
I’m switching mindsets and choosing more of what FEELS GOOD.
So, here is my newest baby, Creative School Daze LLC.
THIS is my attempt at being who I want to be.
This is my attempt to be the change I wish to see in the world, and put so many of these ideas that have been floating around in my head to good use.
Some people think I’ve lost my mind doing this, and maybe I have… but if being ‘sane’ means living a life I’m not truly proud of, I don’t want it.
Thank you for being here and supporting this crazy adventure of mine.
If you have some time, I hope you take a look around the site and maybe consider partnering with me to make some magic happen in your school!
I’m excited to share more of what I have planned in this next chapter of my life!
