Great post, I feel that sometimes and I definitely feel like the fun police out there need to read this.
What I mean by that is some people are so wrapped up in their own cause, noble as it is, that they think everyone else should be in their mindset.
”How can you be making a joke or playing a game with your kids when there are children starving all over the world, when there are wars going on?”
Then comes the guilt, because I actually feel deeply, so deeply that I purposely don't watch the news or delve too deeply into those subjects because I know how it affects me and that I took could become that person who can't see the fun in life for the cause.
So I stay in my bubble, where I can breathe, and things don't overtake me. Where I am free to have fun.
Sorry that got long but you're so right we all get so attached to what we're trying to do it blinds us sometimes.
Thank you for sharing this—it’s such an honest and thoughtful reflection. I hear you completely. It’s so easy to internalize guilt, especially when the world’s struggles feel so overwhelming. But your bubble, as you call it, is a space where you’re protecting your capacity to keep giving—not shutting out the world but ensuring it doesn’t consume you. That’s powerful self-awareness.
The guilt we feel for enjoying ourselves as educators is rooted in a culture that demands productivity without recognizing the need for restoration.
It's a good way of looking at my bubble, I think it's similar to how I don't drink. I don't like the way I feel when I'm not in control so I don't do it. It's the same with news I suppose.
Going back a lot of years my workplace had a bar and a gym in the building, I think people were much more relaxed back then.
Now even the canteen is devoid of life most days with people eating at their desks whilst still working.
Even if we don't get to bring back fun, let's at least bring back the opportunity for it, give ourselves a break!
Great post, I feel that sometimes and I definitely feel like the fun police out there need to read this.
What I mean by that is some people are so wrapped up in their own cause, noble as it is, that they think everyone else should be in their mindset.
”How can you be making a joke or playing a game with your kids when there are children starving all over the world, when there are wars going on?”
Then comes the guilt, because I actually feel deeply, so deeply that I purposely don't watch the news or delve too deeply into those subjects because I know how it affects me and that I took could become that person who can't see the fun in life for the cause.
So I stay in my bubble, where I can breathe, and things don't overtake me. Where I am free to have fun.
Sorry that got long but you're so right we all get so attached to what we're trying to do it blinds us sometimes.
Thank you for sharing this—it’s such an honest and thoughtful reflection. I hear you completely. It’s so easy to internalize guilt, especially when the world’s struggles feel so overwhelming. But your bubble, as you call it, is a space where you’re protecting your capacity to keep giving—not shutting out the world but ensuring it doesn’t consume you. That’s powerful self-awareness.
The guilt we feel for enjoying ourselves as educators is rooted in a culture that demands productivity without recognizing the need for restoration.
It’s a martyr culture.
It's a good way of looking at my bubble, I think it's similar to how I don't drink. I don't like the way I feel when I'm not in control so I don't do it. It's the same with news I suppose.
Going back a lot of years my workplace had a bar and a gym in the building, I think people were much more relaxed back then.
Now even the canteen is devoid of life most days with people eating at their desks whilst still working.
Even if we don't get to bring back fun, let's at least bring back the opportunity for it, give ourselves a break!