Returning to Routine: Teaching, Reflection, and Preparing for a New Year of Work

Returning to Routine: Teaching, Reflection, and Preparing for a New Year of Work

I have begun the quiet process of returning to my everyday life and preparing once again for my classes. The place where I have settled is not merely where I work; it is where my purpose and sense of calling reside. My days are busy and full, yet I find myself deeply grateful for this rhythm of life. There is meaning in the routines, and comfort in knowing that this is where I am meant to be.

Preparing lessons, organizing materials, and welcoming students back into the classroom reminds me why I chose this path. Watching students grow, struggle, experiment, and ultimately achieve their own small and large victories brings me profound fulfillment. Their progress is a living reminder that creation is an act of hope. In these moments, the weight of grief softens, and for a while, I am able to step away from the sorrow of having said goodbye to my mother.
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At the same time, this year marks a period of deeper reflection for me as an artist. After allowing myself space to pause and look inward, I am beginning to envision new work with greater clarity and intention. I plan to approach my creative practice more thoughtfully, developing ideas that are rooted in contemplation, memory, and growth. With this renewed focus, I will steadily prepare for the many exhibitions ahead this year, carrying both gratitude and remembrance with me as I move forward.
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This balance—between teaching and creating, between loss and purpose—is how I return to myself, one day at a time.