In December 2020 I began substitute teaching.

It is my first job in 9 years, and I am loving it!

I love the flexibility and how well it fits all our schedules.

I love getting to know all the kids and helping the teachers.

But if I am being honest, what I loved the most at the start was the paycheck. One with my name on it.

I had so many plans for those first couple checks. So many items that had been on wishlists for years.

I was going to storm into IKEA and leave with a carload of white particle board organizers. My space would look “pretty.”

Then something curious happened.

A few paychecks in, I realized I had bought zero of those items. I had not stormed into IKEA.

I could finally have some of those things, but I didn’t want them anymore.

The desire only existed when I couldn’t have them.

Like when I finally let my kids have a soda or candy…the joy and taste never lasts as long as they imagine. It was more fun to dream about it.

So instead I found myself using my checks for healthy foods, experiences, bills, and savings.

I realized I wanted my hard work to fund important things.

And it turns out most of the things I desired weren’t important.

-Brittany

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