Whew. So I started teaching dance again last month, and I'm surprised to say that it wasn't quite the big release that I thought it would be. I used to love to teach, and thrive on it. It made me feel great to nurture my students, plan my classes, and put my energy into my lessons and explanations. Since I had the baby in June, I started teaching in September. And I was so excited. But once i started teaching, I couldn't believe how stressed it made me. I just feel drained after class, and planning classes feels stressful, not fun.

The only thing I can think it might be, is that when I teach, I pour so much of myself into it, and so much personal energy and passion. And right now, that part of me goes into my son. My husband. My home. And whatever's left over is for me.

Now when my students don't get it, I feel frustrated, and explaining it sometimes tires me instead of invigorates me.

I'm realizing that practicing dance is relaxing for me, but teaching hasn't been as enjoyable as it used to be. My classes are also much smaller, which is sometimes harder when you have two students instead of 15. With a larger class, you can always move forward if a few are struggling. But when your only 2 students are struggling, it can be a long long class.

I was worried about physically handling teaching dance, since I've been out of practice. It's the actual mental part that's more exhausting for me. And unfortunately, it's not the fun relaxing release I was hoping for.

My husband is suggesting I take a break from teaching, but I'm just not sure if that would make me happy or not. Anyone else have a similar situation?