Branwen Spence
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branwenspence.bsky.social
Branwen Spence
@branwenspence.bsky.social
I help women teachers to avoid losing themselves under the work-family-midlife mountain so they can enjoy life again.

Welsh, living in Amsterdam, English language teacher, collage maker, mum of teenager, gardener, baker, foodie, funky freestyle dance
Midlife Women Teachers all over the world - your application of wisdom, resilience and care everyday is noticed and appreciated - in your work, at home and life in general - you're amazing! Take care of yourselves too, huh? It's easy to lose yourself under the work-family-midlife mountain.
#edusky
May 6, 2025 at 5:40 AM
.....I am one. I have a teen son, aging parents, and 30 years in schools - I get them.

If you’re feeling stuck, tired, or like something’s missing (but you’re not even sure what), you’re not alone.

Let’s talk.
What would you change if you let yourself want more?

#edusky #teachermentalhealth
May 5, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Talking things out loud to someone who's not interrupting or judging you is a powerful way of untangling things in your head and what steps to take next.

Thank you dear clients for your trust in me and the process of coaching.

#edusky
May 3, 2025 at 6:32 AM
As my Daily Question project ends, I reflect on my own last 100 days:
✓ Still intact & sane
✓ Maintained fitness goals-ish
✓ Nurtured relationships
✓ Embraced "good enough" over perfect
✓ Helped students achieve dreams
Maybe reviewing every 100 days isn't such a bad idea
What do you think?
#edusky
April 30, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Simple Reminder indeed.
Hopefully you have nothing/very little planned this school break ; ) Enjoy!
#edusky
April 21, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Postponing passions to "someday, once I've retired, when the kids have left home" is a life half lived.
That creative urge? Start with a doodle.
Travel dreams? Take a different route home.
Your deepest yearning? Begin with the tiniest action.
Take small steps now and avoid regret later ; )
#edusky
April 20, 2025 at 6:53 AM
For my recent new connections here's a bit about me.
I'm an English teacher from Wales living in lovely Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I have a star of a teenage son, enjoy gardening and pumping iron, and I help women teachers to get back to enjoying life again. Nice to meet you!
#edusky
April 19, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Midlife Women Teachers are many things to many people. Hopefully you can take off a few of those hats and really wind-down this break.

Properly rest, take a walk in nature, get someone else to hide those eggs/make that brunch. Put your feet up (and take it easy with the chocolate ; )

#edusky
April 17, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Thoughts in the comments please.

Thank you!

#edusky
April 15, 2025 at 6:49 AM
How many of us are exhausted from dancing to someone else's tune?

"Be nice, accommodate everyone, slap a smile on your face".

But what if we stopped and danced to our own tune?

Maybe it's time we asked whose approval we're still desperately spinning for?
#edusky
April 15, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Often simply talking something through without being interrupted and judged is enough to get clarity and direction. Thank you dear clients for trusting me and the process of coaching.
#edusky
April 14, 2025 at 7:23 AM
I know someone who'd been overdoing it for years.
In the year she was due to retire she started with chest pain. Turned out she needed open heart surgery.
Retirement now looks a little different to what she'd imagined.
Take a step back and assess?
#edusky
April 12, 2025 at 6:42 AM
That very first step, to do the thing, is the hardest.
Want to make it easier? Do it together, with someone ; )

I help women teachers like you to take steps toward changing their lives for the better and avoid losing themselves under the work-family-midlife mountain.
#edusky
April 11, 2025 at 5:26 AM
It can be hard - working, managing the household, bringing up kids and looking after your aging parents.

Is someone looking out for you? If not, are you able to look after yourself? If not, get support before you drown under the weight of it all.

#edusky
April 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Investing in yourself now is easier than having to take time off work later to try and recover. Your future self and those around you will be eternal grateful you did.
#edusky
April 7, 2025 at 5:31 AM
It can be both, of course. It drives us to excel, but often stems from a fear of not being enough. It can also be an exhausting waste of our valuable time and energy. Think imperfectionism and progress instead. You're already making an impact and imperfections make us human & relatable.
#edusky
April 6, 2025 at 4:19 PM
And I'm not talking sex ; ) Before getting out of bed:
* 3 rounds of box breathing
* Stretch whole body
* Spinal twist - knees up to chest, over to the left/right
* Cat/Cow - wake up your spine
* Child's Pose for a few seconds
* Sit up, leg out stretch and touch your toes
Ready for the day!
#edusky
April 6, 2025 at 3:06 PM
April 5, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Reposted by Branwen Spence
Heading to our 10th birthday in May, we’re reflecting on how our next 10 years could develop.

We want to involve every one in our global community to share ideas & ways forward so please read our newsletter - link below.
Please complete form by April 10th. Much appreciated
🙋🏽‍♀️🤰🏻🧕🏼🙆🏻‍♀️

lnkd.in/e2usyJdK
March 26, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Midlife Women Teachers often have too much on their plate as it is never mind the burden of carrying a partner as well.

And what do you have to show for it except a shrinking sense of self.

How long can you continue to endure?

Life is short Ladies - live it while you can!

#edusky
April 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Just spent 4 hours ripping up rope-like weeds and sowing leek and onions.

Nothing like digging and weeding to work out my frustration with, and anxiety about, the world at the moment.

I now feel like Buddha!

How do you get serene? And do you do it often enough?

#edusky
April 5, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Just a thought for all those midlife women teachers who put extra on their plate. I get it, I've done it. It made me weaker - my own backbone suffered.
#edusky
April 4, 2025 at 9:33 AM
....who feels like their drowning under the work-family-midlife mountain, awake at 3 mulling it all over, feeling old and worn-out, like you can't make it to retirement?

Absolutely not! It's not just you. More women teachers than you realise feel the same way - you're not alone! Get help!
#edusky
April 4, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Midlife Women Teachers often have more on their plate with all things work-family-peri/menopause related.

Some things you can't control - others you can.

If you need a hand untangling and finding your way, DM me for a chat and create a calmer, clearer you.

#edusky
April 3, 2025 at 9:20 AM
"Absolutely. Half our staff is on medication or ready to quit. I'm right behind them."

Your feelings are valid and totally understandable in this current climate.

What's one thing you could do today to protect your well-being? Those around you will sigh with relief ; )

#edusky
April 3, 2025 at 9:16 AM