Hi Vanessa, 

💌 Did you know Groundhog Day featured prominently in my wedding homily? Not even kidding. The preacher talked about how love isn’t about grand gestures - it’s about choosing each other daily, even when every day can start to feel the same.  That idea—that transformation happens in tiny, repeated choices—is also what inspired this week’s episode. Another fun fact my husband and I celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 2, and it’s so much easier to get dinner reservations, anyway.

🎙 THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF—AND WHY YOU MIGHT BE IN THEM

Most people think of grief as something tied only to loss of life. But grief also shows up when we lose identity, purpose, or the version of life we thought we’d have. Like Phil in Groundhog Day, many professionals caught in burnout (especially educators) experience:

1. Denial: "It’s not that bad. A new curriculum will fix it."
2. Anger: "Why am I doing the work of five people?"
3. Bargaining: "Maybe switching schools will help."
4. Depression: "I’m exhausted. I can’t imagine doing this anymore."
5. Acceptance: "I think I’m ready to explore what’s next."

Whether you're mid-loop or ping-ponging between stages, know this: you're not broken. You're grieving. And that’s normal. Hear more about how this shows up in both job search and personal reinvention in the full episode.

🎧 REJECTION RESILIENCE—5 TIPS TO STAY SANE IN THE LOOP

Job hunting can feel like an emotional version of Groundhog Day: Apply. Wait. Hear nothing. Repeat. It’s not just exhausting - it’s disorienting. But here are five ways to reclaim some control:

1. Modular Resume Strategy: Stop rewriting from scratch. Use plug-and-play paragraphs.
2. Core Cover Letter: Write one strong, honest letter and just tweak the intro/outro.
3. Own Your Story: Don't erase your past—build on it.
4. Create a Loop Log: Track applications so you can see progress over time.
5. Build a Ritual of Rest: Step away once a week. Not as a luxury, but a necessity.

Each small shift adds up. Listen to the podcast to hear how these helped me—and can help you too.

🎧 Click here to listen on Buzzsprout

📚 COOL RESOURCE

If the idea of small daily shifts transforming your life resonates, I highly recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s grounded, actionable, and completely aligned with the kind of sustainable change we talk about on the podcast.

📣 SHARE THE LOVE

If someone you care about is stuck in their own Groundhog Day loop, forward this email. Or better yet - invite them to reach out. I’m always happy to chat. 

🤝 CONNECT WITH ME

📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Leave a voicemail or text: 512-640-9099
🗓 Schedule a free Discovery Session: Click here
🌐 Website: TeachersinTransition.com
📘 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
🧵 Threads & Instagram: @teachers.in.transition
🌌 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

You've given enough. It’s time to build a future that gives back.

With love and strategy,
Vanessa