Fighting

Against the fatigue.
Against the pain.
Against wilful teenagers who don't want to read instructions.
Against a clock that is ticking away ominously towards a rapidly approaching coursework deadline.
Against apathy.
Against half truths and nonsense.
Against situations where people aren't playing fair.
Against everything that is annoying the hell out of me.

But as long as I fight, then I experience victories as well.
The student who has moved from risk of failing to almost a complete portfolio in am intensive week of effort on his part and seeing him arrive toy lesson today smiling and determined to win.
Leaving work at 6 pm with only one lesson left to plan and no marking to do.
making it through the day without crying from the pain.
getting 5 hours sleep last night.

Small things. Balancing items. It all counts.