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More Than a Teacher: Releasing the Guilt, Shame, and Limits Placed on My Gifts

  • Writer: Tam
    Tam
  • 56 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

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For so long, society has tried to put me in a box -a classroom -sized box.


Because I am a teacher by trade, people assume that is all I am, all I will ever be, and that every ounce of my energy should be dedicated to that role.


And because I am a single teacher with no kids, some of my coworkers believe my time is up for grabs and that I should be willing to stay after hours, take on extra duties, and pour endlessly into students in ways they themselves refuse to do.


But I refuse.


I refuse to believe that the only way to give, serve, or teach is through an institution that was never designed for my expansion.


I refuse to let a system, my colleagues, or the weight of their expectations define the breadth of my existence.


I know what I was chosen for. My gifts extend far beyond lesson plans and grade books.


I am a Sangoma.

A spiritual guide.

A healer.

A speaker.

A mentor.

A visionary.


My ability to teach is not confined to a classroom; it is a divine calling that reaches beyond four walls and into the souls of those I am meant to touch.


And yet, too often, I have been made to feel as though my work outside of education is a betrayal—as though stepping into my true purpose is an act of defiance rather than destiny.


The Shame of Being More


There is an unspoken expectation in education—especially for women, and even more so for single women without children—that we must give everything to the profession.


Some of my coworkers have shamed me for choosing to invest in my own purpose outside of school, as if my free time should belong to students rather than myself.


Some even justify their resentment by pointing to their own sacrifices, their own neglect of their families, as if their decision to pour every drop of themselves into a system that will replace them in a heartbeat should be my fate as well.


But I reject that narrative.


I reject the idea that my life should revolve around one job simply because others have made it their entire identity.


I reject the guilt that has been placed on me for choosing myself.


I Am Not Just a Teacher—I Am Limitless


For those who have been struggling with this same battle and feeling like you’re betraying your profession by exploring your passions, feeling guilty for wanting more, feeling shame for stepping outside of the box others have placed you in. I want you to know this:


  • You are NOT wrong for being more.

  • You are NOT wrong for building something beyond your 9-to-5.

  • You are NOT wrong for refusing to let people drain you simply because they’ve drained themselves.

  • You are NOT wrong for knowing your worth, your purpose, and your destiny.


I am a teacher, yes—but not just in the way they define it.


I teach through my spiritual practice, through my coaching, through my writing, through my existence. I do not need a classroom to validate my ability to guide, heal, or lead.


And I refuse to apologize for it.


I Choose Freedom. I Choose Me.


So, today, I set myself free!


🚪 From the expectations

🚫 From the guilt

🛑 From the shame

❌ From the limits placed upon me


This job is temporary. My purpose is eternal.


And if you’ve been feeling trapped in a box that can no longer contain you, I hope you free yourself too. Free your mind and the rest will follow!


Are you ready to break free? Drop a 🔥 in the comments if you're claiming your abundance!


🎥 Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more powerful messages and spiritual guidance: Tam Inspires - YouTube


 
 
 

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