Italian Trapeze

Dear lovely Community,

I hope you are all well and had a beautiful weekend in the sunshine.

Sometimes when students come to chat with me, they can’t exactly articulate how they are feeling. Or perhaps they know what they would like to say but also appreciate the opportunity to clarify or expand on their thoughts. One strategy that can help is finding a picture or photograph that tells the story. Just the process of finding the right image can be cathartic, leading to affirmation and healing.

Here is how I have been feeling this week:

This stunning photo titled, “Italian Trapeze” captures exactly how I have been feeling this week. Most of my time has been spent reading essays on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby in the leadup to the Year 11 Exams. The novel is set in the Roaring Twenties and explores the unattainability of the American Dream along with the era’s obsession with hedonism, decadence and opulence. ?For me, this glorious image represents the whimsical frivolity of Gatsby’s parties which the narrator, Nick Carraway describes as an “amusement park”. Of course, our lives are not meant to be like an “amusement park” every day. Most days are much more mundane, and that’s ok. Part of the joy of doing special things comes in looking forward to them and then savouring them. To beautiful Year 11… these exams will come and go just like Gatsby’s parties, it’s your effort and character that matters and that will remain. Just give it your best, you’ve got this!

Looking at the image also reminds me of the bravery that is required to step up to the challenges of our lives. For some people going on rides at amusement parks or completing exams are very stressful, while other people may appear to manage these things just fine. Again, this is ok and is part of what makes us all different. There is a colour of the rainbow (of the “Italian Trapeze!”) for us all so let’s spread love and kindness.

Finally, the title of the photo, “Italian Trapeze” reminds me of the beauty and joy of our family trip to Europe last year. When my days are busy, my memories can feel incredibly distant. Like the trapeze, I can feel like I am spinning out of control. But at any point I can stop, breathe and revisit the glory of our holiday in Italy. While the architecture, food and culture were magnificent, it was our time together that was so special. Our time as a family on the metaphoric “Italian Trapeze.”

If, like me, you have also been spinning with the speed of life lately, perhaps you might like to find a photo or picture that represents how you are feeling. It might be just the thing to bring clarity to your emotions and allow you to find gratitude. Even our days that feel out of control will pass, just as they are meant to. The ride eventually ends.

Wishing you all a beautiful week, sending love,

Ms Marnie Thomas

P.s. Feel free to post a photo or picture of how you are feeling – your “Italian Trapeze.”