Mindful Monday: If Life is a Potluck

Brad Montague wrote a blog a while back titled, Life is a Potluck. He went on to say, "Some seasons, you bring the casserole. Some seasons, you bring the napkins. Some seasons... you show up with nothing but your tired self and hope nobody makes a big deal of it.

Some of you are showing up today excited for this new year. You are full of hope and can't wait to get started. You are the folks bringing the casserole. Others may still be processing last school year or are feeling anxious about the unknowns this year holds, and you are doing good to bring the napkins. If you find yourself in the third group, just showing up, know that you are not alone, and we are just as happy to have you. You are still bringing something to the table by just being here.

Montague goes on to say that, "If life really is a potluck, then it's not about trying to impress each other. It's just to be there. Bring what you can. Receive what you need. Make room for someone else."

In order for a potluck to work, we can't all bring casseroles. We need some to bring the side dishes, some to bring dessert, while others bring the napkins. Not to mention, we need folks to eat all the food.

Just like everything else in life, the seasons we find ourselves in change. When we find ourselves simply showing up, thank goodness there are others to help carry the load. And when we find ourselves in a place to lend a helping hand, know others are grateful for you.

This year, I imagine we will all find ourselves making the casserole some weeks, and bringing the napkins other weeks. Thank you for showing up to this potluck no matter what season of life you find yourself in.

Mindful Monday: If You Could Only Sense

 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again, what you do day-in and day-out is nothing short of amazing! 

This year, you showed up for our students in ways most of us will never truly know.

This year, you put in the time and effort with a student who outwardly never seemed to appreciate it.

This year, you tried new things, you failed, and then you tried again.

This year, you showed up on days you were tired, on days you didn't feel like it, and even on days you were feeling less than your best. 

This year, you gave of your time, your energy, and your talents in ways that can't begin to be measured.

Teaching is not just a profession, it is a calling. 

THANK YOU for answering this call.

THANK YOU for choosing to be here. 

THANK YOU for leaving a little bit of yourself, the best part of yourself, with all those you met. 

I assure you, your impact is far reaching. And while much of your impact you may never see or truly understand, know that others see you. Thank you for another amazing year! 

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Thank you...I consider it a great privilege to start your week off reminding you of your amazingness, that you're not alone in this, and that you are enough just as you are. Wishing you all a summer filled with whatever brings you joy! See you all in the fall! 

Mindful Monday: If Only, It Were That Easy

If only, it were that easy.

End of year stress is an entirely different animal than beginning of year stress. End of year stress is coupled with profound exhaustion, limited patience, often compounded with a heavy dose of cynicism.

 I get we are only a handful of days away until the official end of the year, but I want to take a moment to remind you just how essential self care is. Self care is not a luxury. It is not for only when you have the time (like only during the summer). And it is certainly not selfish.

I'm sure you are counting the days for your summer-self to return. You know the person I'm talking about; the version of you that gets laundry done during the week and cooks homemade meals. The version of you that actually rests and sleeps when you are tired, takes walks, and reads for fun. The summer version of you puts yourself and your family first. As you begin to consider what self care looks like for yourself this summer, create habits that you can maintain when the school year starts back in August.

In order to be the best version of ourselves at work AND at home, selfcare not only has to become a priority, it has to become a habit. Afterall, you are worth it!

Mindful Monday: Not Fine

 We have officially made it to May. We have nearly survived yet another year of "do more with less". There is only so much more data that needs collecting. There are a finite number of recess and after school duties left. State testing is in our rearview mirror for the year, and there is only so much curriculum left to cover. That, in and of itself, deserves a sigh of relief (and maybe a hallelujah!)

I know our tanks are near empty. And most of us might say we're doing "fine", but I'd imagine that is far from the truth. And that's okay! I get our default answer is fine. I get it's easy to simply put our heads down and grind our way to the end; afterall, we can see the light- there is hope within reach. But know, that "not fine", especially this time of the year, is okay too!

Don't feel like you have to "just make it" through this month. Take a breath. Be proud of the work you have done this year. Acknowledge  your journey and all you have overcome, conquered, and faced head on. 

If you are not fine, know you're not alone. If you're not fine, take a deep breath and drop your shoulders, then consider another deep breath. Find a friend, a teammate, a co-worker down the hall, a confidant you haven't checked in with lately, or even ME! Let them know if you need to be Helped, Hugged, or simply Heard because at the end of the day, you are absolutely NOT alone in this journey.

 

Mindful Monday: If You're a Pile of Goo...

This is for anyone who feels like the last day of school is forever away. This is for anyone who feels like they might not have anything left to give, who's sunshine isn't so bright, who's patience is nowhere to be found, and who's motivation is long gone.

It's okay if you feel like a pile of "goo", summer if around the corner. Your days of wrapping yourself up in a "cocoon" are not far off. And before you know it, you will emerge on the other side as a beautiful butterfly.

Hang in there!!! (The end is within reach!) 

 

Mindful Monday: You're NOT Broken

Let's face it, we are all deeply broken humans pieced and glued together. I'm here to tell you that it's not a bad thing. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We are all doing the best we can, and at the end of the day, that's all we can expect. 

Your journey, your path, it all let you here. It has shaped who you are. You are better because of the broken pieces NOT despite them. 

Next time you find yourself trying to hide your imperfections or over compensate for your jagged edges, embrace them all. Be that disco ball and let the magical amazingness that is ALL of you shine bright for all to see. 

Mindful Monday: Celebrate More

When a student finally masters a skill that you've been helping them with, it's understandable that you would make a big deal about it. It's an accomplishment (often for both parties involved). When a friend gets a new job, we celebrate. We are excited for them. When we reach a weight loss goal, we might treat ourselves to a new outfit. Afterall, we earned it.

The unfortunate thing about all these celebrations is that we tend to be one and done. Finding success doesn't eliminate the need for encouragement. 

After our students master the new skill, do we commend them and make an equally big deal when the new unit is introduced and they understand it without help? Adter the friend has had the new job for a while, do we acknowledge them for taking on new challenges? Once we've shed the pounds, do we give ourselves credit for keeping the weight off?

It's easy to acknowledge the big things, the more obvious things. However, Zig Ziglar once stated, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing- that's why we recommend it daily." This is where you come in. Notice the big things, but more importantly, take the time to notice the small things, too.

Notice when a student is able to use a strategy without needing your help. Acknowledge the student who always does the right thing. Compliment the co-worker for sticking with it even when it's hard. And give yourself kudos everytime you skip the bag of cookies.

We all need acknowledgement. And more importantly, we need it more than just when we clear the first hurdle. 

I challenge you all to make it a point to celebrate 3 people this week in a personal and meaningful way. It doesn't have to include confetti (although it would make it more fun). No balloons, banners, or cakes are necessary. We're all moving at such a fast pace, take the extra 30-60 seconds to comment how proud you are, make mention that you see their effects, and remind them that you will continue to cheer them on.