Mindful Monday: This Takes Courage

There has never been a sentence that accurately sums up how I feel as an educator as this one does. And I'd imagine that I'm not the only one that identifies with this statement. 

How is it possible for us to give so much of our time, our energy, our passion, our tears, our worries, our dedication and even our money, yet we feel like there is still so much to do? 

This profession is a tortuous one. Surely I'm not the only one that feels this way. We do so much for our students while simultaneously feeling like we are failing by not doing enough. 

I come to you this week to beg and plead with you to PLEASE give yourself grace. PLEASE know that everything you do day-in and day-out is in fact enough. I'm going to say it again for the people in the back. Everything you do day-in and day-out IS IN FACT ENOUGH!!!! 

While our students, our parents and our community may never know everything you do to ensure their success, I promise you - you are making a difference. And ultimately, isn't that the goal? Our goal is to make a difference, NOT to run ourselves into the ground, NOT to deplete ourselves where we have nothing left to give to our families and friends at home, and definitely NOT to guilt ourselves into feeling less than. 

Please don't ever question yourself, your ability, or what you bring to the table. Our students are better off because of you. And news flash: You Are ENOUGH! 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. This year feels harder than last year. And let's face it, I figured anything after last year had to be uphill. Boy, was I wrong. As many times as I have questioned myself, wondered if I can continue like this, wondered if this profession is still for me, I come back. Why? Not because I'm perfect, not because I have it all figured out, and definitely not because it's easy. But because I love what I do. 

It takes courage to come back each day. And I see each of you that show up Every. Single. Day! You are not alone in your struggles, your worries, or your doubts. Your doubts DO NOT mean you are not enough. It's quite the opposite. Your doubts mean that you are human, and you care. THANK YOU for having COURAGE to show up each day and try again. YOU ARE AMAZING! 

Mindful Monday: Insanity

Albert Einstein defined insanity​ as doing ​the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. 

I run across this quote from time to time and always have the same reaction. "Duh!" There is even a small part of me that thinks, "Man, I feel sorry for people who are afraid to try new things; how stifling."

Only, when I ran across it recently, I couldn't help but wonder, "Is it me he's talking to?"

After 15 years of teaching, I'm not claiming to be an expert and I certainly don't have it all figured out, but I'd like to think that I have somewhat of an idea as to what I'm doing.

Only it hit me. Am I using the same strategies or techniques again and again only to wonder why they aren't working? Am I teaching like I did 10 years ago or even 5 years ago?

Teaching, just like life, is ever evolving. The students that once walked through our classroom doors 5 to 10 years ago or even pre-pandemic, just 18 months ago, are not the same kids that are walking through our doors now.

Just because it worked once doesn't mean that it will work now, and we have to be okay with that. Take time to evaluate what is and isn't working in your classroom right now. I challenge you to be reflective and honest with yourself. Maybe it's time to tweak your systems, your procedures or the way you deliver your content.

We are NEVER too old or too experienced to learn or try something new. Take Mrs. Schoener, our fantastic TAG teacher, with over 30 years of experience, she rose to the occasion ans was challenged to learn how to teach hybrid this year. Was it easy, no! Did it push her outside her comfort zone, absolutely! Nevertheless, she pushed through and met the needs of her students.

As we determine how we will proceed this year, take note of where your students are not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. Perhaps the norm for your grade level is no longer the case. Make adjustments and give yourself grace as you try something new.

Don't go through the whole year wondering why the students aren't getting it or behaving like students you have previously had. If you aren't getting the results you'd like, it's time to start trying something new!

If you'd like help with a new strategy or would like to talk through any of your of your existing processes, ask for help. We work in a building with over 200 collective years of experience. We are most definitely better together!  

Mindful Monday: Self-Preservation

We're a month in, and things have gotten REAL!

 
I fear that as educators, both women and men alike, and many of us as mothers and wives, we tend to not validate our own feelings. We strap on the role of caretaker and are so focused on those around us, that we leave ourselves no space to feel all the feelings. And even worse, we don't leave time to process and deal with what we are going through/feeling. 

Teaching is no joke. Teaching during a pandemic is unheard of. And teaching this year, at times, feels even harder than last year, and we didn't even think that was possible. 

It's ridiculous that we've normalized, accepted and are even praised at times for running ourselves ragged and into the ground. 

This is not one more self-care pitch. It's just the opposite, it's self-preservation. 

Instead of thinking of self-care as something to be done, as one more thing on your to-do list, I would implore you to rethink it as a way of life. Rethink how you live your life and where you put yourself on your list of priorities. If it's not at the top, then we are doing it all wrong. If we don't take care of ourselves, who will? 

Take a moment to read through the below graphic. Consider printing it out and reading through it at the end of each day. Validate what you are feeling and take the first step to putting yourself first. 

-Consider taking the long way home to give yourself an extra few minutes to process the day or decompress. 
-Put on your favorite playlist during your lunch break.
-Better yet, take an actual lunch break! 
-Find a friend to hold you accountable to putting yourself first. 

ANYTHING you do to invest in yourself, you won't regret!

Mindful Monday: Share Your Energy

This year, we are sure to encounter our share of "cloudy days''. It's during these times that it's imperative we turn to each other. When we feel our energy running low, don't be afraid to ask for a boost. We must learn to lean on each other. We must reach out for help when we need it. Your feelings, whatever they may be, are valid. Say something; don't keep it bottled up. Seek out a listening ear. We are not silos. We are not meant to stand alone. 

On the flip side, if you see a teammate not acting themselves or seem a little more frazzled than normal, offer a listening ear. Ask how you can help. Check in on them. Bring them their favorite morning beverage or an afternoon treat; it might just be the pick me up they need. 

When we are in the thick of it and the gray skies feel endless, it is easy to feel like you are stuck or that you are the only one sinking. I assure you that even the most experienced or organized educator struggles. I promise you that we all need a little help from time to time.

We need each other. We are better together. Ultimately, we bring out the best in each other. Let's help each other shine this year! 

**In full disclosure, this sunflower "fact" is not true. I ran across this quote, and loved it instantly. It was a point of inspiration for this week's message. And about halfway through writing this week's message, it dawned on me that I should verify this statement. And of course, this quote is not factual. Sunflowers do not turn to face each other on gray days, but that doesn't mean my message is any less true.