Mindful Monday: You Matter

On this marvelous Monday morning, my hope is that you identify with rubber duck #1. However, no one expects you to be at a "1" all the time. And if you don't find yourself at a #1 this morning, that's okay, too. Frankly, if you haven't identified with all 9 of these rubber ducks at some point this school year, then I'd question what world you're living in. 

The fact is, life is hard. Teaching is challenging. And teaching in 2022 is exhausting.  

While we can't function at a "9" indefinitely, we need to normalize being at a "9" occasionally. There are absolutely days where we are sinking and the water is engulfing us. 

It's okay to be "off". It's okay to struggle. It's okay to have a bad day or even an awful week. 

Feeling like a "5" from time to time is to be expectful. Feeling deflated, especially by April, is normal. 

To expect sunshine and rainbows all the time is unrealistic. And to pretend that everything is "just fine" is exhausting. 

I'm not asking you to pretend to be "fine". What I am challenging you is to own what number you are at. Acknowledge it. Give yourself the space and grace to be there. Just don't get stuck at any one feeling too long. We are terribly guilty of taking care of others and putting their needs before our own. I am asking you to think about yourself and what you need for once. I am asking you to take care of you. I am asking for you to put yourself first because YOU MATTER! You matter to the students that walk through your door each day. You matter to the parents that entrust you with their most precious gift. And you matter to both your friends and family inside and outside of this school building. 

P L E A S E...don't forget to put yourself first as we head towards the finish line. Don't do what it takes at all costs to make it to the end. Put yourself first, because YOU MATTER!