Mindful Monday: Getting Through the Holidays

Don't judge, but this past weekend I watched my yearly viewing of A Bad Moms Christmas, and a line from Christine Baranski's character really stood out to me. She says, "Moms don't enjoy. They give joy." And well, I think that's exactly where a lot of us go wrong. We get so worried about all those around us, that we forget about ourselves to the point of making ourselves stressed out or unhappy, especially during the holidays. 

It's easy to find ourselves just trying to make it through the holiday season. Between the shopping, wrapping, baking, traveling, all sprinkled with extended family, the holiday season can be far from joyous at times. I'm not sure about you, but I don’t want to just get through the holidays.

I implore you when you find yourself stressed, take a moment to breathe and be present. Really be present. Enjoy the magical moments this season has to offer. Enjoy the unplanned moments. And even find a way to enjoy the mishaps. Enjoy it all. Don’t just get through it. 

Here are a few holiday survival tips to help make these next few weeks as joyous as possible.

• Holidays don't need to be perfect to be memorable​ or magical. 
• Consider managing your expectations​ of others (ie: family)​ during this time of year. 
• Be realistic about what you can take on.
• ​Have FUN! If you're not having fun, then ​what's the point?!

I leave you with one more food for thought...We often find ourselves doing a lot for others during this time of year, make time to do something for yourself. Do something that makes you happy!

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My final wish for you is to end 2024 knowing how amazing you are! Each of you has dedicated your life to bettering the next generation. Each of you has chosen a profession that is truly a calling to serve others. Each of you shares a little piece of yourself day after day with other people's children. I wish that you would truly know how grateful we are for the impact you are making, the light you are shining, and the countless ripples of love that are far reaching because of YOU!!!

Mindful Monday: Doubling Your Joy

If you're anything like me, sharing good news can feel braggy or boastful. However, here’s the thing about sharing your joy​, others are typically genuinely happy for you. That's the amazing part about having a support system. And that's exactly what your school family is, a built in support system. A win for you is a win for us all. Sharing your joys ​doubles your joy. And it works the other way too. Sharing your burdens halfens them. You don’t have to carry it all on your own. 

We, as humans, were never meant to journey through life alone. We were never meant to carry it all. During this magical time of year, I challenge you to share. Share your joys, share your burdens, share whatever is on your heart. I promise you, you are not alone in this.