Mindful Monday: When Is Enough Enough?

Public education has been under attack for a while now. It's disheartening to see that our public schools are no longer respected much less valued by our leaders. The Texas state legislator has not increased school funding since 2019 all the while our districts are fighting the costs of inflation while trying to increase pay to keep up with the costs of living for their staff. ​Being that districts have to work within the constraints of their budgets, they have had to get "creative" year after year to live within their means. "Creative" has been just a fancy way of saying cutting positions, defunding programs, increasing class sizes, and putting more on teacher's plates. And I ask you, is any of this best for children? Finding myself incredibly frustrated at the state of education right now, I wanted to share a blog from another educator. She wrote this 8 months into COVID; however, I feel her message and sentiment still resonates today.  

The following is written by Annick Rauch. (Here is her full post.) While it looks a little lengthy, it really is a quick read and I think very much worth your time!  

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Teachers are struggling.

I’ve noticed that we keep saying things like, “we will come out of this stronger.”

Maybe it’s a way of staying positive. Maybe it’s a way of reminding ourselves that nothing is forever, and that this, too, shall pass. Maybe it’s a mantra that if we repeat often enough, will come true. Maybe it’s a way of providing ourselves hope when everything seems so dark. Maybe it’s the carrot we’re searching for, or the light we are trying to see at the end of the tunnel.

The problem?

We don’t know how long the tunnel is.

And I don’t know how much longer we can keep this up.

This is a loaded word.

And if I am being completely honest, I am not sure we are going to make it. Some will certainly fall. Some won’t come out of it, never mind stronger. The sheer weight that educators have been carrying since March isn’t easing up. In fact, it is doing quite the opposite. Every day, every change, every new expectation, every press conference, every new announcement, every word that is taken back, every time we’re told we’re putting students first and doing what’s best for them leaves us wondering what about us!?

…it all takes its toll.

We’ve been saying it over and over and over again. It was true back in March, and it’s even truer today.

This is not sustainable.

And if we’re not careful, it’s going to crush us.

I worry.

I worry that as we continue to put on a brave face and “do what we have to do,” we are sending the message that it’s okay to expect these things of us. Teachers are givers, we have huge hearts, and we care so much about those we serve that we will go above and beyond to make sure that they are getting what they deserve… even if it breaks us.

Even if it breaks us.

And then what?

Teachers burning out and leaving the profession. Teachers trying to rebuild themselves in order to be able to serve others once again. Teachers dealing with new anxieties and traumas because their plates have been broken into a million and one pieces from being too full, for too long.

A reminder that comparison doesn’t do anyone any good. Hard is hard. Period.

Students deserve our best… is it humanly possible for us to be giving them our best when we are stretched so thin?

I am terrified.

The weight of the stress is unbearable some days.

“We will come out of this stronger!”

Will we, though?

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While we might not have to stay 6 feet apart any longer, things in education are still exceptionally hard right now. We have limits. While teachers are in fact amazing humans, we can't do it all! It's time we were respected and valued for the difference makers we are! 

When will enough be enough? 

Mindful Monday: Teachers Are Like Glow Sticks

The end is officially insight. We are within reach. There are only 9 weeks left. But before we make it to the end, thank goodness, spring break is around the corner.

Teachers are notorious for pushing through, often to the point where we have nothing left to give. This is why spring break couldn’t come at a better time.  In order to make it through the last stretch of the year, we need this break. This next week off is more than just a luxury; ​it’s a necessity.

Did you know there are seven different types of rest? Taking the time to rest next week is more than just sleeping in. Yes, we all could use some physical rest, but we need more than that. I feel like we would all benefit from some mental rest, some sensory rest, and even a little emotional rest. Be honest with yourself and do what’s best for you next week ​in order to make it through the end of this school year ​intact. 

So whatever your spring break looks like, I hope you make time for rest: mental rest, physical rest, social rest, all of i​t...so when we return, you can shine bright​!

Mindful Monday: It's Okay to Quit

How often are you committing your time, your energy, or your resources to something that is no longer serving you? Are you doing something because you made a commitment several years ago? Is it a part of your routine and that’s why you do it?

We often talk to our students about following through, sticking with something, giving it your all. However, at some point, we must acknowledge if it no longer serves a purpose in our lives, if it’s no longer a good use of our time or energy, maybe it no longer makes us happy, then it may be time to walk away.

That might be an uncomfortable feeling for you. It might even feel like quitting or giving up. However, your time and energy are your most valuable resources. If a task, a habit, an activity, or even a friendship is no longer serving you, then perhaps it’s time to walk away.

Ultimately, whatever serves you, serves others. Think about it. If it makes you happy, if it feeds your soul, then your joy radiates to all those around you. The opposite is equally as true. If it weighs you down or drains your energy, then chances are you are not showing up in your life as the best version of yourself. 

Too often we add more and more to our plates. When was the last time you subtracted something from your plate? I challenge you this week to take a moment and reflect. Consider what is no longer serving you in a meanfuling and impactful way, and let go.