Mindful Monday: It's Not a Period

I ran across this quote last week...

​As the end of another year approaches, it doesn’t have to be a period. 

Let's face it...life doesn’t happen in nice neat chapters. There always seem to be loose endings, unfinished business, and unexplored storylines. The ending of a calendar year doesn’t mean it’s the end of opportunities. 

Several weeks ago, I wrote that any time is a good time to start. Start in the middle of the week. Start at the end of the year. Start at the end of a day. There’s no right time, which means, there’s certainly no wrong time to live your best life. 

Who knows what’s in store for each of us in 2026, and that’s the exciting part about next chapters, the story has yet to be finished. December 31st is merely a comma in the story of our lives. Don’t close the book. Don’t put away the pen. There’s still so much more to be written.

Wishing you all a great last week of the semester, a restful break, a joyous holiday, and most importantly, a new year filled with endless possibilities! 

Mindful Monday: Choosing Joy for Yourself

There is so much magic this time of year! 

But it’s easy to get sucked into the hustle and bustle of it all. It’s easy to get jaded between the dreary days, ​the long to-do lists, and the crowds everywhere you go​; it’s not all just twinkle lights and jingle bells. Which is even more of a reason to choose joy for oursel​v​es. 

I challenge​ you​, this month especially, to schedule​ joy into your calendar. ​This time of year, we find ourselves pulled in many directions, making magic happen for others, and often stretching ourselves quite thin. ​However, even though this old adage may seem worn out, it still holds true- we must take the time to fill our own cup before we can begin to pour into others. Don't wait until the new year​ to fill your cup, you deserve joy now. 

Consider set​ting your alarm 10 minutes earlier so you can enjoy ​y​our favorite morning beverage ​i​n peace and quiet. ​Or maybe make a fun playlist​ of all your guilty pleasure songs for you to ​e​njoy on your way ​t​o work. Take the scenic route home and look at some Christmas lights​. ​Plan to meet up for dinner with your favorite people. Make time for the little things​. ​Make time for the things that are important to you. ​Make time for joy in your life​. ​

Mindful Monday: Teacher Tip

​It is officially December, and with one flip of the calendar, my to-do list just grew exponentially. 

Between end of semester deadlines, and the endless holiday festivities, it's easy to get lost in the minutia. It's easy to bury your head in the work and push through thinking you have to get it all done. And when you're consumed with a task, minutes quickly turn to hours. 

Here's the thing, no awards are given at the end of the year to the teacher that stayed the latest. There is no award for the teacher that puts in the most hours planning a lesson. And there is certainly no prize to the staff member that works the most at home. 

The same goes for the holidays. There is no award for the best decorations. No prizes are given for the best presents bought. And unfortunately there is no bonus for the best lawn installation. 

All this to say, pace yourself. Do your best, but know your limits. Rest when needed. This is a magical time of the year; you don't want to miss it.