What a Whirlwind
We came into this school year like we were all brand new teachers; spinning wheels and grasping at the flood of information, demands, new protocols, teaching remotely, virtually, on-site, off-site, it was all coming at us like water from a firehose.
Our tanks were left empty, running on fumes, self-regulation impaired, health and relationships fading fast. And now…it’s time to slow down, rest, recover, rejuvenate, and reconnect with what really matters.
A Season for Silence
Today, I spent some time on our front porch painting rocks with my kids. Our puppy, Junie Bug, just enjoyed the shade and the conversation, I think. As she lay there, resting from her jaunt chasing birds, my daughter, continuing to carefully paint her version of a princess on her rock said, “Mom, this sure is relaxing.” I relished in her words and breathed in a breath of thankfulness for the moment and for the opportunity to relax at home with my children.
It really is true like the meme states, as teachers we are not off on a break in the summer. We most certainly are in RECOVERY. Wouldn’t you agree? I mean, I sure hope you are able to find some down time.
After fifteen years of teaching, which equates to fourteen summers, I have definitely learned the importance of taking this first few weeks (for me the month of June) for all of the R’s: Rest, Recover, Repair, Rejuvenate, Reflect, and Reconnect. This year, I have taken this first few weeks to spend quality time with my kids, spend time outside with my family, schedule and enjoy some play dates with friends, and to work on my personal development and mindset. I can honestly say I am feeling refreshed and ready to get TO WORK!
My website will be in full swing by the time school is back in session and I have more to do in preparation for this upcoming school year than I have in a while, sooo that means I will be busy, busy, busy,
For now, I will soak this up and let my mind and body recover from the experience that was last school year. I truly hope you are able to make an effort to do the same.
Here are my top 10 tried and true ways to get some true R & R during this short, yet powerful season of silence.