Ha! Well, if you are on the same district schedule as some of us Winter break is coming to an end and school resumes in less than 24 hours. How you feeling right now?

Personally, I had a great break. It was both laid back and productive. A couple days ago though this weird tight uneasy feeling started in my chest. What could that be? I knew in a nanosecond it was school. Vacation is almost over! Was that a little voice in head screaming? Oh, God, please let me be wrong, or I win the lottery, or early retirement?

That feeling of finally being a normal human being whose able to pee when you NEED to, eat a lunch that lasts more than 15 minutes in front of your computer, and have adult conversation? It is over? Yup, over in less than 24 hrs. people.

Okay first let’s get real. We work in a place that eats up most adults. I have many analogies, we all do when trying to explain to the outside world what it is like to be a teacher. But, they still look at you like a big whiner because, and say it with me friends: “You get your summers off.’ OH, thanks for the reminder. When is that happening? In six more months!

In this moment it doesn’t matter what the rest of the world thinks about teachers and school staff. We all know the truth. And the truth must be made loud, proud, and profound. Being an educator has become a single word to define our continuously growing job description. Here we go: Nurse-give shots, know which kids have food allergies. Counselor-listen and comfort the daily onslaught of student fears, anxieties, and depression. Communications manager-Answer/priorities 100’s of emails every day that each ask you to DO something that certainly DOES not take a few moments of your time. Was any of this in your personal In box or to do list? NO.

Logistics manager-planning the ever changing logistics and processes of getting students, classes, field trips, contests, staff meetings, parent meetings, department meetings, learning team meetings, and educational development on the schedule for the week.

Safety Officer-God forbid a school shooting occurs however we are continuously trained for it.

Teacher-I put this last. We know why it is last. Because it is the LAST thing we have time left to do. Teach! Make lesson plans, gather supplies for your lesson plans, grade papers, clean your classroom, and buy supplies for lesson plans and classroom with your own money.

Did I mention warp speed? We are all multi-tasking at warp speed? The crazy thing is not only has all this become normalized as necessary, but we do it. We willingly go at mock 12 like an octopus on energy drinks to get it all done and done well because we are…educators.

My hope is you can read this and acknowledge how totally amazing you are as a human being and an educator! We all do this with a loving heart and warm smile. We do this because we LOVE the students and believe that somehow we are making a difference in our students lives.

But, and it’s a big but, is it worth your health? Is it worth the time you have left with your family?

The answer is NO. No it is not and here’s wby.

Educators are the worlds most important resource. Think about the influence we have on our students. Sometimes it is almost to much responsibility. But, it is also a gift and an honor to serve children and families. Thankless at times yes, but still an honor.

How can you be an educator today and not kill yourself in the process?

Mindfulness.

The more you practice Mindful concepts, meditation, being aware of YOUR wellbeing and self care, the better a teacher, educator, and family member you will be!

I know you want to always give and give your best. But, what do you have left to give when you’ve emptied your bucket? Sometimes, people even punch holes in your bucket.

You have to be the one to say, enough. I need to take care of me so I can continue to take care of you.

In this moment remember you are a superhero. What do you need for the rest of the day to take care of you?

Do it. Do several of these “its.’ They don’t have to be expensive or take a long time.

In fact I like to have categories for self care. Quick and easy, takes some time and space, must put it on the calendar.

If you are feeling tense about going back to school do some fun things, calm things, distracting things to get it off your mind. Live in this moment. It is the only moment we have.

Lastly, here is a wonderful Mindfulness meditation you can do with your eyes open and on the move!

Name 3 things. Name 3 things you can see, hear, and feel.

But, you most say each of these 3 things twice.

Example. I see the phone on my table. I see the phone on my table.

I hear my husband moving the couch. I hear my husband moving the couch.

I feel my right foot is stiff. I feel my right foot is stiff.

Say these things slow and in complete sentences really focusing on what you see, hear, and feel.

Be aware of how your breathing slows and becomes deeper. It might sound worthless but it works.

Do this as often as you need to through out your day.

Do it at school! No one will even know you are “meditating.”

Educators are the worlds most important resource. Take care of you so we can take care of them.

Gratefully,

Mary