Hi, teacher friends. How are you doing?
I don't know about you, but the raging debate over whether or not to reopen schools this fall has been a huge source of anxiety for me this week. I am lucky: I have an incredible support system and lots (um, lots) of practice with strategies and tools to help me cope. I know that may not be the case for you, and I want you to know that you are seen and valued. Please feel free to reach out to me if you want to talk.
Something that helps me is making lists. Organizing my thoughts into a list helps me to focus and to productively channel the chaotic energy that anxiety creates inside of me. One therapist I worked with also urged me to always come back to my values. Once I get to the heart of what's most important to me, I can usually see a path forward, and that feels good.
So this morning, with my trusty giant cup of coffee, I did some writing. I didn't have a particular goal in mind; I mostly just wanted to give some structure to the million thoughts swirling in my mind. What emerged is kind of a series of mantras, things that I can I can come back to when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. I'm sharing in the hopes that maybe they can do the same for you - or that maybe they inspire you to make a similar list.
After this, I'm going to sign off from social media for the day, and I'm going to take a break from the news. I'm going to do some yoga. I'll read for pleasure (Alicia Keys' "More Myself" - so good!). I'll play some board games with my kids, work on a knitting project, and watch the OBC recording of "Into the Woods" tonight. (PSA: If you loved "Hamilton," you might want to check out Broadway Direct. Trust me on this one.)
I don't know about you, but the raging debate over whether or not to reopen schools this fall has been a huge source of anxiety for me this week. I am lucky: I have an incredible support system and lots (um, lots) of practice with strategies and tools to help me cope. I know that may not be the case for you, and I want you to know that you are seen and valued. Please feel free to reach out to me if you want to talk.
Something that helps me is making lists. Organizing my thoughts into a list helps me to focus and to productively channel the chaotic energy that anxiety creates inside of me. One therapist I worked with also urged me to always come back to my values. Once I get to the heart of what's most important to me, I can usually see a path forward, and that feels good.
So this morning, with my trusty giant cup of coffee, I did some writing. I didn't have a particular goal in mind; I mostly just wanted to give some structure to the million thoughts swirling in my mind. What emerged is kind of a series of mantras, things that I can I can come back to when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. I'm sharing in the hopes that maybe they can do the same for you - or that maybe they inspire you to make a similar list.
After this, I'm going to sign off from social media for the day, and I'm going to take a break from the news. I'm going to do some yoga. I'll read for pleasure (Alicia Keys' "More Myself" - so good!). I'll play some board games with my kids, work on a knitting project, and watch the OBC recording of "Into the Woods" tonight. (PSA: If you loved "Hamilton," you might want to check out Broadway Direct. Trust me on this one.)
I love my family. I want to live a good, long life with them and for them.
I love my job. I love the children and families that I serve.
I am intelligent and caring. I can trust that I will do everything I can to keep myself and others safe.
I am brave. I can do hard things.
There are things I can control, and there are things I can't. It is ok to release the things I cannot control.
My teaching will look different, but it will always be done in love.
I am proud to be an early childhood educator.
Whatever the circumstances, I can look for joy.
I am not responsible for addressing every issue, and I am not responsible for making everyone happy.
I know and can advocate for what I need.
My needs are worthy.
(Psst - Yours are, too. Take good care of yourself, teacher. We can do this.)
I love my job. I love the children and families that I serve.
I am intelligent and caring. I can trust that I will do everything I can to keep myself and others safe.
I am brave. I can do hard things.
There are things I can control, and there are things I can't. It is ok to release the things I cannot control.
My teaching will look different, but it will always be done in love.
I am proud to be an early childhood educator.
Whatever the circumstances, I can look for joy.
I am not responsible for addressing every issue, and I am not responsible for making everyone happy.
I know and can advocate for what I need.
My needs are worthy.
(Psst - Yours are, too. Take good care of yourself, teacher. We can do this.)
