Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout

Accounting helps stop teacher burnout

Posted By Melissa

If you count your assets you will always show a profit. – Robert Quillen

In these tumultuous economic times is is difficult not to be consumed by worry and a sense of lack.   Is it important to realize that just our perception of scarcity can be debilitating to ourselves as individuals and to the economy regardless of the reality of our situation.  If we buy into this sense that there is not enough and hold on to our belongings, our money, or our energy and attention, then the natural flow of energy is interrupted, causing even more problems.  Just your perception of scarcity can cause a great deal of fear and stress, even if our reality does not match up to this "worst case scenario" media message.  For teachers this can be especially dangerous as we feel the financial strain of  the local community we work in.  And this fear can’t help but be passed along to our students through our demeanor and actions.

How can we remain calm and cultivate a sense of peace in these challenging times?  As the quote above suggests, count your blessings. 

In accounting  assets are the items that show the overall value of a business or organization.  So what are your assets?  Some may be liquid assets, such as money or possessions that could be sold.  In gratitude terms, these are our belongings we are grateful for, and often how we measure how well we are doing.  But a wise accountant knows you must also look at your intangible assets.  According to Encarta these are the "long term assets that have no physical substance, but have value based on rights or privileges accruing to the owner."  In order to see the true value you have built in your life, you need to take the time to identify and appreciate all of your assets. 

So here are some actions steps from a girl who earned an "A" in an accounting class I took years ago when I had once been feeling the burnout of teaching:

• In the morning list 5 things (don’t forget intangibles) you’re grateful for.  I put mine right into my planner to look at later on in the day when things might be tough.  Go back to this list and you’ll see how it bring you back to your reality.

• Are you a visual learner?  Create your own "Gratitude Collage".  Cut out words, pictures and other clippings from magazines and print or doodle with markers and art supplies to map out all of your blessings.  Do this with your family or your students.  this is a great activity for children.  They pick up on our fear – help them see the wealth in their lives!

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