Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout

Archive for the ‘balance’ Category

Summer suffering?!? No way!

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.  ~Russel Baker


This July started with record temps in Massachusetts, and it is easy to join the complaining, but … it is vacation and it is summer and I "like it"!
 
It is difficult to stay as busy as I planned with these high temps, especially since we haven't put our air conditioner in the window yet, but I am using it as a time to slow down and go inward.  I am moving slower, but I feel like my brain is percolating with ideas for the summer and next year. 
 
Action steps:

  • Go slow.  Take this time to move slower on purpose.  Find one thing and really focus on it.

  • Re-energize.  Now is the time for naps and self-care.  Take time to recuperate from the harried end-of-the-year schedule.

  • Take the time to smell the flowers.  Summer in New England is very different from our gray February and Marches.  Appreciate the now!

  • Be a kid.  What did summer vacation mean to you when you were 10?  Find your inner child and have some fun.  Ice cream melting down your arm?  Jumping salty waves?  Soaking in the sprinkler?  Whatever it is, find some time to fit it in.

  • Enjoy the now!







Posted in Gratitude, Uncategorized, balance, fun, summer vacation | No Comments


The Simplest Balance Reserves

Monday, August 10th, 2009





The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.



I had an amazing  time sharing The Whole Teacher with some truly special educators at the MTA Summer Conference at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.  I am so grateful to each of those who chose to attend the first session of the final day of the conference ... especially considering the weather was perfect and it was, after all, the morning after "The Bash".

Thank you to each of you for sharing, brainstorming and offering such heartfelt support to your fellow teachers.  I came across this poem this morning.  It seems to embody the true meaning of the Balance Before Burnout Reserves and simplifies them beautifully!

Enjoy the final weeks of summer!  This is when the "sunshine, water, rest and air; exercise and diet," are most easily found.  Keep checking in The Whole Teacher for help finding them throughout your school year when it's a bit more of a challenge!


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Posted in Uncategorized, balance, balance reserves, meaningful connections | No Comments


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