The next step to building my Balance Reserve of "Space" is to brainstorm  ways I will build this reserve?

Ways to build my reserves of space:

At school:

• Weed out file drawer of reference files
•  
• Organize student files and file student paperwork
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• Clean out desk drawers and toss broken pens, pencils, etc.
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• Organize bookshelf
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• Clear out "working file" holder on desk and file those no longer of timely use in file drawer
•  

At Home:

• Clean out bathroom cabinets and toss expired and old shampoos and toiletries
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• Organize cleaning materials in closet
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• Remove everything from home office that does not belong there
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• Bring all office materials, books, files etc down stairs
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• Weed out (Recycle, donate or toss) all unwanted materials from home office
•  
• Make a plan for where things belong in office
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• Only put back wanted materials
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• Invite someone to help. (will make it less overwhelming and fun.  Exchange for a room in their home)
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• Donate children's table and chair set
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• Weed out toy boxes

Now its your turn:

So, what was the Balance Reserve you chose.  What will you do to build up this reserve?

Next step is to move these to a planner page and set a date to complete them.  

I will be sharing this process as I go along so please stay tuned and keep reading.  

We were able to use our time together to really get into examining what are our top teacher stressors and what do we need to do to set ourselves on a path to wellness and balance.  I was pleased by not only the quantity but also the quality of the actions steps that were created from this group in such a short time.

I love this venue because the group is always diverse, positive, and supportive of each other.  It reminds me of why I am doing what I do.  Thanks to each of the participants for sharing 3 hours of your busy schedule with me.  I love being able to hear your experiences and see the sparks as you join me on the journey to balance before burnout!

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

• 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!

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!