Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout
Archive for the ‘summer vacation’ Category
MTA Summer Conference 2010
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010Just finished my presentation to 20 amazing educators at the MTA Summer Conference 2010 here in WIlliamstown, MA. I wish I could put into words how energized and blessed I feel after working with such an amazing group of educators. I love what I do!
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!
Williamstown here I come!
Monday, August 9th, 2010
Tomorrow morning I make the pilgrimage with many other Massachusetts teachers to WiIlliamstown, MA for my second year at The Massachusetts Teachers Association Summer conference 2010 being held at
I am excited to be presenting Balance Before Burnout: Make a plan to beat stress which is the course that explains the basics in regards to teacher stress and the Balance Reserves that are truly the backbone of The Whole Teacher.
After attending last year I am looking forward to meeting more fellow educators that amaze me with their professionalism and passion. I loved connecting with people from across
But most of all I am looking forward to a piece of quiet alone in my dorm room where I will have some free time to continue working on some exciting changes coming to The Whole Teacher. I have a big vision for The Whole Teacher and the pieces are definitely coming together. I promise that when I return I will be sharing some more details on what's to come and what it means for you.
I will be blogging from the conference so keep an eye out tomorrow and see what tips I have picked up throughout the day. Who knows? Maybe I'll even film the next video edition of The Whole Teacher TV from the
The “weekend” we call summer vacation.
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
The rhythm of the weekend, with its birth, its planned gaieties, and its announced end, followed the rhythm of life and was a substitute for it. ~
I was out at the beach spending a few hours in the glorious sunshine with a friend from school today when she introduced me to a family friend who also is a teacher. When asked about how her summer vacation was going she took that common deep breath, and replied with how summer was like the weekend.
She went on to explain how June is like Friday, July is like Saturday and August is so Sunday. This was perfect!
In June we are finishing our school year and excited for the possibilities the "weekend" has to offer. We are often exhausted from a long and tiring"work week", but feel we must start the "weekend"off with a bang.
This takes us into July, the Saturday of summer. We have trouble getting anything done first thing. We are happy to laze around and follow our own inner time clock. Some of us are up with the sun, using every waking moment to get things done, while others like to sleep late, lounge around, and refresh. Monday seems so far away until August sneaks up on us.
August is the Sunday of summer vacation. We remember what we planned on getting done and make preparations for the coming "work week". There is often a bit of sadness and often denial that comes as the "day" progresses,that is mixed with the excitement of the potential of a fresh start.
How do we use this "Sunday" to prepare for the coming school year?
-
If you've been working or just very busy during your summer, be sure to use some time for a day of rest. Our quiet time alone helps us to hear what our inner self needs. It is also a great way to spark our creativity as we get ready to plan.
-
Clear some space for the new. If July was all about the fun, now is the time to do a little work on clearing out the old that wasn't serving your purpose. This might mean physically clearing out the old papers, old books or junk. It might also mean clearing out duties that consume your time, but don't match you values or vision. And it also might mean taking care of the little things that have been bugging you, like a leaky faucet, a messy trunk, or a broken drawer. Little things like these zap our energy.
-
Sundays are the time to look at the week ahead and iron our clothes, pack our lunches, etc. In August it's time to make sure we have what we need to begin the year successfully. Stock up on supplies, write out new habits you'd like to start, and organize your supplies, clothing, and daily resources so the new routine runs smoothly.
-
Breathe. If the end of summer is a difficult transition for you, please try to remember that while we can't control everything, we can do a great deal to create the autumn of your dreams. What can you do to add pleasure to your fall routine. Where can you set boundaries and find more time for you? Take control and be a life creator! Don't let the rest of the world decide your life for you.
Summer suffering?!? No way!
Friday, July 9th, 2010
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!
Subscribe
-
