Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout
Posts Tagged ‘Gratitude’
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!
Ten Ways to Say Thank You
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008Being a "whole" teacher means seeing all the good we have in our lives and being thankful for it. One of the top ten teacher stresses I write about in the Ten Days to Less Stress E-course (see home page) is feeling a lack of appreciation. We all love being appreciated and by now you have heard me say how important it is to give that which you’d like most to receive. This could not be more important than in showing our gratitude to others. So here are ten simple, yet creative, ways to say thank you:
1. Just say it – The most important part of saying thank you is the sincerity in which you say it. Take the time to look the person in the eye and tell them specifically what you are thankful for and why you appreciate it. Try this with strangers and service providers.
2. Send flowers – Whether it’s a bouquet or a single flower from your yard, flowers are a great way to make someone feel special.
3. Send a personal note or card – Again, don’t forget to make it personal and say how they touched you. A humorous card goes a long way.
4. Leave a treat – Fresh baked cookies, fruit, or even some candy … who doesn’t love an unexpected snack?
5. Give a small trinket – Give a mug, colorful notepad, or silly supplies that will remind them of your appreciation every time they use them.
6. Donate to a charity – Make a donation in the person’s name and send them a copy. This is a great way to give twice and spread your gratitude even further.
7. Make your own certificate of appreciation – This is easy to do on the computer. Be creative with the title.
8. Write a letter to a local newspaper or an announcement for the intercom – Sometimes an act is so moving that you want to tell the world, and we could all use some more good news.
9. Give a gift certificate – This could be a small amount to a local coffee shop, restaurant, book store, or movie theater or make it yourself and offer a night of babysitting, car wash, or homemade meal.
10. Decorate the person’s door, workspace, or car – Streamers, balloons, and a great big thank you can go along way.
I would love to hear how you’ve shown your appreciation or how you have been thanked. Leave a comment and share your experiences. Who did you thank? What did you do? How did they respond? Have fun with it.
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