June--Rest and Renew
My Story:
I awoke on the first morning of my summer vacation. I had lists upon lists of what I wanted to do and accomplish over the next ten weeks. Suddenly, I felt paralyzed. I couldn't move!
My school year had ended. It was a challenging year--both in my classroom and here at home. I suddenly realized that I had nothing more to give. I was empty!
I lay my head back down and slept. I let go of the guilt and took care of ME!
For the next 18 days--until today---I set no alarms. I read for FUN. I baked a double batch of chocolate chip cookies. I also crawled into bed with my eldest and binge watched Netflix. I wrote in journals to each of my three children. I did a puzzle.
I texted friends and set dates for this summer. I made plans for my first getaway. I will see my best friend who has been 3000 miles away for the past 15 years. And guess what...I am excited and don't feel guilty!
When I am teaching and parenting, I have always put myself last. For fifteen years I have been running on a hamster wheel. The evidence is clear. I have gained weight. The clutter in my house has piled up. I always feel that I have not done enough.
While I was taking more time to rest and renew, I realized several things:
Today is the end of June. I feel ready to tackle more things on my list. I will also add some things---reminders to continue to practice self care!
Wonderings for My Wunderkinds:
*Am I setting a good example for my children if I don't take care of myself?
*Am I modeling self-care and self-acceptance for my children?
*Do I give enough time to my children to practice self-care?
*How
I awoke on the first morning of my summer vacation. I had lists upon lists of what I wanted to do and accomplish over the next ten weeks. Suddenly, I felt paralyzed. I couldn't move!
My school year had ended. It was a challenging year--both in my classroom and here at home. I suddenly realized that I had nothing more to give. I was empty!
I lay my head back down and slept. I let go of the guilt and took care of ME!
For the next 18 days--until today---I set no alarms. I read for FUN. I baked a double batch of chocolate chip cookies. I also crawled into bed with my eldest and binge watched Netflix. I wrote in journals to each of my three children. I did a puzzle.
I texted friends and set dates for this summer. I made plans for my first getaway. I will see my best friend who has been 3000 miles away for the past 15 years. And guess what...I am excited and don't feel guilty!
When I am teaching and parenting, I have always put myself last. For fifteen years I have been running on a hamster wheel. The evidence is clear. I have gained weight. The clutter in my house has piled up. I always feel that I have not done enough.
While I was taking more time to rest and renew, I realized several things:
- The world didn't end.
- My family was happier--and followed my lead.
- I noticed that my cup was filling up!
Today is the end of June. I feel ready to tackle more things on my list. I will also add some things---reminders to continue to practice self care!
*Am I setting a good example for my children if I don't take care of myself?
*Am I modeling self-care and self-acceptance for my children?
*Do I give enough time to my children to practice self-care?
*How
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