Over the Thanksgiving Break, I made an intentional effort to focus on my mental health and well-being. I didn't do a lot of work, I went for some really long walks around my neighborhood, I listened to some podcasts, I hung out with my family, and I just enjoyed the opportunity to break away from the grind a little. In year's past, this most assuredly wouldn't have happened because I would get the urge to catch up on some of my to-do list items that got pushed aside. This year was different. I have developed a peace of mind that things will get done in due time and the urgency to complete tasks at hyper speed seemed to fade away. Maybe it's the process of getting older or maybe it is because I'm exhausted, but either way, I like the feeling of having peace of mind.
In a time where everyone wants to give each other a piece of their mind, it is kind of nice having a sense of calmness, tranquility, and freedom from worry and anxiety. I'm not saying that I am in a perpetual state of peace of mind, but I am finding comfort in the fact that I have people around me that contribute to a positive state of well-being on a daily basis. My family and my coworkers know who I am and support me. They provide me affirmations when I need them and they are honest with me in critical moments. Because of this, I know that people have my back and want me to be successful. Having this peace of mind has been imperative to my sanity during the turbulent times we are facing in the field of education.
I don't know if the anxiety of the job of being a teacher will ever go away. In fact, I think it is an important driver for people to succeed because an uncertain outcome has a way of keeping us all on our toes. I do know, however, that living in a constant state of anxiety is the surest way to burnout so it is important to find peace of mind wherever you can locate it. For me, I have discovered it in the people around me and the relationships that have been formed. I know that I have surrounded myself with people who are passionate, energetic, and have a heart for kids. They are people who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to fill the buckets of those around them with love, kindness, and encouragement. It is my duty to reciprocate and pay it forward by providing them with peace of mind knowing that they have someone in their corner going to bat for them. That is how you overcome obstacles. That is how you build a culture. That is leadership.
#FORGE #ONWARD
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