Define your Inquiry

by Lu Gerlach
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As we begin this new year, what will be your legacy that will be long remembered after your students have left your care?  Will it be that you were burnt out and a bit frazzled or will you be a pillar of self-care and cool under pressure?

​I won't fib and paint a picture of tranquility on my part.  I perpetually made an annual goal of being more balanced between work and home life.  I never quite got there, which greatly impacted my effectiveness during stressful moments.  Here's what I'd do differently now that I know better.

As a teacher entering 2022, I would tell myself to show self-care.  We are no good to anyone if we are low on fuel.  Self-care looks differently to everyone, but it's something that brings you back to center.  For me, this is reading a good book, having some alone time, chatting with mates, getting a massage, and doing my best to give myself a manicure (my poor nails suffer for it).   While others may take long walks through the mountains or strolls with their dog on the beach.  It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you do it regularly to balance out the stressors caused by outside sources. ​
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Another thing I'd tell myself is to re-center my purpose and tap back into my passions.  We all began our educational journey full of hope and promise.  Somehow along the way, real school life swallowed us up whole.  Now is the time to re-center what it is you are most passionate about and take action towards it. 

This past week, I spent a lot of time re-defining what goal setting looks like in my guide Define your Inquiry.  It made me look back at who I am and what I want to become in the year ahead.  You are so worth it.  Won't you join me?