As educators, every single day we experience both chaos and calm. And it’s our natural default as humans to focus only on the chaos, the busy-ness, the lows versus the highs.
Let’s take a moment to learn to appreciate both. To find that silver lining in the more challenging moments and bring more awareness to those moments of calm. Mindfulness teaches us that in doing so, we can feel more stable in our everyday lives, and become more resilient as well.
This month I’m sharing reflections on how to incorporate gratitude into our daily lives and to see how our gratitude creates positive ripples, near and far.
1. Sometimes the days and weeks – and even the entire year – fly by in a blur.
It’s like we’re going nonstop, never taking a moment to slow down or even stop.
Find time today to ground yourself and reflect on something you’re grateful for. Just a few seconds to “pause” can help shift your day and allow you the opportunity to focus on the good rather than obsessing over the bad.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞: I will find time today to focus on the good and let go of (or at least press pause on) the bad.
Whether it’s a tiny victory with a student or taking a mindful moment to catch your breath, what small things brought you joy today?
2. We often focus on what’s not working, but growth is happening all around us, even in small steps.
As educators, we often put an enormous amount of pressure on ourselves to ensure that everything is “just right”. But… perfection isn’t the goal, not for our professional lives, our students, or our personal life. Progress is. Progress means learning, adapting, and becoming better, not reaching for an unattainable goal.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞: Progress over perfection. Progress over perfection. Progress over perfection.
Today, take a moment to celebrate your own wins, acknowledge a student’s accomplishment, and offer some encouragement to a colleague who might need a boost. Let’s create ripples of positivity all around!
3. Find gratitude in the moments of silence.
When your classroom is empty in between classes, when students are taking a test, at the start and end of your day… these moments are a time when you can appreciate the quiet, to recharge and refocus.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞: Today I will find time to be aware of my breath in the quiet moments throughout my day. In doing so, I know that I will feel more present in the more challenging times.
What are other rituals or practices that you can do during this time? How do you make the most of your quiet moments on a busy day?
4. Your impact as an educator stretches beyond the classroom walls.
Every time you teach a lesson, every word of encouragement, every interaction you have… is shaping the future of each and every student you encounter.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞: Even if I don’t always see the ripples I’m creating, every day I know that I’m making a difference in the lives of my students. And for that, I am grateful.
5. No teacher is an island.
Work we do can be challenging, but it becomes lighter when we have a supportive community. Whether it’s your administration, fellow educators, friends or family, who’s part of your support system?
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞: Today I’m grateful for my supportive community who uplift and inspire me.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the people who are on this journey with us. Send this to an educator you appreciate!
6. What kind of energy do you bring into the classroom?
Even when we’re having a bad day, we have the power to reframe our mindset, which can not only shift the tone of the day for ourselves but also positively influence our students. A small change in perspective can create a ripple effect of positivity in the classroom.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞: Today I will find three things that I am grateful for in my educator life.
What would be on your list today? Challenge yourself to do this daily and watch the shift in your teaching experience.
7. Gratitude for our students.
While being a teacher can be extra challenging at times (especially as we head into this holiday season!), let’s take a moment to remember the curiosity and fresh perspectives that our students bring to us every day.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞: Today, I’m grateful for the voices and perspectives of my students.
What’s one interaction that left you feeling grateful today?
If you’re feeling more chaos than calm right now, reach out. Book a complimentary session here. My sessions are always in our off-hours as educators… because I’m a teacher too!
