Being gentle with ourselves.
Giving ourselves grace.
Accepting ourselves as we are.
These are challenging times, and now more than ever we need to offer ourselves as much self-compassion as we can. This month's invitation is to disregard the judgement of your inner critic. Put less pressure on yourself. Accept that you are perfectly imperfect. And, as best as you can, love yourself unconditionally.
As we transition into a back-to-school season unlike any other we've ever experienced, it is more important than ever that educators prioritize their self-care. This can look like self-soothing 'treats' that can cheer and comfort us. It can also look like being especially vigilant about boundaries and not overextending yourself. In these extremely challenging times, remember that attending to your needs helps you to more sustainably attend to the needs of your students, friends, and family.
While this July is going to feel rather different than a typical one, there will still be opportunities for you to take a well-deserved break. This month's invitation is to make space for lightness, humor, joy, and laughter. As we've all learned these past several months, we can find moments of peace and gratitude in spite of our challenging circumstances. Allow joy to bring lightness to your life and let yourself savor it.
How can I invite you to REST when there is so much important work to be done?
I’ve been reflecting on this question all week, as protests and support for Black Lives are bringing the world together.
And I believe that now more than ever, we need to be reminded that ‘radial self-care’ is an essential part of keeping the momentum of change going.
✨ Rest does not mean stop trying.
✨ Relaxation does not mean you have loosened your resolve.
✨ Self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent.
✨ Joy and play do not distract from our important work.
Activists and caregivers and the people whose work is essential to social change (read: you) need rest, relaxation, self-care, joy, and play EVEN MORE.
We must give ourselves opportunities to do whatever we need to in order to recharge our energy and restore our faith and passion. Otherwise, we burn out and are no longer capable of being of service.
So after these past months of unprecedented challenge, my invitation to you is to decide what kind of rest you need to keep going.
It's been a loooong three months.
Now that summer is here, it is time to rest and relax in whatever way "fills your bucket". Allow yourself some lazy mornings, midday naps, and time to just be.
You have been working so hard - intellectually, physically, and emotionally. Give yourself a well-deserved break, and you'll be that much more refreshed for whatever lies ahead.
With circumstances being as profoundly challenging as they are, it is helpful to realize when it is time to "accept the things we cannot change," as the serenity prayer suggests. This allowing doesn't mean we are okay with what's happening, or that it's all good and we're fine. Instead, it is a choice to stop siphoning your energy into resisting something that is beyond your control.
Establishing healthy boundaries is one of the truest and most valuable forms of self-care.
Self-soothing activities like bubble baths, lattes, and 'Netflix & chill' are great, but it's the true self-care of advocating for yourself and your needs that will make the difference in your health and happiness. This month, I invite you to reflect on how you might benefit from establishing (or re-establishing) healthy boundaries with people, responsibilities, and even the technology in your life.
In this month of love and affection, I invite you to give yourself some love.
You can accept yourself as you are with all your perfect imperfections. You can give yourself kindness and grace when you make mistakes or experience disappointments. You can unburden yourself from any grudges and resentments that are weighing you down.
Consider other heart-centered ways to give yourself warmth, compassion, and whatever else you may need right now. You deserve it.
Before we get into the how of this undertaking, here are a few thoughts on why it is worthwhile for me to give myself grace. From a rational and logical standpoint, it is inefficient to perpetuate the mental habit of internally beating myself up. It has taken me a while, but I’ve come to the realization that self-flagellation is a wasteful use of my precious mental energy.
