Welcome to July! How does reading that month make you feel? Do you smile and feel the spaciousness of summer? Or do you feel a little constricted and start to worry about time flying by?
Thoughts and feelings like either of these are completely natural and also okay and valid. It’s what we do with them that counts!
Lately I’ve been seeing posts on social media and hearing about July + teacher panic.
I’ve heard a lot of comments about summer flying by.
These are often followed by words of complaint and / or other negativity that turns into conversation that could prove unproductive and leave us feeling more depleted and deprived when summer is supposed to be our time of rejuvenation and relaxation.
As July began, I found myself also starting to wonder how we got here so fast.
None of us can control if those thoughts dance through our minds, but we CAN control our response.
When these thoughts crossed my mind, I decided that I alone can determine how I respond to and interact with them. I can spiral and have that activated state be what consumes my vacation OR I can be present in and enjoy every moment and recognize that it’s ONLY July – the start of July – and be grateful that I have this extra space in my schedule.
Of course, there is timing to consider here because it’s possible that your school was out in May and goes back in July or somehow the calendar for your school year is different. It’s all about perspective.
Yes, educators need this time off.
No, we shouldn’t have to feel so exhausted because of the things that go along with our jobs.
True, there is change that MUST be made that shifts the way things are done and treats educators fairly. And, we also are the only ones responsible for how we react or respond, even when change is necessary.
We choose how we approach situations.
It’s important to take a step back when you notice yourself getting into a thought pattern or spiral of panic or feeling constricted. Pause and ask yourself – is this in any way self-imposed? Then decide how you choose to move on. Stay in the spiral or acknowledge what you’re feeling, take a breath, and live in the moment.
What’s the beauty of all of this?
You get to begin again – with every single moment and every single breath.
If you’ve been in those spirals of panic, begin again and choose to be here now!
