Slippers! The day was not looking good for me! I left my wallet in my daughter’s car early that morning. I thought I left my phone at home and would not be back until that evening. I didn’t, whew! I had a long meeting at school that morning, had to call a parent about their child’s behavior and write him up. I met with another person about being the coordinator of a committee at school (my 5th commitment). I had a come to Jesus moment with another student who rolled their eyes at me. I took 10 mins of recess the next day so students in my class could practice how to line up to go out of the room and into the hallway, since they were having such a hard time with it that afternoon.
After school, I had a training so I can be a better teacher and my head was filled with gibbly-garb as I thought about all the things I needed to get done that evening. I needed to write sub plans for the next day, put students in reading groups, start behavior plans, look at IEP’s and create MTSS plans and tweak lesson plans, grade papers, fill out interims and on and on and on…………….
In the car on the way home, I turned the radio to several different stations. Finally, I found a head-banger 80’s song, so I turned it up and sang loudly and banged my head to the music. I found it quite refreshing. Then I remembered what my trainers, Demetrius and Andrea (DFIT Institute for Transformation) told me one day when had a similar day before school started. They said to go for a walk outside. I thought that would be perfect today.
I got home and immediately changed into my workout wear, grabbed my earbuds and phone (playlist). I walked in my neighborhood. I walked down my street and up another, up a really big hill and down the really big hill and then home. As I was walking, I felt the breeze on my face, I looked at the trees, houses, yards, cars, saw a neighbor smile, a big dog (I prayed I wouldn’t be eaten) and all the drama and chaos of that day fell away. I thought about how much energy I had now and how much I could get done, including writing this blog post!
I still had a lot to do, but I could conquer it now with my extra boost of energy and the fact that the stress of the day had fallen away all because I decided to walk it out!
Take time for yourself, especially those of us who take work home. Notice your signs for the need to de-stress and find a way that works for you. Be intentional, purposeful and creative. Not everything works for everyone. Make it a healthy choice, make it beneficial for you and your body. Remember it is important for you to be here and do what you do. So walk it out and find your “ME“ again!
