Oh, Friends, what a whirlwind! That's a common theme in my life, right?
I genuinely and honestly feel like I have turned a major corner.
Let me back track a little.
Two weeks ago, I was at my Reflection & Rejuvenation Retreat with two wonderful women. (Kate, I'm sorry I haven't responded to your message; I have 465 messages awaiting me in my inbox!)
During my time, I realized that I am in desperate need of relaxation. I came to admit that even though my life with children is fun, it is NEVER relaxing. Even when we are in our backyard swimming together, I am supervising them or playing police officer or tightening masks and goggles. If I have "free time" on a Saturday morning, I go running or I clean the house. I almost never, ever relax during the day. Since I'm a morning person, relaxing during sunshine hours is important to me.
My work to-do list has been so long this summer that I haven't had a chance to relax after the boys go to bed. I jump on a call or work on a document or try to clean out my inbox.
The final push came these past two weeks as I prepared almost 80 hours of professional development for my staff. It takes SO long to draft a session, create the PowerPoint, and design the handouts. Even though I still feel behind going into the year, I feel like it's going to be a much easier year as a second-year principal. I'm looking forward to more balance in my life! Cue the celebration!
I just prepared 22 hours of professional development for our team last week, Sara - no need to apologize!! <3 Loved this post - it's a great reminder for all of us to consider where we fit in the thing that's never on our To Do Lists: true relaxation.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in the training days to come!!
www.constellationofmoments.com
I am coming around to the idea that, though I want to incorporate my child in all of my life - vacations especially, that maybe taking a day or even a week to myself or just me and my spouse, is okay...or maybe even a requirement. My career is a 24 hour a day thing too. I'll have an overflowing inbox of things to do until I die. Having just realized that, I think maybe just scheduling the time and letting it all fall apart for a week is maybe okay. At least, it might be okay next year, when my work is more established.
ReplyDeleteAll of this to say, I hear you. Congrats on your productivity, though! 80 hours of professional development is pretty amazing.