Tip -- Making this the best summer of your life

The countdown is here. In 48 hours the last student will give you a hug, a handshake, or a glare 😏 and will head out the door--richer in knowledge, in character, in understanding, in self-esteem, in passion, and in curiosity because of YOU.  You’ve given your best, your all, more than you had to give many days. Now it is YOUR time. 

This great blog, “Get the Most Out of Summer,” by Vicki Davis, has some wonderful suggestions for your summertime relaxation and rejuvenation.  Without refreshing and restoring yourself, you won’t have the inner resources to give to students at that same level of commitment and intensity in September.  So, read the blog in its entirety here, or skim our version below.  Whatever you do, take action to bring back your sparkle and health and inner joy.

Bridget and I have the utmost respect and admiration for the work you do every day. We have been privileged to be in your classrooms, to see your magic, to witness the struggles we all face in an impossible job, but to also witness the celebrations and joys and triumphs. You have the hardest AND most rewarding job in our country. Celebrate. Relax. Enjoy your summer. 

And, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.

Brooke and Bridget

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Brooke and Bridget’s recommendation to make this summer the BEST ever!  Make a list of what you want to do by the end of the summer, but don’t make it all about “should” and “have to” items.  Include items such as: “Read 10 novels,” “Set up at least five lunches with five friends,” “Ride bikes as a family at least five times,” “Take a nap at least once a week,” “Take the kids to outdoor story hour and play on the playground equipment without ever checking the time (or phone!),”  “Take the kayak out on the lake, and read a book there,” “Go to at least three museums with the kids.” By including fun, personal, soul-filling items on your list, you will be better able to justify and accomplish the things we too often fail to make time for.

Note: The bolded headings are from Davis’ article, but the commentary below is from Brooke and Bridget.

1. Take Time Each Day to Go Outside: Lie on a blanket and stare at the sky. Touch a tree.  Leap into a lake. Sit outside and listen to the birds.

2. Use a Journal to Capture Your Best Thinking: Use a journal to free your mind and to discover what you are grateful for, what you need to solve, what warmed your heart, and what you want to remember.

3. Take a Digital Vacation: Spend real time with others and with yourself. Stash the computer, the cell phone, the Ipad.

4. Waste Some Time, Guilt-Free: Sit and do nothing. Take a nap. Read a great book. Lie in a hammock. Laugh. Have a three-hour lunch with an old friend.

5. Go on an Adventure: Choose something that scares or challenges you—a race, a zipline, learning to swim, making homemade jam. Try it out, and celebrate your victory.

6. Do Something Meaningful: Is there a volunteer opportunity you can do without burning yourself out? Is there something that will give more back to you than you give to it? Is there something that will change you and humble you and stretch you?

7. Get Back on Track Physically: Teachers tend to let fitness and nutrition lag during the school year. Now is your time to energize yourself through exercise and healthy eating. Your mood will soar, your body will be grateful, and you’ll have more energy to waste time J if you wish.

8. (Left for last on purpose!) Prepare for School Intentionally: If you have lessons or units to prepare, your classroom to set up, and  boxes at home to sort, set a specific time to do this. Don’t let the burden of guilt sit on your back all summer, and then frantically work like a maniac the week before school starts.  Separate your work time and your play time--by building in your work time intentionally, you can keep the play time sacred.

 Whatever you do, have compassion for yourself, and make your relaxation a priority.