A Page Turned

General consensus seems to be that many of us are not sad to see October go. Byyyyeeee…

With that said, I write what I need on this blog and last weekend, I wrote about things feeling really hard. While it would be dishonest to say that they feel less hard, I would like to share some reflections from this weekend as I work to get myself into a more productive space. After all, what happens to and around us may or may not be our “fault” so to speak, but what we do in response is our responsibility. Our action, words, our energy, our decisions…it’s all we’ve really got that is truly ours at the end of the day.

For those living in areas that experience seasons, please interrupt that mental game of work chess that many of us play during our drive home. You know, the thought spiral where you reply conversations, remember communication loops that need closing, or even make up stories about what other people think or feel in your head…that last one is super seductive and yet very unproductive. Disrupt those thoughts for even just a few seconds and look around. I’m seeing leaves change from green to yellow, orange, and if we are lucky, even RED. When I find a tree with red leaves, it feels like I’ve uncovered a special kind of magic presented to us by none other than mother nature herself.

As you walk into your house or swing by a coffee shop to pick up your mobile order, look around. You’ll likely see a dad tying his daughter’s shoe or a dog wiggling his rear end when a stranger stops by to give him a scratch in just the right spot. This past week, I drove past a little boy who was sitting on the corner of the street, holding an outdoor cat who roams our neighborhood. He was being so careful as he held her in his arms, stroked her back, and spoke kindly to her. She seemed quite content as she allowed herself to savor this random act of kindness.

As I fold laundry today and sit down to complete the work that I need to do to keep my head above water this week, I’m noticing the smell of our fall candle. Something about it makes me feel cozy and just a smidge more relaxed.

The problems of the world around me still exist. They are not less heavy, and I still find myself worried and overwhelmed. If this is you too, hugs. But we are going to have to find our way through this darkness. With no end in sight, we must find a way to be OK, to give what we can, and we cannot wait for all of it to go away in order to experience peace or joy.

I wrote Legacy of Learning because I wanted educators to see a path forward in this deeply important profession that would allow them to make a meaningful impact while simultaneously living good lives. Too many of us sacrificing living for working, and I want better for all of us.

When I’m overwhelmed, taking time for “rest” feels like another to do. Every minute spent resting feels like time taken that will cost me somewhere else. If this is you, we must find ways to hold a little space for both at the same time. When you’re walking somewhere, put your phone away and notice the good. You’re on your way anyway. You may as well bake some mindfulness into it. When you are driving to work, stack something good for you on top of that – something safe for driving, of course. Maybe it’s turning up your favorite music, listening to a true crime podcast (listen, no judgment, we all relax differently), or perhaps it’s calling a close friend. It may also look like sitting in silence if you need that and get little of it during the day. And by all means, if you celebrate Christmas, and you need Christmas cheer now, go ahead. Why are we judging people for this? The world could use a little magic right now, so as my personal trainer says, “Go crazy!”

As we turn the page to November, let’s try to let what comes come. And let what goes go. Let’s try to focus our minds on little glimmers and the people who make life feel a bit softer and more gentle. Those are our people.