So if you are anywhere other than Chicago (where they are finally getting back) then your school year is in full swing, and if you are anything like me then you are once again trying to master the great balancing act that is school administration. After all, there are new students to meet, returning students to re-connect with, staff members to see, and the parents...oh my oh my the parents! You can't really blame them, as we are responsible for the care of the most important things they have (no, not their smart phones...although they are pretty cool)!
Within this three ring circus routine of a day, it is all too easy to forget about one of the most important things in our lives...US! We are not even through a month of school, and I would be willing to bet anyone reading this blog post has skipped lunch, pulled an "all nighter" (or close to it), or found themselves in the office several hours after everyone else has left school. Some of you may even be guilty of all of the above!
I understand it is our nature as school leaders, and that things need to be done, and done quickly and correctly, but at what cost? Remember all of the goals you set for yourself at the end of the school year? How many of them focused on you and your well being? How many days a week are you exercising? Are you eating right? Are you getting enough sleep? I don't mean to sound like your mother, but she has a point! If you do not take care of yourself, then your body WILL break down, and then you are no good to anyone. In the article, "Taking Your Oxygen" (http://connectedprincipals.com/archives/6274), Patrick Larkin expresses how important it is for " those who are responsible for the well-being of children to take care of themselves first."
