From the desk of TR@TC...

We enter the month of November with a lot on our minds. In addition to the constant barrage of emails, social media posts, and text messages that continually compete for our undivided attention, we are also thinking about the upcoming election, healthcare, education, and so much more. Moreover, COVID era teaching and learning has made it challenging for school leaders, teachers, and other school-based staff to support their school communities and care for themselves. Parents who have made the difficult choice to not send their children to school, continue to struggle to meet the demands of their jobs, while supervising home learning. And many children have had to balance attending remote classes, while supporting their families in a variety of ways. All in all, from loss of loved ones, survivors guilt and compassion fatigue, we are all experiencing varying levels of trauma this first quarter of the school year. It is for these reasons that the wellness of our TR@TC community has been top of mind these days. 

As I gathered the resources to be shared in this monthly newsletter, I came across an email that resonated deeply with the need for self care in these trying times. To provide some context, Stacy Davidson of Personal Peptalk, shares an email titled “Monday Morning Motivation” in which she outlines habits of being, doing, and having that are meant to set the foundation for the weekly theme. The theme for the email in question was “Do Your Work-ish” which was inspired by the lovely children’s book titled “Ish” by Peter H.Reynolds (listen here) and the main character’s journey towards overcoming perfectionism.

As we begin to move closer to a much needed break, I invite you to consider our version of Stacy Davidson’s intentions:

BE - Commit to giving yourself (and others) GRACE - Mistakes will be made, technology will frustrate you, and your schedule may continue to change, but if you approach it from a place of grace and gratitude, you will be better able to flex and bend with the unexpected.

DO - Develop a WELLNESS PLAN that will support you in moments of uncertainty, stress, and frustration (let us help you do this! Click here).

HAVE - JOY EVERYDAY. Consider doing at least ONE thing that makes you smile, laugh, dance, or [insert happy place activity]. Is there a Dodo video that always makes your heart smile? Watch it before/after that 3-hour meeting. Schedule these moments intentionally, so that it doesn’t become a chore, and rather an integral part of your day - I call it “The Joy Hour” - and focus that time on doing only that.

I have linked the printout of the Personal Pep Talk email here, for those who are interested in reading more (or subscribing to her positive emails). 

Here’s to hoping the following resources continue to inform and rejuvenate your practice. As always, feel free to share your thoughts by clicking on the feedback link below. 

With loving gratitude,

Julissa

Julissa Diloné

TR@TC Induction