The winter solstice this year will occur on December 21. In the northern hemisphere, it is the day in the year that the Sun will rise from its southernmost point in the morning sky. The word solstice means “Sun stands still”. And this is a time for us to stand still too before we begin our journey toward spring. Like the candles that are symbols of light at this time of year, your flame will continue to burn as long as you have fuel. Without it, you will flicker and go out. It is so easy to keep adding items to your “I’ll do it over winter break” list. I will write that unit over break, read that book, clean that storeroom, grade the essays, plan the labs, catch up on my evaluations, start working out again, see my friends… the list grows exponentially. How many of you have that list running in the back of your mind? The list itself can expend your energy and make your flame flicker. For new teachers and administrators, that list may be even longer as they have worked to find balance between managing the ins and outs of their classrooms or buildings and meeting the needs of their students. Their candles may be very close to burning out. Reach out to them...or if you ARE one of them, reach out to your colleagues who can give you support or a different perspective on the list of items that may be weighing you down. It is ok to turn off your teacher brain for a while over the winter break.
Students need that same opportunity to stand still. Their student brains need some space to stretch beyond the borders of classrooms too.
So as the winter solstice approaches, pick one thing off your list that you want to prioritize accomplishing over the break. Make an actionable plan to accomplish the other items after break or make the decision that it is ok to remove an item all together. Be open to new experiences during your time away from your classroom. Do the things that bring you joy. Be with people who lift you up. Celebrate your successes from the first half of the year. And, find some space to do nothing. Fuel your flame.
I am taking my own advice and will be “standing still” over the next few weeks, making sure I have enough fuel to keep my flame burning too. In case you haven’t heard this from someone lately, you are valued. The work you do is important. Your student’s lives are better because you are their teacher, their principal, their counselor, their coach. Your work as a district administrator or education leader makes a greater impact on those you serve than you may ever know. Your work as a paraprofessional, administrative assistant, security team member, maintenance/custodial team member, food service team member or bus driver is essential to the success of the students in your district. Thank you for what you continue to do for our children. Have a safe, healthy holiday season. I am looking forward to coming back to Talk-OH-Tuesday in January 2023 with a fresh mind and renewed curiosity.