With Winter Break fast approaching, let’s check in…on you. How are you feeling? Not sure. Here’s a strategy I use with my students in order to get a pulse on where their heads and hearts are: on a scale of 0 to 5, 0 being the worst and 5 being the best, how are you doing today? We are continually giving to and caring for others. The question is: are we taking care of ourselves?
Over the past five months, I have been doing some deep soul work, precipitated by a family crisis. One thing I hear over and over again as I sit in my support group meetings is one person after the other saying, “I have realized that I’m not good to anybody else, if I don’t take care of myself.”
But the first step is recognizing our patterns of behavior. As educators, we are wired to teach and serve others. We want our efforts to benefit our students, colleagues, and families. However, if we are running on empty, our tempers may be short and our communication unclear.
I invite you to take an honest inventory. Ask yourself: how am I eating? If you are eating a lot of junk food, you may be feeling stressed. Ask yourself: how am I sleeping? If you are not sleeping, you may be feeling worried. Ask yourself: am I moving enough during the day? If not, you may be feeling sluggish.
The next step is to assess what changes you need to make. Ask yourself: Do I need a meal plan? Do I need to go to bed earlier? Do I need a walking buddy?
Whatever you need, name it for yourself and then ask others for help. We need each other for companionship and accountability. Nobody is meant to journey alone.
I know, from personal experience, that asking for help may be extremely uncomfortable. We are used to offering help, not receiving help. However, when we show up for ourselves by asking for what we need, we are also giving others the opportunity to show up for us.
After almost thirty years of school and community work, I am finally learning one of the most valuable lessons any of us can ever learn…I must take care of myself so I can be there for those I love.
During the upcoming break, will you join me in taking some time for reflection and readjustment, so together we can enter the New Year with fully engaged hearts and minds? We owe it to ourselves…and our communities.
Feel free to reach out to me on social media for mutual encouragement. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tamara-fyke-47816823 or Instagram: @loveinabigworld.
Here are some things I like to do to take care of myself. How do you take care of yourself?
- Walk in the morning sun
- Write in my journal
- Dance with my best friend
- Go to bed by 10pm
- Share my thoughts, ideas, and needs with people I trust
About the author
Tamara Fyke is an educator and social entrepreneur with a passion for kids, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and author of Love In A Big World, which provides mental health, SEL, and wellness curriculum and content. During quarantine, Tamara created MusiCity Kids, an online educational show for kids ages 6-12 that addresses health, movement, character development, STEAM, and more.
