So many of us are so tired this time of year. The tape plays, “I’m so tired…I’m so tired of being tired…I’m so tired of not making any progress…I’m so tired of this sh%#ty system…” and it goes on. And on. It can wear on anyone, most especially someone in charge of the care and nurturing and education of other human beings. As you go into this very important break, my two (or five) cents on how to spend your vacation:

1. Honor your feelings. You are doing the work of warriors and of course you’re exhausted.

2. Take stock of the people around you at work (and elsewhere, including your social media feeds). Do they inspire you or depress you? Energize you or deplete you? Generally great folks or generally assholes? Purge the pool liberally.

3. Monitor the tape running in your head. “I’m so tired” makes you more tired, which makes the tape run again. Which makes you more tired. Next thing you know you can’t get out of bed. “I’m so looking forward to resting” is far more productive. “I’m so grateful to give of and take care of myself” is even better.

4. Rest. Don’t fake rest. Don’t pretend to want to do work and then resent it. Make a realistic work plan for 2 of the ten days off. The other 8? Deep rest. You can’t give from an empty cup and no one enjoys a martyr.

5. Do a triple venn diagram with these three topics: serves my curiosity/passion, serves my soul, serves my personal/professional growth. Whatever is in the center of all three will fuel you through the new year. Reflect on that thing this break. Then in the new year, do that thing with an open heart and open mind.

Blessings to you, Teacher Warriors. Thank you for all you do for our kids, each other, and me. I love you.