Posts Tagged ‘winter break’

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Happpppy…

February 16, 2024

Winter Break!

It’s here, for some of you teachers its the long awaited winter break – yahoooo! I’m certain for all of you starting a week off today, it is a well deserved winter break. Whatever you do, I hope it is filled with relaxation and fun! Let go of school and find the calm, as in a morning sunrise on the glistening snow.

I found the piece below a good reminder to take the time to breathe deeply and take care of yourself. Even if its only for moments during the next week of winter break, please take the time! And, remember, what ever you’re doing is enough!

This was part of a list of 10 Things We Wait Too Long to Do For Ourselves (Year After Year). This was #6 on the list and written by Marc Chernoff.

We often wait too long to be kind to ourselves, also.

More likely than not, the first person who caught your eye wasn’t “the one.” And the second, third or fourth probably wasn’t either. You know why? It’s because YOU are the one! Seriously, in your own life it’s important to know how spectacular you are. You really have to look in the mirror and be kind, because what we see in the mirror is often what we see in the world. Our disappointment in others often reflects our disappointment in ourselves. Our acceptance of others often reflects our acceptance of ourselves. Our ability to see potential in others often reflects our ability to see potential in ourselves. Our patience with others often reflects our patience with ourselves. You get the idea — you’ve got to show yourself some love and kindness, first and foremost.

#5 was we often wait to long to be kind to others, hence, the “also” in the title.

I spoke to a teacher yesterday who said that her plans for winter break each day included, 1) working out and, 2) sitting by the woodstove with a stack of books, a cozy blanket with her dog by her side. She was so looking forward to it and knows that by the end of the week she will be relaxed and revived, ready to jump into the next week of school with a renewed energy!

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Winter Break

February 16, 2018

What to do?

I understand historically that winter break was scheduled to help break the spread of germs and the flu. Makes sense to me! I’m sure that it is still needed for that reason with the number of flu cases in Maine still on the rise. If you’re one of the people suffering from the flu please take care of yourself and get well during winter break.

If you’re not sure what your going to do during the next 9 days here are some suggestions. I hope that you’ll take the time to relax, revive, and reflect! And, of course play music, sing, dance, and create in whatever way you choose to. You deserve a break – know that I appreciate what you do each and every day! Thank you teachers!

READ A BOOK

If you have a wood stove or fire place you know how good it can feel to snuggle up with a book and read by the warmth they provide. I’m always in the middle of a handful of books – depending on what I need at the moment!

  • My professional pile includes the following: Lifelong Kindergarten by Michael Resnick and Creative Schools by Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica
  • For fun I’ve been reading: My Love Affair with the State of Maine by Scotty Mackenzie with Ruth Goode
  • And for my personal health I’ve been reading: The Little Book of Hygge – Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking

GO OUTSIDE

The sun is getting stronger and the days a little longer. I know how good both of those feel. Spending time in the fresh air can have a positive impact on our health. Even a short walk can make a difference. But if you want to challenge yourself and have never cross country skied or snow shoed the weather is in your favor with the temperatures on the rise.

If you really want to challenge yourself the ice is pretty good for ice climbing and in some places where the sun has melted the ice and snow, rock climbing is happening. My older son guides those interested in this type of challenge with his business Equinox Guiding Service. He takes   people out so they can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and have a blast. He provides all of the equipment, instruction, and encouragement. You can have little or no knowledge and be successful. I certainly recommend guide Noah Kleiner! Tell Noah I sent you and perhaps you’ll get a discount.

WATCH THE OLYMPICS

For folks who want to watch the cold weather from the comfort of the couch in front of the television or computer, check out the Olympics. So cool to watch athletes from around the world come together. Just like the ancient Greeks came together so do modern day athletes – to create a space where the whole world can come together to participate in sport, in peace and togetherness. My younger son Nicholas is in PyeongChang, South Korea and is having a memorable experience. He saw the women’s giant slalom and American Mikaela Shiffrin win gold!

Whatever you do during winter break have fun and laugh as much as you can so you can come back to school ready and excited about the next steps of teaching!

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