Mental Health Day

Well, it seems appropriate that I model what I tell everyone else to do right? So, today, after weeks of feeling overwhelmed and stressed, I took a "mental health" day. It basically encompassed a rejuvenation of my spirit and letting the everyday issues of a very intense school year melt away. It was something I forced myself to do, despite a weekend crisis at a middle school. I would not have been very effective I fear, in alleviating the student grief, while I really haven't been able to deal with my own stuff. So I took the day to do that. And it felt so nice to recognize the beauty in nature and let my soul absorb it. As I hiked on the Pacific Ocean coastal trail, saw the bright blue sky, and dolphins playing in the aquamarine water, I forced the worries of students, needs of teachers, suicides, and shootings out of my head. I heartily embraced my gratitude for being healthy and whole. I think when I go in tomorrow, I will be a renewed service provider and be able to manage the demands of life much better. Self care is important!