Lightening Bugs and Crickets

As a kid, my mom always said that lightning bugs symbolized the start of summer and the sound of crickets meant school was coming. To this day, even as a teacher, I always remember that. Last night, as I was sitting at my kitchen table creating some lesson plans for the upcoming school year, I heard those crickets. That sound brought me back. Back to those words that my mom always said and back to that anxious/excited feeling of school starting. After talking to my mom on one of our hour long phone calls, I realized that I still get the same feeling whenever I hear those crickets.

There is no surprise that this year will be challenging. New programs, new responsibilities, new obstacles. This past week, I was in my classroom multiple times trying to get everything ready for the start of school. Desks need to be placed, clutter needs to be removed, and everything needs to be cleaned. If I am being 100% honest, I'm a little overwhelmed with all the items on my To-Do list. Then I remembered one of my favorite quotes that I heard a few years ago.

"You can't pour from an empty cup."

This quote has always been a little difficult for me. As my friend said this morning, this little tip of advice usually ends up on the "advice I should take, but don't" list. To be honest, I thoroughly enjoy helping others and sometimes forget to take care of myself. I'm not saying that I don't ever take time for myself, but usually, I am last on the list. As teachers, we need to make taking care of ourselves a priority. Self-care doesn't always mean eating healthy or having a spa day. I believe that self-care is anything that makes you feel good and happy. It's whatever nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Listening to music and writing are usually at the top of my list. It always makes me feel relaxed and refreshed, but at the same time, energized. Any day that I get to write and listen to music is a good day for me.

As I am writing this post, I realize that this year is all about change and growth. For me, that change and growth is going to be taking time for myself. Whether it's watching my favorite movie, reading a book that's not for school, or jamming out to my favorite song...I am going to make it happen. As teachers, we owe it to ourselves to relax and replenish because our students will know when we are "pouring from an empty cup." So, take the time you need for yourself. Relax, replenish, and refuel. You deserve it.