“Do the Thing”

Dear Teacher,

Today I did the thing.  It was the thing that I had said in passing to a fellow teacher-teammate that I would someday do.  You know the kind.  The thing we'd promised each other that we would do when our schedules got less busy.  The thing we really meant, but not enough to actually book it into our calendars.  The thing we said with good intention, but had no intention of actually following through.

The thing we did was dinner.

Dinner without kids and just the two of us
Dinner at a historic restaurant that we wouldn't normally visit
Dinner without time restraints or perimeters

We did the thing.  

And that thing was more than eating.  That thing was a safe place for me to share my work struggles.  That thing was mentoring by a seasoned educator.  That thing was teacher self-care.

And you, teacher, there in your classroom, can do the thing, too.  Whatever that thing is that you haven't found the time for, found the ability to prioritize, and lack the intentionality... do it!

Do the classroom rearranging so your desk can face the window.

Do the over-the-top spirit week costume.

Do the hot drink dispenser in your office nook.

Do the at-home-grading station by the fireplace.

Do the church-clothes-to-work wear when you're dreading the day.

Do the scheduling of a much-needed wellness checkup.

Do the thing.

Because that thing is much more than a desk direction, perk-me-up hot beverage, or dentist appointment.  It's priorities.  It's peacefulness.  It's physical health. 

It's teach self-care.

You can do the thing,
Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor