Blog

School has been out for three weeks and I have:

• Read 5 books (mix of fiction and personal development)
• Enjoyed a family camping trip filled with fun and relaxation
• Enjoyed fishing and water skiing/tubing outings
• Acquired enough sunlight to get a tan (for me anyways)
• Ran 33 miles (one run was a 5K race with my son for his first race) and signed up to run my first 10K
• Watched 12 baseball games that my kids played in
• Enjoyed ongoing learning great conversations with members of my PLN at a conference
• Spent time writing (for what I hope is a future published book)
• Enjoyed meditation and coffee on my back deck with the sunrise
• Kept my house clean (ok, that may be a bit of a stretch!)

I am still working this summer, however, I am fortunate to be able to work half-days Monday-Thursday (following our summer school schedule). I am thoroughly enjoying the sense of calm I feel, with the only stress I’ve felt has come from bee stings, a dog on the loose and my 5 year-old’s first experience tubing on the lake. A much different pace than the school year.

Why do I blog about this? Because I’ve shared before on the #principalpln podcast several times about my journey to try to become more mindful and frankly, get a life outside of school to be more balanced. By nature, I am a workaholic, and have a hard time slowing down and relaxing. Just today I found myself with two hours of no kids in the house and had to stop myself from pulling out my laptop to do some work (I had to remind myself that I had no pressing deadlines to meet!).

I’m sure that many principals (and teachers) can relate to the sigh of relief being felt right now. But it makes me wonder why I can’t find a sense of balance and mindfulness all year? Why do I have to be stressed during the school year? Why can’t I continue my passions and self-care while working full time?  Is it possible to be a principal and have a life?