Hello there! Happy New Year!

We hope you had a relaxing and restorative break filled with whatever it is that gives you joy. Whatever helps you reboot.

Mine included plenty of books, skiing, socializing, puzzles, hot beverages, and delicious food- sublime!  But you know what I didn’t do this year? Make any New Year’s Resolutions.

Why?  Because in my four-plus decades of life I have never, not once, kept those aspirational intentions going much past mid January. #truestory Why set myself up for failure?  Life is already good. Sure, there are some areas of my life that could benefit from mindful attention, but I’ve become a pragmatist in middle age.

Instead, I reflected on what’s already been going quite well, and will be giving those habits a tune up. So now that school vacation is over, I’ve resumed my weekly menu planning habit, firmed up my meditation practice, and jump started my organizational routines so things- and I– can run smoothly.

You know what else often needs a reboot in January? Classroom expectations and routines! (How? Read about it here.) This is the perfect time of year to reflect with students on growth and progress, shore up those routines that keep things flowing, and adjust to the changing needs of the learning community. Believe it or not, I wrote about this same subject nine years ago when I was teaching sixth grade in Providence, RI. The more things change….

So, dear colleague, I wish you a year filled with self-compassion and grace. You’re already amazing. Thank you.

Love,

Emily