Yellow means hope.
Alas, a moment for rest and sunshine! Educators understand that summer does not provide the awaited moments of relaxation that other professionals believe await us. With great intentions, we aspire to complete our to-do lists, schedule appointments that have alluded us, spend time with our family, read a good book, and live in the moment. Somehow, time evades us, and we are back where we started. What colors await you?
Tone Down the Brown
Despite working hard all year long, as educators, we feel obligated to continue working throughout the summer and not rest. (I am the pot calling the kettle black, but I am learning the importance of exploring other colors.) In hot pursuit, we will attend summer professional learning, summer committee meetings, planning meetings, and meetings about meetings. I am not encouraging anyone to abort mandatory training, but I encourage you to tone down the brown.
Brown is a color associated with dependability and reliability. There are benefits to being dependable and unforeseen consequences. If you consistently say yes to others, you may be saying no to yourself. Say, "Yes!" when it matters the most. Release yourself from unnecessary overcompliance. You are still great whether you say yes ten times or five.
Blue is for you.
I encourage you to stay true to the intent of summer break. Resting has been found to reduce stress, improve mood, decrease blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve immune health, and support a better cardiovascular system. If you aren't healthy, you limit your ability to support the development of those entrusted to you.
Be Green
You have permission to spend this time setting goals and making strides toward improved mental and emotional health. Now is the time to eat better, exercise, take a walk, or schedule quiet time. Many portray time as a thief that robs enthusiasts of opportunities for renewed health and strength. Brain Dump provides ideas for prioritizing and organizing your day or week to prevent such robberies.
You are the artist! The hues you choose to paint your canvas of summer depend on you. I challenge you to select each color one decision at a time, and with each stroke of time, apply a color that represents what you hoped to do. By the end of summer, I hope you have created a canvas reflective of a renewed you.
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