Stick A Fork In It!

Busy, busy, busy!! For most of you, the school year has come to an end. Congratulations! I hope you are taking the time for reflection and looking at all the positives this year held. If you are in a leadership position, I know some of you are already planning for next year…or…perhaps the next big thing. But please, please, give yourself permission to rest first.

“But, I don’t have time to rest!”

I know, I know. I remember when I was an elementary principal it took a concentrated effort to jump off the merry-go-round. Most of the time I failed. You’re racing at a breakneck pace to finish the year and then SCREECH…the campus is abruptly devoid of students. It is hard to switch gears…and exactly how do you do it?!? I’ve learned a smidgen in the months since retirement.

Here it is.

Stop…and stick a fork in it!

You might have to get tough with yourself and say, enough is enough. This is probably hard for you perfectionists and task-oriented people so just go with the fact I told you to stop. 🙂

Next, take off a few of the hats that you wear.

Our culture encourages leaders to wear many hats all the while juggling a few more of them in the air! It’s a little bit on the ridiculous side (not to mention it’s bad for your health). Remember, you don’t have to be all things to all people. The good news is that the Lord never intended that anyway.

Check out the many hats (and faces!) of Lori in the pictures. I hope it makes you laugh.

I introduced you to Lori in my last blog post. She was my librarian when I was a principal and a member of the leadership team. This leadership retreat day theme was, “All the Hats we Wear!”. We had a lot of FUN. Of course, Lori aided in the fun factor. (I told you she is a character!)