Permission to Reflect

“Give yourself permission to slow down today. Rest and reflection are key to productivity and growth.” ~ Michelle Maros

Does it ever feel like a luxury to take the time to reflect? To pause for a few moments to notice how your mind and body are feeling? To be grateful for your blessings and validate your challenges? To allow yourself to be open and honest and real?

Not only does this feel like a luxury at times, it may also feel uncomfortable. Teachers often develop the skill of “pushing down” their feelings and experiences. I just need to do the next thing. I don’t have time to process this. I just need to make it to the end of the school year. And perhaps this is truly the approach you need to take to get from one day to the next. I’ve been there.

I’ve also been reminded many times that when I choose to not feel the difficult things and sit with them and process them, I also lose the ability to truly grasp the beautiful things. I can’t numb one emotion. When I numb one, I numb them all. May is such a busy month, so what I’m about to suggest to you may feel impossible. I’m inviting you to look at your schedule over the next few days, and make some intentional choices to build in time to reflect. This may be a joyful time when you think back to so many wonderful experiences. It may also be a space of vulnerability, sitting with some struggles you are currently navigating. Whatever the case may be, I hope you allow yourself grace to just be in the moment. You don’t need to change how you’re feeling. You don’t need to change the situation. Simply give yourself permission to reflect.