Teacher Tip Tuesday: Take Inventory
In many classrooms, the terms “bucket-filler” and “bucket-dipper” are commonplace. This is an idea based on the book, “How Full Is Your Bucket?” (authors vary depending on book edition). If you’re not familiar with this idea, a bucket serves as a metaphor of how each person feels every day. Do you feel content, encouraged, and happy? If so, your “bucket” feels full that day. If you feel exhausted, sad, or upset, this is a signal that your “bucket” is running on empty.
The purpose behind this image is to serve as a reminder that each of us has some control over what we incorporate in our lives that may either “fill” or “drain” our respective buckets. Additionally, these book resources discuss how when you work from a full bucket, you’re able to pour into others’ buckets, however, this is harder to do when your bucket feels empty. As teachers, this is so relatable. How often do you look around you to see all the needs and desperately want to uplift and encourage others, but you feel you have nothing left to give? You are not alone.
Our Teacher Tip Tuesday today is to take inventory of your “bucket-fillers” and “bucket-drainers.” As you brainstorm, you may want to write these down. Consider the things in your life that add value, purpose, and restoration. You will know these are bucket-fillers because after you participate in that activity or spend time with that person, you can feel your soul a little bit more at peace. Also reflect on the things in your day that are leading to stress, anxiety, or exhaustion. Sometimes these can be surprising. Think carefully about how you feel leading up to and after that particular activity.
After you’ve taken inventory, analyze your lists to see if there are any “bucket-fillers” you can intentionally add into your days or schedule on your calendar for later. Are there any “bucket-drainers” you can take off the list or adapt in a way, just for this season? Reprioritizing in pursuit of more balance can be life-giving. I hope you are able to find creative paths toward what fills your bucket.
