Snow Days and Sentiments

Well, if you live anywhere in the Midwest, chances are you have a snow day, are sitting on the couch in your pajamas from last night, glaring at the toys that need to be picked up, dishes that need to be done, laundry that needs to be folded....oh, wait. That's me. First snow day of the year. A day wide open for all kinds of activities! So many opportunities to be productive,  wrap up projects, check off my never-ending lists of to-dos! And what am I doing? Well, writing this blog post, yes. So check one thing off my list. What else? Absolutely nothing. No grading papers, no lesson plans, no TpT products...and you know what? That's OK.

It always seems that teachers take on the load of the world. They sign up for this committee, that fundraiser, "Here! Let me help with that tutoring group!", and so on and so forth. I am so guilty of this mindset that I am NEVER DOING ENOUGH. There are always more ways I can help, more ways I can be involved. And all of this doesn't even cover my first and true job-to teach my kiddos. To be prepared with great lessons, engaging resources, scaffolding for those that will need the extra help.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE being busy and involved. I am that teacher that thrives on being booked to the max. I love my lists and I love having a busy schedule. It's what I know and what I'm good at. But that makes it especially hard to allow myself to take a break. To sit down and enjoy a snow day playing with my daughter instead of going, going, going. If you are like me, it is probably difficult for you, too.

It may not mean much, but here's your permission to take a break. Spend some time relaxing and finish the to-dos tomorrow. If anyone asks why you're sitting on your...couch, tell them you read a blog post and that the nice lady said it was OK. It may work.