It's hard to believe but the holiday season is upon us. If you are like me, the stress of thinking about the task of finding meaningful gifts for the people in my life has already begun. And don't even get me started on the trying to please two teenage boys without breaking the bank!
But with all of the stress in the world right now, particularly in the field of education, I am starting to think about this time a little differently. Perhaps we need a new perspective on the gifts that we can give to our students, our colleagues, and ourselves. Consider the gifts below:
To students: The gift of slowing down, co-regulating, and helping them to find moments of peace and stillness. To reengage them in the joy of sharing a laugh or being silly.
To colleagues: The gift of listening and empathy. Asking "How are you?" and really hearing the response. Asking follow up questions and checking in again later. Holding space for the celebration of small successes and the frustration of challenges. Supporting them with a task or burden if you can..."I got this for now" and know they would do the same for you.
To ourselves: Now this is a tough one for many of us. Perhaps it is the gift of taking time for yourself. Or the gift of forgiveness and grace toward yourself for any way in which you feel that you have not lived up to your own expectations. Could it be the gift of health and wellbeing by focusing in your own physical or mental health? Or the gift of gratitude by making note of of the many blessings in your life.
Whatever gift is needed, it is my hope that it comes to you (an no need to wait to open it!) this season.
Sara Daniel, Daniel Educational Services
To download "What gift will you give?" exercise for individual use or for use in staff meetings, click this link.
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