This month is the first month of my long-awaited sabbatical and I’ve been busy doing all the things I always said I’d do if I didn’t have to do all the things I have to do.
I’ve visited classrooms, scheduled more visits to more classrooms, talked to alums and former colleagues, read a big chunk of my TBR pile, and spent a truly ridiculous amount of time watching the bluebirds on my birdfeeders. (Bird-watching hack: get a birdbath- and also get a heater for your birdbath. These two little changes have made all the difference this year. It’s birdapalooza out there.)
I”m so grateful for the opportunity to sit and think my thoughts and just breathe a little bit, you know?
But breathing can be tricky these days. January has been, well, it’s been a lot. Like, a lot-a lot. And I find myself pinballing from terrifying news item to terrifying news item while also trying to do all the things I want and need to do.
I want to use my experience and my wisdom to make a difference. I want to claim whatever power I have- for me, my privilege- and put it to work. Meaningful work. But it’s hard when you feel like you’re drowning in bad news and a project avalanche, even if that avalanche is (at least partially) your own doing. (Why did I buy so many seeds?!)
Years ago when my daughter was going through some health things (she’s fine now), we fell into the habit of watching Disney’s Frozen and Frozen 2 on repeat. It was just the right mix of simple, and happy with a couple of good tear-inducing moments because sometimes you just need a good cry, right? One of those moments is marked by the song “The Next Right Thing,” which has been in my head for about a month now.
The “next thing” part makes me think of lists and lists make me feel like I’m in control, so I’ve been making lists So many lists. Big ones for ALL the things, small ones for a single day. Even smaller ones for the next hour (because sometimes the next hour is all I can handle). Digital lists, paper lists, lists on my mirror in dry-erase marker- you get the idea. I ignore about half of them (or I lose them- I should make a list of all the places I leave my lists!), but just the making of them helps me figure out what I can do. What I can control. The steps I want to take towards whatever goal I’m trying to achieve. The next right thing.
So this month I’m sharing a few things to help you get unfrozen and figure out what your Next Right Thing might be. I hope you know that, whatever it is, we’re right here to help however we can.
Best-
Feeling a little frozen yourself? These may help:
- How to Overcome ‘Overwhelm Freeze’ and Get Stuff Done- LIfehack
- The “Freeze” Response to Stress: Why You’re Feeling Stuck, and What to Do About It– Navigation Psychology
- Yoga for Uncertain Times– Yoga with Adriene
- How to be an Everyday Activist– Everyday Activism
- Feeling grumpy and stressed? Try taking a ‘forest bath’– NPR LifeKit
- What Is a Sound Bath? Everything You Need to Know– Healthline
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