Counselor’s Corner Issue 12

Hello Life-Changers!

I recently read an article by a woman who was experiencing overwhelming anxiety. When she went to her regular counseling session the following week, she didn't know how to put into words what she was feeling. When her therapist asked, "What's one thing that is completely stressing you out?" her response was, "The dishes." She elaborated. "No matter what I do to stay on top of it, I can't seem to keep up with them. It feels beyond me right now to go through the process of rinsing them, loading the dishwasher, and then unloading them and putting them away." Her therapist's response was simple: "Run the dishwasher twice!" The mom scoffed. "Run it twice?! That's a waste of water and energy! That's not how it's supposed to be done!" Her counselor responded, "Who sets the rules on how dishes are supposed to be done? DO WHAT IS IN YOUR CAPACITY and if that means running the dishwasher twice, then break your own rule!"

Often I believe that we, as educators, build "rules" in how instruction should be delivered, lessons plans written, and classroom management given. However, if you're experiencing overwhelming stress and anxiety, I challenge you to ask yourself, "What can I do that is within my capacity, even if it means breaking my own "rules?" Especially with most of you doing virtual learning following Christmas break, this is a good strategy to put into place to ensure you're not overextending yourself in your ministry to our students! Be sure to check out the article in the "Teacher Self-Care" tips to learn more about "Why Lowering Your Teaching Standards is Not Only Okay, but Necessary."

Gratefully,
Mindy