Something I learned from doing report cards as a teacher

Back when I was a high school teacher, I learned an important lesson doing report cards. (I didn't know it was self-care gold at the time... I don't think I even knew what self-care was.) Anyways, as I sat there one day, determining how to comment on various kids’ behaviour in class, I developed a system.

It became evident that the kids who were the most successful in the dance and PE classes I taught did things consistently. Then there were the kids who did things frequently. They had reasonable levels of success. The kids who struggled either had beneficial behaviours sometimes or rarely. 

When it comes to self-care or self-improvement, there are some takeaways here. On the report cards, as in life, it was best to avoid the absolutes of always and never. Always just seems like too much to ask (because it doesn’t allow for the flow of life to happen) and never generally isn’t true. 

For ultimate success, consistently or frequently are very gentle and loving ideals to hold for yourself when it comes to self-care. 

• If you meditate frequently, that’s awesome! It’s going to make a difference in your life.
• If you connect with nature consistently, then you’ll benefit from all nature has to offer. 
• If you move your body with joy frequently, you’ll feel much better than if you do it sometimes or rarely.
• If you consistently take time to do breathwork and integrate your emotions, that’s all you can ask. 

It might be helpful for you to go through the things that you feel are important to your ultimate wellbeing and see where they fall on the consistently-frequently-sometimes-rarely continuum.

You might notice that there are some behaviours and practices that you’re doing consistently/frequently. If that’s the case, then give yourself a big Yay Me!

You might also notice that some practices are more along the lines of sometimes/rarely. If that’s the case, then I recommend getting curious about what’s getting in the way of you doing what you know is good for you. Building new behaviours starts with awareness, and that’s what this exercise can bring to you as a first step.

To support you along your self-care journey, it’s time for the ½ Year Review (Wowee! We're almost halfway through 2022!). Mark your calendar for this complimentary Courageous Self-Care community session happening on Saturday June 25 at 8am Pacific/9am Mountain/11am Eastern. 

There will be more details and a link to register in next week’s message. 

For now, how about you head into this week with curiosity and see what you’re doing consistently and what you’re doing rarely. Then ask yourself if any shifts would be supportive. 

And that, my friend, is a great way to be more gentle with yourself, especially when it comes to self-care.

Sending you buckets of love and piles of courage,

Christina

>Creator of Courageous Self-Care

>Former High School Teacher (loved that job!)

>Former Substitute Teacher (for 3 days total; cried every day and then got a permanent teaching position - thank goodness)

PS - Mark your calendar for the Courageous Self-Care ½ Year Review Community Call, happening on Saturday June 25 at 8am Pacific/9am Mountain/11am Eastern. This session is a complimentary gift that will run between 90 minutes - 2 hours and it will set you up for an exceptional next half of 2022. More details next week.