Be Gentle With Yourself

If you are like me, you spent the weekend watching press conferences, reaching out to friends and family to ensure they have everything they need and making necessary plans for upcoming weeks and following CDC guidelines. It's a lot to process.

Last week I wrote "Let us all come together in calm support of one another as a community for the highest good for all. Supporting our fellow citizens and the values of our nation during good times and tough times is part of the magic we all have within us. I honor and support you for being there for your organizational community in the good times and the tough times. That's what educators and leaders do." 

This week, I simply want to thank you for being the calm support that our communities and students needed. I want to thank you for your unparalleled leadership. I want to thank you for your phenomenal response to school closings and leadership in the face of uncertainty. 

I admire your dedication during an unprecedented time. As a former history teacher and school administrator I commend you for your sensitivity and care for the students and families we serve. As impressionable young people they are looking to all of us for security and leadership. 

Keep your mojo strong this week and in the midst of it all, as I have many times, refer to the passage below by Albert Camus and remember ---

• You have an invincible LOVE
• You have an invincible SMILE
• You have an invincible CALM

Within you, you have an invincible summer. Everything you need is within.

When the world is pushing against you, rally your internal spirit! And, push right back! 

“My dear,
In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
I realized, through it all, that…
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.

Truly yours,
Albert Camus”

And, at this time, remember first and foremost- some of the best advice I've been gifted, be gentle with yourself, your feelings and emotions. 

*Originally published March 16, 2020

About the Author Lisa Imel, M.Ed.

Lisa Imel, M.Ed. is the Founder and Chief Educational Consultant of the EDSolutions Group where she serves as a school strategy consultant, digital course creator, leadership coach, and more! Lisa specializes in Human Potential, Workforce & Economic Development, and k-16 Education Strategy. Through her work with school districts, colleges and secondary and post-secondary leadership partners she develops business community partnerships, ideates, creates and implements systems and structures so that you can lead a more productive, meaningful, healthier, happier, work & personal life. Our work will  help you have a greater impact and influence more of your students to achieve brighter futures!  As a life-long educator, high-school, middle-school, and elementary administrator, teacher and licensed superintendent, she gets it. Reach out at [email protected]

Thank you for reading EdSolutionsChat (this blog) where school leaders come for inspiration! 

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” -Marian Wright Edelman