Well we’re coming towards the end of the year and you know what that means, it’s just about time we start reassessing.. basically everything.
I mean seriously. We start reflecting whether intentionally or not, how the year has been. Has it been giving… or are we waiting for it to be over? Whether you like it or not, these thoughts start flooding in as the hopes and excitement for the new year draws near.
So let me tell you a little about what’s been going on here, we’re in year two of the pandemic and it looks like nothing is changing anytime soon. The new normal is really here to stay and we have to get with it or fall behind. And as I happily push my preschool through year two of this, I can honestly say that we are coming back and doing so with a vengeance. And for that I am thankful and say hell yes!
It wasn’t easy, and there is so much chaos and unease around us. It only makes me more grateful for how lucky we are to be moving forward but not only that, smashing goals and really enticing dreams of expansion. What I want you to know is that this can be for anyone. But there are specific steps you need to take to make that happen. Reading this is the first part, now let’s get into the rest.
1. Finding Calm in the Chaos
The first thing I really want you to know, is that I am literally as inflexible as the toddlers that attend my preschool. And if you know anything about kids, routine is life :), for them and for me. But I am nothing if not determined to succeed, pandemic or no pandemic. So no matter what was happening, or what is still happening, I take the challenge on.
And that’s step 1, you need to be able to find yourself even in the most chaotic of times. Do not let yourself get swept up in the drama, in the media pushing, in the debates, in the spiral of negativity. Of course that doesn’t mean ignore or be oblivious to situations. What I mean is put your head down, find your footing, and calm yourself. Pull yourself away from things that are unnecessary, aggressive, and energy sucking. It’s hard enough to make sure that you yourself are okay, and you’re not going to be able to do that for the world so stop trying.
Put your head down and find your calm. Once you can start to find your base in all this, other items will fall into place more easily. When you’re calm your foresight is stronger, your decision making is clearer, and you’re able to acclimate with proper strategies. You have to find your calm.
2. Back to Basics!
Next, once you’ve started acclimating to your environment with the new and sudden changes, you’re going to want to establish a routine. I don’t mean you’re old one, that flew out the window when your world was turned upside down. I mean establishing a new routine, something uber simple, just to give a little structure in your day. Routine will allow you to know what comes next, what to expect, and again help you remain calm. Routines keep us energetically balanced throughout the day. But again, something so simple as to not overwhelm. Just enough so some of the decision making is taken out of your day and you can allocate that energy somewhere else or just use the extra time to rest too.
And honestly this can be for any period in your life! Losing your job or getting a new one, moving states, baby arrival, loss of a relative, or pandemic! The subject matter causing the chaos does not matter, but getting yourself to function appropriately within that is the key. We are trying to steer away from spiraling and into moving forward.
3. Talk the Talk
The next step might be the hardest one because it takes the most practice in taking it seriously. It can feel a little silly but when you’re dedicated and determined, it really is one of the greatest strategies to have you in your tool bag. So, it’s time to give yourself some positive self-talk.
Now, this can look a little different depending on what you need. Some people can write it down, some can listen to a meditation, some can verbalize affirmations in the mirror, some can do some motivational reading. It really depends on whatever will work best for you. But the most important thing is to DO IT.
The problem when something negative happens is that your entire world will get swallowed up by that thing. Everything you see is just about that, every article you read is fear mongering further, and everything just goes dark. By providing yourself opportunities for positive talk, it reignites you and reminds you to not give up just yet.
I can tell you for sure there were some dark moments when schools closed for the pandemic. How were we going to move a preschool virtual? … a PRESCHOOL, are you kidding me? How were we going to maintain our student body? How were we going to maintain teacher salaries? What do we do if the teachers don’t want to come back? There were so many things swirling around during that first year. So many moments of stress, panic attacks, crying, like seriously. Now I’m not saying the first year was fine, but we made it through, and definitely not as bad as it could have been. And you know what, the second year has been even better. I found our footing, we’re pushing through and we’re hitting above expectations when looking at the current numbers. Not only that… but we’re in the process of looking to expand. And none of that would have been possible if I didn’t talk myself out of those darker periods.
The world isn’t all flowers and rainbows, things happen, and we all need to adjust. So stop spiraling for whatever the case may be and start motivating yourself to get moving and get moving now. This is the time. And tell yourself that everyday. Nothing gets better by you sitting there. Have a moment, feel it, and now use it to move forward. Let’s go.
4. Stay on Track
This seems pretty standard and quite easy but a reminder is always good. You need to stay on track. It’s very easy to be motivated to do all these things for a few weeks, especially in preparation for new years resolutions. It’s important to move past the excitement of a new goal and stick to it even after the newness of it has passed. You know that thing where everyone signs up for the gym in January, but by February the gyms are empty again? Yea, don’t do that. Stay on track, stay focused.
5. Ending the Year in Gratitude
We’ll end the post with this, once you’ve done all those things, once you’ve really focused and made progress, find gratitude in all that you’ve accomplished and the little things along the way.
Here’s the thing, progress will be different for everyone. It can be made in a year, 5yrs, 10yrs, or 6 months. It does not matter. If you find time to reflect and be grateful for things along the way, you’ll never feel like you’re without.
A few of the things I am grateful for are my wonderful preschool and the team that make it possible, the families that entrust us with teaching their little ones, my beautiful, wonderful boyfriend, and my exhausting but loving family :). Some of the simpler items (or some would argue not so simple) are my health, my warm home, my morning workouts, my groceries, my sleep. You get the picture. Focus on those moments along the way and you’ll be able to reach a point where you are truly grateful for the goals you will have achieved at the end.
And as always, If you have any questions, comments, or ideas please share them in the comments section below with your fellow parents! And definitely subscribe to the newsletter for updates and ongoing happenings at TylekTeaches.com. The subscription link is just at the bottom of this post.
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