Bring the Energy!

The end of the school year is approaching.

It is approaching very quickly!

We know it is just around the corner. We are all feeling it - teachers, parents and kids alike.

So it got me thinking....

As the school year comes rapidly to a close, I watch the beautiful little humans in my class become wearier with each day - hanging out for some decent downtime after a long, challenging year of learning and growth in so many areas - not just academics!

Their bodies and brains are tired and yet.....every morning, they walk into the classroom with a smile on their face, a morning greeting and ready for the day ahead and whatever it will bring.

Then I think about how I have been feeling over the last few weeks.

It is, of course, an incredibly crazy and hectic time of the year with what seems like a never shortening list of things to do, in amongst completing reports, cleaning up and sorting for the end of the year, and continuing on teaching my little ones so they can finish this year on a high, with some fun and an excitement for what is coming next in their lives.

And I wonder......

Have I been walking into my classroom the same way my kids have each day?

If I going to be honest....some days yes and some days, I admit...I have been dragging my feet - not because I have not wanted to go to school or I am counting down to the holidays - but purely because, like my kids - my body and mind are weary and I feel my energy beginning to wane.

 Have you ever walked into a room somewhere, where you could sense the energy?

 Whether it was a positive or negative energy - you could feel it? 

 When you think about a moment like that - how did you feel in that place?

         How did your body react and what was your initial response?

For a long time, I was not always conscious of the energy I brought into a space and to be honest, never even thought it was really even in my control! (I hope I am not the only one that has learned this lesson!) 

I have always been a relatively positive person but for a long time, allowed myself to indulge in moments of negative emotions, which of course, changes the energy you bring to any situation. 

I have always tried to be a bit more aware of how I felt at school but had never put two and two together - so to speak!

Once I learned that good energy is contagious - I realised, that I could create it for others as well as myself. I don't always get it right - some days, my energy is low, I am feeling tired and it is just plain challenging to be more patient of what is happening around me and other people! But I am human....so therefore...not perfect and that is ok! 

The key is - I am more conscious of the energy I bring now than I used to. 

What does this have to do with the end of the school year and our kids?

If we, as parents and teachers, are in control of the energy we bring to people and situations around us and our energy has an impact on those around us - including our kids, then....

 Are we bringing our best energy for them each day? 

 Can we bring the energy we want to attract, to our kids and others?

We give life to whatever energy we bring

Whether that is:

- tired, grumpy, anxious, worried, nervous, in a rush with morning madness running out the door, frustrated, cranky or just plain over it all!

OR

- joyful, patient, loving, grateful, patient (that is twice because I think it's an important one for all of us at this time of the year!)

So I guess we get to choose the one we want to feel more of!

One more thing to remember...

The end of the school year brings as much uncertainty in young lives as it does excitement.

* End of the year means they are moving to a new grade, a new teacher, not knowing for sure what friends they will have in their class or what their teacher will be like, whether the routines will be the same or different. 

If we don't check in on our energy - we will be doing a disservice to our kids, as teachers and parents.

It is our responsibility to make sure we are bringing the right energy to support our kids through this new time of transition. 

When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not to join their chaos.

L.R. Knost

Until next week...have a conscious and mindful week. 

 Clarissa xo