Spring has sprung [well at least at this very day, April 1, 2019, and time 3:03 PM]. The sun is shining, there are green things growing, and the feels like is 56 degrees. There are all types of proclaimed month observations, aside from being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, April is National Hope Month. This seems rather fitting for the home stretch of the school year and uncovering form a harsh winter and recent natural disaster. The founders of National Hope Month is challenging everyone to take hope breaks throughout the day because sometimes you have to schedule a little hope into your day.

Steps to Taking Hope Breaks:

• Schedule breaks into your normal routine in five-minute increments
• Find a quiet place [or a place that you can be calm in the chaos]
• Take five to ten deep breaths
• Think about good things happening, instead of the worst-case scenario think of the best-case scenario
• Make an affirmation and speak it out loud
• Repeat as often as needed

So, take a hope break! When we take moments to know ourselves more, calm and concentrate our minds, and feel challenged but not overwhelmed, we generate our best selves. You deserve your best self and so do the people we serve.