In addition to reading and studying content in reading research and best practices in reading, I read and study ways to improve my life. This has included teacher mindset and teacher self-care.

Teaching is challenging. It is sometimes difficult to stay positive and well, want to get out of bed every day. What works and helps a person not in teaching, might not work for teachers!

I was recently reading Brendon Burchard's High Performance Habits where he teaches about transitioning between activities to release tension and set your intentions. I initially thought, great! Then he suggests closing your eyes for a few minutes...and I got stuck there. If I closed my eyes for two seconds the miniature humans in front of me would either attack or escape from my presence! I'm working on ways to use his suggestions in teaching. I will have to get back to you on that.

Right now, I am focusing on being grateful! I am grateful that I have that purple mug. It is a Fiestaware lilac mug. My mom bought it for me several years ago at an antiques market. It was a fun outing with my mom. I am super grateful for my mom and every moment I get to spend with her. It is my favorite color. Anything and everything purple makes me happy. I am grateful for the color purple. I also collect Fiestaware!

So, there is so much more to that purple mug. It isn't about what is in it or not in it. (Although a cafe mocha helps!) It isn't about just having it either. I am grateful for that particular mug because of the memories attached to it and what the mug and the memories mean to me.

Find something to grateful for! Get up. Show up. Be grateful and bring the joy to teaching reading for the students you serve.

*I am not an affiliate of Brendon Burchard or Amazon. I receive no compensation for the link in this post.*