The Winter Break has begun. For anyone working in education, we are told it is time to "recharge, focus, prepare for the spring..." (as if teachers did not know this) but this time is so much more.
It has taken some time, but I have finally cultivated the practice of leaving work "at work." I give myself a set amount of time to do what I need to "prepare for the spring" and then, the work laptop goes into my work bag and the work bag goes into a predesignated space, not to be touched until it is time to "come back." Does this take a little planning? Yes. Did it take time for me to both learn how to plan and also to let go of my work self in order to do this-absolutely. But Thanksgiving this year was my first determined attempt and I am proud to say IT WORKED! I came back refreshed. I was excited to see my students and get back to work and we had a great concert and tours followed by other events that were enjoyed by both parents and students... and me! Yesterday, as I closed up shop for the Winter Break, I resolved to do the same over these two weeks. I set aside one day each week for a set amount of time to get specific tasks done and then everything gets put away. I wish had done this long ago...
When I was getting started as a choir director, I received the sage advice about being able to say "no". It's hard for artists to do that-but it is necessary. Cultivating balance requires setting boundaries for yourself and others. I have a set number of things that the choir does during the holiday time and rarely do I add to it without taking something else off the schedule. I plan after school rehearsals well enough in advance so that students can mitigate conflicts early on but communicating with other directors, coaches, and group sponsors, most of whom are willing to work something out with the student. Then there is choosing challenging without having to create more rehearsals (planning and score study are the key). Mostly, for me anyway, it has been about being ok with not agreeing to do everything under the sun and not taking it personally if the person asking gets upset about it.
So, these two weeks. What do I intend to do? Well, focus on my family and myself. As much as I love my students, I will not talk about work. I will perform because at my core I am a musician but the difference is it will be for me and my God. I need that- a lot. I will take my son disc golfing. See a movie or two with my daughters. Take my wife out. Sleep. Catch up on movies and tv shows I missed. Finish reading a couple of books over coffee. Get some exercise. And significantly reduce time on social media. Or at least, do as much as I can as I continue to create a more balanced life once I return to work (exercise, reading, time with and for my family) so that I do not treat my breaks as the only opportunity to do these things.
However you spend your break, I hope you take time for you, be with those who love you and whom you love. Cherish every moment and resolve to do some version of that once you return to work. Go for a walk. Have a great talk. If this season is special because of your faith, celebrate it fully and with as much meaning as possible. It is my sincere hope that you come back to your colleagues and students refreshed with a resolve to make the most of the spring-for them and for your self.
Until then...
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Blessings for a Prosperous New Year!
