Joanna—
The honest answer is yes—these have been the only comments we have received.
However, I DO have words of encouragement for you. First—THANK YOU. 25 years of education work is amazing.
And, I want you to know my thank you is sincere and filled with awe. Thank you so much for all the kids you have impacted.
The next honest thing I am going to share with you—you said you are deeply exhausted and discouraged. That is a lot of wrestle with.
And I’m so sorry you are in that state. So, the most encouraging thing I can tell you is “REST.” It is so common for us to say, “Yeah, but you don’t know how busy I am,
or how much is expected of me, etc, etc,” but the only way to move up from here is to PRIORITIZE REST. A weary body and exhausted soul are not going to be encouraged by much of anything. Here are some creative ideas I have for you to rest though: start reading again. Books that are delightful. Children’s books. Books from your past.
Shut the news off.
Shut off your notifications on your phone.
Pick one night a week to do something silly or fun. (I LOVE to play with playdough with my nieces and nephews, I discovered recently!)
Do slow things, like puzzles or write hand written letters to friends.
Enjoy a cup of herbal tea.
Take a walk outside. Where I live it can be bitterly cold outside this time of year, so I just tell myself I have to be outside for at least 5 minutes each day. If it is above 35, then I bundle up and go for a short walk.
These are small ways to “rest.”
But the best way? Prayer and reading God’s word. But, I’m just sharing from my personal experience here—I do not do that well if I am not caring for my body well.
Joanna—if you need more encouragement, please email me at sarah@teach4theheart.com.
You can also join our Teachers Lounge on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianTeachersTalk
Many blessings, ~Sarah, Teach 4 the Heart Customer Experience Manager

Oops – you’re right. Thanks for pointing that out. Bonus point for you 🙂

Just one minor criticism- toward the end, you say, “Don’t expect to get their overnight” . It should be “there”.