Summary: <br> When Jen Schwanke and I sat down to talk about my new book this week, Jen turned the microphone to ask me some questions.<br> <br> <br> <br> Photo by Jonathan Farber – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@farber?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit<br> <br> <br> <br> Jen Schwanke is the principal of Indian Run Elementary and author of two books, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Strategies-Solutions-School-Leaders/dp/1416622217">You’re The Principal, Now What?</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Reboot-Revitalize-School-Leadership/dp/1416628819/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_1/139-9807996-2597638?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1416628819&pd_rd_r=146b4652-870f-4904-b7a5-4efda5f34924&pd_rd_w=AMSWo&pd_rd_wg=FblzI&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=TVBS5AJ3P4YR33T87HF7&psc=1&refRID=TVBS5AJ3P4YR33T87HF7">The Principal Re-Boot: 8 Ways to Revitalize Your School Leadership</a>.<br> <br> <br> <br> Here are some takeaways from our conversation:<br> <br> <br> <br> Questions from Jen<br> <br> <br> <br> Jen: Your new book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pause-Breathe-Flourish-Living-Educator/dp/1734890843">Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Living Your Best Life as an Educator</a> came out just two months ago. Congratulations! Let’s talk about it. I know you’ve done some reviews of your recent book on your podcast, but I want to ask you some questions about why you thought this book was an important one to share with the universe. What was your drive to write it?<br> <br> <br> <br> WDP: This book was a response to the consistent question education leaders ask: How do I take care of myself in this very difficult work? <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pause-Breathe-Flourish-Living-Educator/dp/1734890843">Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator</a> explores the habits, practices, and mindset necessary for growth as both an educator and a person. Research shows that teachers and principals are leaving the profession of education at alarming rates. <br> <br> <br> <br> Some of the causes stem from the rising expectations and demands that educators find difficult to manage. Unfortunately, for many educators, taking care of others often means neglecting their own health and well-being. How can educators continue doing work they love while also making sure they are protecting themselves in the process? Pause. Breathe. Flourish. provides practical strategies and common-sense approaches for taking better care of yourself so that you can better serve and lead others. <br> <br> <br> <br> Jen: I feel like a lot of damage is done when we tell others to just “chill” out. But asking them to breathe seems more appropriate. Even when we cannot relax, we can at least breathe. You take it another step by sharing lessons from your own life and from others on how to flourish. What is it you are sharing about living your best life?<br> <br> <br> <br> WDP: In the book, I unpack categories on health, mindset, resources, relationships, and legacy among others. This is really a book that applies to all people, not just educators. In it, educators will discover how your thoughts, relationships, commitments, values, and habits play an essential role in who you are as a person. Understanding ‘who you are’ plays heavily in your ability to weather storms, maintain perspective, work with purpose and effect meaningful change in the lives of others. Applying those insights can be challenging. This book will help you reconsider your mindset, reading habits, personal health, financial commitments, relationship priorities, and legacy building.<br> <br> <br> <br> Jen: For those who haven’t yet had the chance to read your book, will you tell the story about writing your resignation letter and how that helped you keep your sani...
