Summary: <br> On Thursday, August 12, 2021, I had the privilege of providing a keynote from my book Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator at the Archdiocese of Louisville welcomed back ceremony for the new school year. <br> <br> <br> <br> Although my teaching and administration work has been for public schools, Superintendent Mary Beth Bowling, invited me to address teachers from thirty nine Pre/K-8 elementary schools and nine high schools collectively serving 18,000 students in six counties of the Archdiocese of Louisville. <br> <br> <br> <br> It was a wonderful experience to attend an early morning Mass followed by an hour of professional learning. This week I want to share the first in a series of episodes from the keynote I delivered to educators beginning a new school year. <br> <br> <br> <br> If you’ve read my books or listened to my previous podcast episodes, you may find many of my stories and lessons repetitive or familiar. Nevertheless, I hope you will benefit from this summary of ideas on “breathing first” as you continue the important work of serving students – even in the midst of ongoing challenges as I share feedback on the following:<br> <br> <br> <br> * 10 Areas of Self-Reflection for Self-Care* The Power of Your Influence* The Importance of Your Friendships* The Meaning of Your Legacy<br> <br> <br> <br> In Part 1 of this series, learn the importance of reflecting on the following areas:<br> <br> <br> <br> * Your Body* Your Mindset* Your Influence* Your Time* Your Friendships* Your Spirituality* Your Resources* Your Intimacy* Your Future* Your Legacy<br> <br> <br> <br> Now It’s Your Turn<br> <br> <br> <br> Consider the 10 self-reflection areas. If you had to pick three, which ones would you identify where you would like more focus or growth? <br> <br> <br> <br> Reflect on this quote: “If your goal is to influence others in becoming better, you can’t ignore this important safety notice: You need to learn to breathe first.” In this school year, how have you struggled with “placing the oxygen mask” on first? <br> <br> <br> <br> Can you describe a time when you have felt like “a shell” of yourself. Who is one person that will tell you the truth and hold you accountable?<br> <br> <br> <br> What is one way you are already “investing outside of work?” Or what is one way you plan to invest in yourself this coming week?<br> <br> <br> <br> What is one area out of the ten that you’ve already seen significant growth? Of the ten self-reflection areas for breathing first described above, what is one area where you want to see personal growth?<br>
