Taking Time to Find the Bright Spots

The end of the summer is a joy and a hurdle. The summer is coming to a close, and you’ve either started classes or are deciding when to set up your classroom. I’m sure many of you are feeling mixed emotions: the end-of-summer blues are setting in, and the excitement and anticipation of a new school year are building.

I see you, and I want you to know you’re doing a great job — whether you’re taking care of yourself, prepping for the new school year or diving into the first few weeks. This work can feel challenging.

Let’s pause. Take a breath.

Now let’s find the bright spots.

What is a bright spot?

A bright spot is a positive moment in our day when we feel uplifted and energized.

I won’t pretend these are easy to find when you feel like you’re living or preparing to live in chaos. Humans have what brain science likes to call a negativity bias. In short, this means that we find it easier to focus on negative happenings, especially when we’re not taking care of ourselves. But we can combat this if we find time to look for moments that energize us and bring positivity.

Plan your bright spots

As teachers, administrators, coaches and interventionists, we chose an incredibly rewarding career, but sometimes it doesn’t feel that way; the day-to-day can feel overwhelming.

But sometimes, we must shift our mindset to look for the positives. I know this can be difficult. I’ve been there. On the bright side, we’re really good at planning. So, why don’t we plan to look for bright spots?

One of my favorite books on supporting emotional resilience in teaching is “Onward” by Elena Aguilar. I recommend that you read it if you haven’t already. But make sure to read it with a colleague or a group of them. Aguilar also created a workbook with activities that give structure to the things she asks you to try. Today, I’m going to ask you to build the Savor the Little Moments reflection from this workbook into your planning routine.

Here’s how it works:

1. Plan and anticipate: make a list of at least 10 mundane but enjoyable moments you can anticipate savoring this week (HINT: they don’t all have to be in the classroom). Start with the moments that you know you enjoy but don’t usually notice. Next, add other good moments that you anticipate for this week.
2. Notice and enjoy: when you’re in the moments you wrote down, try to enjoy them. Because you attuned yourself to them, your mind might remind you to enjoy them! Also, remember to savor each moment that feels good (even if it's not on your list).
3. Reflect: At the end of each day, take a few moments to reflect: what did you savor? What did you notice when you savored each moment?

I also recommend completing the Savor the Little Moments worksheet from Elena Aguilar’s “The Onward Workbook.” The workbook includes many wonderful ideas to help you find bright spots and focus on self-care, as well as many other topics. I have found that the workbook, when used in conjunction with “Onward,” supports me as I navigate the difficulties of maintaining work–life balance while teaching.

While you’re preparing for or diving into the school year, set aside some time to plan ahead for those bright spots this school year.

Enjoy the first weeks of school or the last moments of summer! 
Naomi