Brace Yourself, Moms. I'm In Full-On Teacher Mode.

I spend most of my time talking to college students, but I’m turning my attention to moms. It’s time to stop ignoring the real-life stuff and take care of yourself.

Get ready because I’m in full-on teacher mode.

But my full teacher mode doesn’t look quite the same anymore.

I still prioritize my content and learning objectives. I still have high expectations of my students.

So when I talk to them about their mental health, taking care of themselves and practicing gratitude…well, it surprises a lot of them.

I wish it didn’t.

Why Aren’t We Talking About The Real Life Stuff?

I wish these were things they heard from all of their professors and coaches and other adults in their lives.

But they don’t.

I know this because they tell me when they stop for a quick chat after class.

Or when they come to office hours, get their questions answered, and then stay to talk about other things.

Or in an email when they’re in the middle of a crisis and I give them an extension.

It wasn’t an easy decision to take time out of class every week for life skills. We have limited time to meet and a lot to cover.

But I’m not doing my students any favors by ignoring the real life stuff:

Stop Ignoring The Real Life Stuff

So now here’s the part where I turn my focus to you. I admit, I’m being a lot more direct than usual. That should tell you how important I think this is.

Are you ignoring the real life stuff in your own life? Or with your kids?

Mary and I have shared before that her top strength and my second is Achiever. We’re both a 3 on the Enneagram (achievers).

It is HARD to resist those natural tendencies and shift our focus to things that aren’t measurable. That can’t be graded. That don’t have a tangible reward.

I don’t care how hard it is.

You need to take care of yourself.

How To Take Care Of Yourself

Figure out what that looks like for you in one small way, and do it:

Get a journal and write one positive thing a day.
Start a note on your phone to track what you’re grateful for.
Schedule a coffee date or happy hour with a friend.
Make an appointment with a counselor, therapist or pastor.
Move your body more.
Give yourself time to read a book, listen to a podcast or watch a show.

I’m doing this too. In fact, my own realization that I needed to do something different is what led me to join a Bible study this week with a friend.

Taking care of ourselves isn’t easy. Life doesn’t naturally make space for it.

But it’s one of the most important things you can do.

For yourself.

For your kids.

For the people you love and who love you.

So…would you reply in the comments and tell me how you’re going to take care of yourself in one small way today? Or even just that you’re going to think about it?

It would do my teacher heart some good to hear from you, and you’re more likely to follow through if you tell someone.