Teacher needs often get put on the back burner because… (let’s be honest!) we put them there.
It’s hard to admit, but it’s so ingrained in the majority of educators’ minds that we should put the needs of others before our own– our students, their parents, our colleagues… and even our own family members’. After all doesn’t Paul say in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves?” Yes, …but let’s not forget the verse that follows: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:4).
Paul isn’t asking us to abandon or needs in the name of humility, or punish ourselves repeatedly to meet the needs of others. He’s reminding us to operate out of a servant heart by prioritizing the needs of others, which you most likely do all day long. In fact, I believe your heart to honor Jesus by serving students is what drew you into this world-changing role. Am I right?!
The cycle of ignoring our own needs, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual adds up creating a burden on our whole being, according to middle school teacher gone counselor, Jessica Klika, from Cornerstone Christian Counseling. She encourages educators to allow themselves to feel their needs, acknowledge when they feel burdened, and recognize what they need to lighten the load.
Educator self-care, or lack there of, is a real deal. We need to listen to what our bodies are telling us, what our hearts are crying out for, and tune in to how our emotions are responding. It’s all too easy to put ourselves to the side and wait until our next break to slow down and breathe. But the reality is you’re more likely to become sick by that point because you’ve put off what you should have done to care for yourself each day.
It’s okay to love yourself by caring for your own needs. No one of us should be in a race to sacrifice ourselves on the alter of putting others first when it’s leading to our own burnout. Like my husband wisely says, “You’re no good to me dead. Driving yourself into the ground is no good for anyone including you.”
Kingdom Educator, take a moment to check in with yourself. Allow yourself the grace to slow down, eat your whole lunch, use the restroom, go on a 5 minute prayer walk to release the “heavies” to Jesus, or make a happy dance a regular routine to help relieve stress. In addressing your needs, my prayer is you’ll feel more alive when it comes to approaching your connected work with Jesus in your classroom.
The world needs powerful you to be fueled up spiritually (need truth declarations?), emotionally (need to gather a prayer team?), and physically (Walktober, anyone?) so you can bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth.
Want more? LISTEN HERE to my interview with counselor Jessica Klika.
Need further encouragement from other Christian Educators? Join us at the Rise Up Summit FREE Oct 17-22 online!!