Life Liberty and the Pursuit of...Joy Of Course! (#SelfCareSummer)

Before I began my journey with #VBHasJoy, I was a proud and passionate teacher of history for 15 years. I loved making connections with life and historical events and more importantly I loved facilitating the space and place for students to find their DNA in our history. Although I'm not a parent that will push my passions on my son, I know that he will know a little about history and all things joy. I thought today would be a perfect day to begin some summer writing about freedom, pursuit of your well being and the joy of serving from a full vessel.

Life

This post is an introductory post-I'll write a few of these all summer to ensure you know how much I care about educator well-being and joy-which means I care about you.  Your life has a purpose and It's a gift to be allowed to serve students, schools and the communities around them. I firmly believe that teaching, leading and supporting education takes every adult serving balanced, rested and filled with joy. I know that's easier said than done-but I'm here to support your journey. It's a delicate, daily balance so starting it with intent this summer is a recipe for success. If you're a new leader starting on that golden day (July 1st), please read this blog and know your well being, balance and joy will be a key piece to your school's culture.

Liberty

Freedom is priceless and you have it; the freedom to sleep, eat healthy, make connections, and live mindfully. It doesn't mean you will not have to fight to keep your freedom either. History tells us that fighting for freedom is worth it and I say it applies to your self care and balance too.  Starting this summer and continuing during the school, you have the liberty to advocate for your joy. Say no if it means your "yes"; prioritize your plate to show what you value. It's so important for our schools. It's so important for you.

Pursuit of Joy (#SelfCareSummer)

Pursuit of happiness and joy is a personalized pathway not without some battles. #SelfCareSummer is my way of letting you know I'm a soldier for educator well being, balance and joy because I love our students. Please use this hashtag with intent this summer as you share with our twitter family the way you are taking care of you. As we get closer to starting the new school year, we'll share how we will use what we learn from each other to help others in our buildings. I'm dreaming big with you and for you! Enjoy your summer!

Joyfully Yours

Akilah 

Joy Doesn't Take up Space (What's on Your Plate?)

Lunch is always the first one to go. Sleep comes comes in a tie for some or a close second. Exercise scoots in at third. I'm referring to things we skip or push to the side when a new school year starts. If you think of a plate as symbolizing life's journey and balance, the items I mentioned above should always be on your plate. What do you pile on your plate that brings you joy? 

Blue is a strong and calm color. When I think of blue, I think water, beaches, vacations and relaxing environments. Well-being and balance are strong words that really speak to this color and the joy journey. In our homes and workplace cultures, we have so many items that can start to pile up on our plate. Survival mode kicks in and we immediately move some personal things to the side. 
 Life can throw you curve balls. I come from a family of baseball players, so excuse me if the terminology falls into my writings. It's a delicate balance to keep your balance and joy and I fall into this trap too. Now, I am being intentional starting a new year (2017) about advocating for my balance. Inbox filled with emails with 15 minutes to before I go home? It can wait but I can't. Triple booked on meetings so you skip lunch or dinner? They can wait but your health can't. There are time when I need to get up from the table and metaphorically clean my plate to make room for joy. When challenges fall on your plate, how will your rise from the table to clean your plate to make room for Joy?

Music can be a great way to balance your plate. I have a soundtrack for my joy. My musical preferences are colorful and reflect how I want to feel or am feeling at that moment. Jazz and spiritual music is rooted in my soul. Pop, R and B and some rap give me energy when I need it. I have specific playlists and stations that instantly bring me to peace and calm. In fact, right now it's playing as I write for you. What music can you intentionally play to bring you balance and joy?

It's a new Year and I'm so honored to continue this journey. It's so much bigger than me but at the same time it's transforming me as I walk this journey with #VBHasJoy, #JoyAmbassadors, #VBAdminHasJoy and now #VB5STAROAHasJoy. I want us to start this new year with intentional words, thoughts, people and practices that honor balance, wellbeing and joy. Doing this ensures that you can serve from a full vessel and create, design and cultivate equitable, joyful learning environments and school cultures where all students and adults can not just survive but thrive. Isn't that just so...#Joyful? I think so but I'm a little biased! 2017 is going to be a great one. Love you all and let's do the work that needed for all students...through the lens and armor of #JOY.