What's Your Word Of The Year - Danielle Nuhfer

Morning Motivation for Educators

In this episode of "Morning Motivation for Educators," I explore the profound impact that setting intentions at the start of the school year can have on our teaching experience. Drawing from two decades in the education field, including personal challenges with burnout, I emphasize how crucial it is for educators to prioritize their well-being. Together, we create an environment where thriving replaces merely surviving in the demanding landscape of teaching. I pose a central question to kick-start our reflective journey: “How do you want to feel this school year?” Rather than setting conventional goals targeted at achievements, we focus instead on the essence of feeling — a practice that helps in creating a holistic approach to teaching. This mindset allows us to design our year around our emotional well-being, providing a personalized blueprint for navigating the school year. For me, the word I anchor on this year is "peace." Though it may seem contradictory to seek peace in the chaotic realm of education, I argue that striving for this internal state empowers us to handle challenges with grace rather than react impulsively to stressors. This episode discusses practical ways to cultivate an inner sense of peace amidst the external clamor of a busy school environment. By choosing peace as my guiding principle, I can identify when disruption arises, leading to introspection about what needs to change within me or my surroundings. Through thoughtful inquiries, we examine how peace can manifest in our interactions—whether it’s in response to a student’s needs or in the way we approach classroom management. I suggest specific strategies to embed this feeling into our daily routines, such as modeling tranquility for our students, offering them undivided attention, and thoughtfully navigating classroom dynamics. The essence of this discussion is about recognizing that while peace may not be constant in our teaching environments, we can maintain a level of internal peace that transcends external chaos. As we move forward, I challenge you to contemplate what word resonates with you for the school year. How can you align your actions with this intention amidst the inevitable ups and downs? This reflective approach towards cautious optimism is not only a victory for personal wellness but ultimately enriches our students’ experiences. At the conclusion of our dialogue, I invite listeners to delve deeper into their well-being by exploring my book, "The Path of the Mindful Teacher," or participating in the monthly mindfulness sessions offered through Teaching Well. These resources are designed to reinforce the foundational concept that self-care is not just beneficial but essential to our effectiveness as educators. By nurturing ourselves, we lay the groundwork for a nourishing educational environment for our students.

Ways to connect with Danielle and Teaching Well…

Get your free download 4 Simple Self-Care Solutions that Reduce Teacher Burnout & Increase Well-Being and Self-Care in Five Minutes a Day

Sign up for the Teaching Well Wish Newsletter

Check out the book The Path of the Mindful Teacher

Join me monthly at the live Teaching Well with Mindfulness sessions.

Ready to talk through your situation? Schedule a time to talk https://teachingwell.life/call

Or contact Danielle directly at [e-mail]

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