PTO

Love asked me recently to take a look at his bank of hours to help him determine how many personal days he had left to use for the year. As with much of everything else in our district, trying to figure out days off can be a bit confusing. Once we figured out how many he had left, he asked if I still had a few. I do and they have already been designated as the school year comes to an end. Contractually, we get six personal days a year and I make it a priority to use all six of mine before the last day of school.

There are two things I have learned living through a pandemic; the first, time is very precious, the second, mental health and emotional stability are also very precious. Prior to the pandemic, I took my time off to relax and to simply not be at work. For the past two years I have made it a point to use my time off to spend with family. The pandemic has taught me a valuable lesson about time and family.

What I have learned most is that I want to spend every possible moment I can with those I love. I am my most happiest and peaceful self when I am spending time with those I love and care for. Something that I have also learned is to not feel guilty about using my personal time to do the things I want. As an educator, sometimes it takes more work to take a day off than to just be in the classroom. I have learned that the school, my students and my classroom with survive in my absence. I make it a point not to check email or call/text my coworkers to check in on things. My day off is just that, my day off!

My mental health and emotional stability relies on my making choices that reflect who I truly am and that includes letting go of the things that are negatively impacting me. Even if letting go of things such as work related tasks is only for a day. I have found that I am more productive and effective when I take time for myself.

Last week, I took a couple of days off to spend with my sister and best friend who was visiting from California. We spent time at the beach, went horseback riding and just hung out around town to talk and catch up. It was time well spent and when I returned to work two days later, I was a bit more mentally prepared to handle my classroom.

Love has quite a few days left and he has scheduled some time off. It is much deserved and as I told him, it will do him a world of good.

Put yourself first. Use the time off the company has given you to do some things you enjoy.