Rest or Restore? #IMMOOC
Last night, the #IMMOOC live Season 4 Episode 4 with Katie Martin, Eric Chagala, Kaleb Rashad, and John Spencer didn’t disappoint. Although John’s mic was pretty crackly, it seems as though it held out long enough for him to give his two cents on this incredibly thought provoking question by Dan Ryder.
As I am just days away from heading into Spring Break (but an incredibly busy and super exciting few days), John’s words spoke to me as he answered:
“Know the difference between being tired and being wounded ’cause being tired requires rest, but if you’re wounded, you need to be restore and that requires community, that requires something bigger than yourself. Know what restores you because if you’ve been wounded, you need to be restored, to have your cup filled before you give it away.”
Wow, talk about powerful! It’s no secret that we chose a profession that is incredibly demanding and challenging. By day’s end, I’m exhausted and need to rest and refuel so that I am ready to give my all the next day, and the next day, and the day after that. I’ve written about the importance that I attribute to finding meaning over balance, and tonight proved to be another example of how my mind works.
I am tired. I need rest. I told myself that tonight was a perfect night for rest as my husband went out to the Jets game and I’m now home with four sleeping boys. I had decided that tonight, I was putting everything aside and that I was going to rest. I ran myself a bath, did a bit of mindful breathing, and bam… my mind wondered and I brought it back to the present moment, without judgement, while focusing on my breathing. And then my mind wondered again… and again… and again. I eventually just gave up, pulled out my phone, and jotted down my thoughts for this blog. That is me. That is how I rest. That is how I refuel.
That though, as John explained, is different than being wounded. Being wounded or hurt requires more than just rest; it requires being built back up by a community of people who see your worth and value. Not long ago, my innovator’s soul was wounded. At first I was angry, and then I was hurt. Once I went through those emotions, and was ready to be restored, my PLF did just that; they lifted me up and reminded me of my worth. No one is immune from being wounded or hurt, it happens to us all, so it’s critical to know what restores us and who we can turn to in times of need. We are no good to anyone when we are down and out, we need to make sure we replenish our own cups so that we can continue to give to others, too.
How are you feeling? Are you tired or wounded? Do you need to rest or to be restored? How will you get what you need?
Alice Vigors
March 21, 2018 at 5:52 amWow! That you for writing this powerful piece. A great reminder to take time for ourselves, in whatever form that manifests for us. Your words really struck a chord, as I’m sure they will with many others.
Annick Rauch
March 21, 2018 at 7:56 amThank you, Alice! John’s words spoke to me and I just had to share. We all need to be reminded to take care of ourselves every once in a while.
Nicole Fahey
March 21, 2018 at 7:59 amI’ve never thought of the difference between needing rest and needing support. Thank you for bringing this to us, at a time when we all need a lot of R&R. Maybe, some of us need more than that; it’s good to know that.
Annick Rauch
March 21, 2018 at 6:11 pmThanks, Nicole! We can all use the reminder to take care our ourselves! 🙂
Betsy McCombs
March 21, 2018 at 11:14 amI’m reading this while taking some quiet time in my day during lunch. Lately I’ve been eating alone, hiding out in the back of my library, because I just need a little quiet in my day. I do think it’s important to building culture for staff to gather sometimes but it’s that cup quote you used. My cup is empty and I need to read, relax, and take in some quiet in my day to refill my cup. Thank you for the thoughtful post. That was a really great live chat the other night.
Annick Rauch
March 21, 2018 at 6:13 pmI can totally relate, Betsy! This year has been crazier than any previous years I’ve been in the profession, for many reasons… but I am si thankful that I now work so close to home. I’ve made a point of running home for lunch from time to time just to escape and have a quiet moment in my day! And that’s okay! I’m a better teacher, mom, colleague, wife, etc. for it!
Anna
March 24, 2018 at 3:25 pmThank you. This is so true. I am both right now. In England we have had loads of clouds and cold and I need sun. So I went out on a rare sunny day and just sat, instead of crossing things off my to-do list. It was restorative and got me through the day. Thank you again for the reminder that we need both rest and restoration. Spring Break is indeed coming and we are set to rest, relax and restore, thank goodness.
Annick Rauch
March 24, 2018 at 3:44 pmYes!! We’ve had a lot of sun lately and it’s making a big difference! Now I just need the snow to melt 🙂 yesterday was my last day of school before spring break and I’m looking forward to resting and relaxing while soaking up time with my family this week!
Nic
March 29, 2018 at 1:12 pmHa, you sound like me! Totally get the need to seek meaning or purpose over balance!
Having also been through a similar “wounded” experience, I can absolutely relate to this! One text I read was “Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was wounded, going through the emotions… empty, angry, hurt etc.
As a person who lives a very creative life this book helped me to get back to living creatively: I wrote, I created songs and music and I booked a lot of gigs (I’m a part time Muso). I also connected with friends and family and slowly, I am beginning to find my meaning or purpose or inspiration again.
To be restored takes a lot longer than rest.
Thanks for sharing,
Nic
Annick Rauch
March 30, 2018 at 2:33 pmYes, Nic! So glad you could relate and ever more happy that you found a way to restore your soul! It takes time, but it’s important that we make that time!! Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey. I’ll definitely be checking out that book!