5 Habits of Mind to Recharge the Soul

Finding ways to charge the soul starts with a habit of mind.

My "word" for the year is to be more intentional... to cut the fluff and make my actions count as a guide for fulfilling a day with intention and purpose. I can think of five things I do daily that are small, yet effective ways to lighten the load and be more intentional.

Habits of mind are "teacher speak" for developing a set of problem solving and self awareness tools to optimize learning. Organizations have built their education business models off the framework of this set of theories, but how do we apply it to our everyday, adult lives? As a teacher, I can't help to want to learn, grow and experience what my students do through a child's lens. This idea of "Habits of Mind" really spoke to me as it applies to adult life. What habits do we create to life life authentically, where we feel full of purpose, alignment and contentment?"

Create Space

Sometimes I feel like I need more than a stretch, I need SPACE. Space to think, space away from peers, space to not stumble over the "stuff." This is hard for me! I find space by reorganizing all the things- drawers, classroom, closet, my trello, calendar. Then I block time and space out for me. January is the perfect time to create those spaces in life. (#vacation #dream #declutter #simplify #metime)

Write About It- aka Journal

I love to write and typcially do the blog thing just to get the ideas out of my head. I also love my journal. #silkandsonder speaks to my soul though and recharges me each month with intentions, challenges and accountability to focus on my own habits of mind. I have dozens of journals, but that one keeps me sane. I have my students write a reflection journal, and for many it's the best time of the day to refocus and center. Journaling gets the junk out! (#focus #intentional #goalsetting)

Take a Hike

I don't do enough of this, but the best stress releiver is just walking it out. I'd love to do the #100milechallange again where you hike a 100 miles in a year. Anyone on board? It's always a good idea to reconnect with nature, get some fresh air and move the body. My walk from the playground to the classroom four days isn't enough. Time to get the blood pumping and move my soul. (#hiking #walking #bloodpumping)

Connection

Relationships are the most important things in life. My family, friends, colleagues and students all have pivotal roles in inspiring me and keeping me on track. Finding ways to be connected and not passive has always been a top priority for me. A weekend escape with the bestie or an evening pizza date with my hubs is always recharing to my sould. Sometimes just dropping a letter to student or sending a thank you is enough to rekindle that connection. Be your own sunshine committee! Have you read 365 Days of Thank You, a Year of Gratitude, by John Kralik? Talk about a game changer for connection! Go read it today! (#gratitude #littlethings #relationship)

That's fun

My default is that I'm a work-a-holic extrodinare. It wasn't until a good friend shared her notion of finding the fun in everyday. Wether its bright colored water bottle or a latte with great foam art, find the fun in every day! Noticing one fun day will change your outlook on the world around you. Not noticing fun... change that! (#lifesprinkles #gamechanger #joyjuice)

Simple acts to recharge the soul and live fulfilled. We can hashtag our life away, looking for the perfect way to showcase life, but doing the things internally is where our soul gets recharged. Create space...Write about it...Take a Hike....Nurture Connections....Have fun >>>> Soul Recharged!