Defining a day

Last week was a doozy, y’all.

I don’t know what it was but between craptastic meetings, the power going out for FOUR days (after a 5 minute storm), and what felt like a full moon… I was ready to quit everything.

Fortunately, this week has been better.

Last week, Steph wrote an amazing post on how to define a day.  I couldn’t fully appreciate it when I was smarting over all kinds of problems last week, but I have definitely thought about it this week… and I’ve tried to be more cognizant of what defines my day.

Does my husband know how much I appreciate him? 

Guys, I can be bratty.  Really bratty.  I get frustrated easily (especially when tired… or hungry).  I raise my voice when I feel like people aren’t listening to me… and I have to be super nice to everyone most of the time… so my husband definitely sees me at my worst.  Yet, despite my worst, he still makes sure I’m adequately fed, he tries to put me to sleep on time, and he tells me all kinds of wonderful things.  I definitely try and remember to make sure he knows that I.  Appreciate.  Him.  SO.  MUCH.

Do my friends know I love them?

Most all of my close friends live far away… so I have to rely on text messages (and sometimes cards… on a good day) to keep up and catch up with them.  Despite how busy we are, I do try and reach out to them regularly and let them know that I do care and I’m here…. even if its something silly (like a bathroom selfie)… or telling them that they are doing an amazing job being a mommy… or that yep, fertility problems suck.  It will get better.  I want them to always know I love them.

Does my staff feel empowered, encouraged, and inspired?

This is hard.  My people are scattered throughout Dallas and I don’t get to see them all that often.  We have a group text and I try to make sure they know I think they are doing a great job.  The work we do is hard.  Politics are hard.  School dynamics are hard.  I love my staff and I want them to know I’ve got their back, no matter what.

Do I teach my students to be better people? 

I try to talk “real” to my kids.  I try to let them be kids… but also remind them to be good humans.  As much as I can, I try not to chew their butts for small things so that they learn to cut other people some slack.  I try to show them by example in the things I do for them (and their friends).  Sometimes I let my guard down and treat them more like friends than students… but at the end of the day, I hope they leave my office as a better version of themselves.

Do I mark something off my list each day? 

My Hubs always tells me that one of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is to feel competent.  I don’t know about you, but my to do list is NEVERending… but the day always ends on a higher note when I can point to something I’ve crossed off that day.

What are you using to define a day?!