When I initially read this article on preparing for increasing stress levels, I thought it may be a resource as schools continue to re-open in varying ways; the stressful impact of Covid upon the continually changing educational landscape cannot be overstated.
Then yesterday afternoon I learned of wildfires now burning through several surrounding counties nearby where I live. The ash from the fires coats our outdoor furniture and my prayers today are with all affected. Families and staff from our local Lasallian schools have been evacuated; some have lost their homes.
My windows are closed and my kids we will be indoors today due to diminished air quality. Today I am all the more grateful for our morning bike ride together yesterday!
In California, fire season is nearly year-round. Colleagues in Denver have been dealing with wildfires throughout these opening weeks of August as well. I hope that God’s earth will be protected, Mother Nature respected, homes spared, and first responders safe.
The below four tenets from the aforementioned article, “How to prepare for rising stress ahead,” resonate clearly for me within my personal and professional realms. In leadership formation I promote a concept of “work/life integration,” as opposed to “work/life balance.” Now more than ever, a healthy integration of responsibilities – the joys, challenges and opportunities – is paramount to our ability to survive, cope and thrive throughout this evolving trauma of the coronavirus pandemic.
I will strive to continually embrace these tenets as guiding principles in the months ahead:
- Be safe;
- Practice self-care;
- Keep connected to people you care about and those you’re responsible for leading;
- Communicate an optimistic attitude that’s grounded in realism.
May this Serenity Prayer provide us the support we deserve:
God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things that I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Stay healthy and safe!
Keeping the Faith 