Over Christmas break, one of the books I enjoyed reading was The Education of An Idealist. The author Samantha Power served as UN Ambassador during the Obama administration, among other roles. Her powerful story of emigrating from Ireland, becoming involved in international humanitarian aid, and balancing the demands of parenthood, partnership and power was a compelling memoir. Click here to learn more about Samantha and her contributions to the international and national community.
This morning I received a call from a school leader and we discussed our collective fatigue over decision-making, safety protocols, and caring for our professional and personal responsibilities within this ever-evolving Covid-reality. We also shared our thoughts on the fresh opportunity that this start to 2022 affords us. Based on that conversation, I treated myself to a cup of coffee and a bagel at our neighborhood coffee shop after I walked my kids to school.
I really enjoyed the ensuing fifteen minutes, for I developed this terrible habit when I was a school administrator of eating my lunch at my desk. For over fifteen years now, I eat through most lunch breaks unless a meal is part of a meeting or a work commitment. I don’t recommend this practice! The time I took this morning for myself- to enjoy a fresh bagel and a cup of coffee at my favorite park- have reframed my outlook for the day. I feel enlivened, focused, and ready to go. And all it took was fifteen minutes.
What will you do with your fifteen minutes today? Maybe you will enjoy this tune that I listened to while sipping my coffee, by Louie Armstrong, one of my favorite jazz musicians (depicted above). Blessings on your day!
Keeping the Faith 