Attend
Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.
—Lucille Ball
Be gentle, loving, kind, and attentive to yourself. Take time throughout the day to meet your needs just as you would for someone whom you care about dearly and deeply. Engage wholeheartedly in movement activities with the children to experience joyful exercise. Consider using yoga and breathing as transitional activities to help you and the children switch gears mentally and physically. Instead of grabbing that soda or coffee when you find yourself flagging, drink water to hydrate yourself and give you renewed energy. Whenever possible, gaze out the window at the sunshine, clouds, and nature in all her glory. Focus on the faces of the children, attending deeply to their expressions of trust and security in knowing that you meet their needs. Attend to your needs first so that you can be present for others.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday.
Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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