Do nothing. That is a terrifying thought for me. I am always thinking about what I have to get done next. Finish one task and move on to the next. I have to get this finished so I do not fall behind.

“Life is all about balance. You don’t always need to get stuff done. Sometimes it’s perfectly okay, and absolutely necessary, to shut down, kick back, and do nothing.” – Lori Deschene

We all had a year, unlike any other year. We encountered numerous obstacles that seemed insurmountable. However, we all know that music teachers are superheroes! We managed to teach, love, and inspire our students just like any other year. We taught lessons in new, fresh, and innovative ways. We creatively figured out how we would be able to get music manipulatives in the hands of our students. We are rock stars!

If there was ever a summer when we needed rest, this one was it. “The best six doctors…are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet.”

Go outside! Go to your happy place: the beach, the lake, the mountains, even your own backyard. Enjoy the fresh air. Smell the flowers and the grass. Listen to the birds sing and the breeze as it moves the branches in the trees. Feel the soft grass or sand under your feet. Embrace the sunshine as it warms your face. Take a walk. Notice the natural beauty all around you. The sunrises and sunsets are beautiful paintings every day. The bright rainbows glow after the summer rain showers. Taste the fresh foods of summer. There is nothing better than fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the vine…except maybe my mother-in-law’s homemade peach ice cream, but that counts as a fruit, right?

Our students need us! They need us to be 100% there. We must take care of ourselves to be able to take care of others. Do not think you are being selfish when you take some time for yourself. Rest, recharge… “kick back and do nothing.”

SHAKE Back to School Workshop, Lea Hoppe, Clinician Saturday, August 14, 9am-12pm
Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Free

East Alabama Workshop
Sandy Lantz & Gretchen Wahlberg, Clinicians Saturday, August 28, 9am-12pm via Zoom, Free

AMEA Elementary Festival
Jeremy Howard & Rhonda Tucker, Clinicians Friday, October 15, Eastmont Baptist Church

AMEA/AOSA/SHAKE Fall Workshop
Rhonda Tucker, Clinician
Saturday, October 16, 9am-12pm, Eastmont Baptist Church $25

AMEA Conference, Tiffany Taylor English, Featured Clinician January 20-22, 2022, Birmingham, Alabama