Just last weekend, I found myself squished between my giggling children at the local cinema, buttery popcorn in hand, eyes glued to the screen. We were watching “Inside Out 2,” a poignant journey back into the complex world of emotions. Amidst the laughter and occasional teary moments (ok, I somehow cried A LOT…), a new character, Nostalgia, reminded me of a crucial lesson, one that resonates deeply with both my personal journey and professional ethos: the importance of preserving our childlike joy.
As school leaders, the demands of our roles often overshadow the intrinsic joy that once drew us to education. We manage budgets, tackle administrative challenges, and face the pressure of societal expectations. But what if embracing our inner child could not only enhance our own lives but also invigorate our schools?
Embrace the Wonder
“Inside Out 2” masterfully illustrates that life doesn’t become less magical as we age; we simply become less receptive to the magic. Remember the sense of wonder you felt on your first day as an educator? The thrill of influencing young minds and crafting educational journeys? It’s time to reconnect with that wonder. Each day in your school holds potential for small wonders—recognize and celebrate them.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Our ability to lead with vigor directly correlates with our physical and mental health. So often we think that overwhelm and burnout are just part of being an adult and getting older. Well, what if we didn’t have to embrace that theory anymore…It is not true…that just because we hit our 40s, our health plummets and we just have to accept it. No way! In fact, there has never been more reason to commit to our health and fuel our bodies with the right fuel. We are done with just waiting for retirement but rather we are thriving in who we are now and the career we are living now. Commit to a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being: nourish your body, engage in physical activity, and ensure restorative sleep. This isn’t just about longevity but about enriching the quality of your daily life and leadership.
Seek and Be a Mentor
Mentorship is a twofold street that benefits both the mentor and the mentee. Surround yourself with mentors who inspire you, who push you towards your best self, and who cheer you on. Likewise, mentor emerging leaders. Sharing your journey not only enriches your experience but also reignites your passion for education through fresh, enthusiastic perspectives. I have real life mentors across the hall, virtual ones, and a membership of leadership besties that I run where we are constantly embracing our childlike joy and rejuvenating our leadership, health, and lifestyle. It is never too late. I even follow men and women in their forties, fifties, and beyond who are unlocking the key to childlike joy and healthy, fulfilled lives at these ages.
Integrate Joy into Leadership
Let’s make our schools hubs of joy and creativity. Yes, we have that ability as leaders to change the trajectory of our cultures in our schools. And that is never too late to change either. Encourage your teachers to bring their passions into the classroom, to teach with enthusiasm, and to create learning experiences that are memorable and joyful. Lead by example—let your staff and students see your joy, and encourage them to find and express their own.
Action Steps to Cultivate Joy:
- Weekly Joy Audit: Spend 10 minutes each Friday reflecting on what brought you joy. Recognize these moments and plan to create more such opportunities in the following week.
- Connect with Peers: Regularly meet with fellow educators who inspire you. Share ideas, challenges, and successes to foster a supportive community.
- Bring Passion Projects to School: Initiate a passion project in your school where both students and teachers can work on something that genuinely interests them. This could be a club, a special event, or a unique class project. I do this with my health regime. Heck…influencers do it all the time! How do you think they sell so much? They model and wonder out loud using the product or engaging in their passion while influencing others. We can do that too!
- Personal Development: Commit to ongoing personal and professional development that stimulates your mind and soul. Attend workshops, read books, or take courses that align with your passions and leadership goals. They key is to implement what you have learned though and not just to keep learning and learning but never taking action.
- Celebrate Often: Find reasons to celebrate achievements, both big and small, within your school community. Cultivate an atmosphere where every success is acknowledged.
As we age, it’s not our time that diminishes but often our capacity for joy. Let “Inside Out 2” remind us that by fostering an environment of joy, creativity, and health, not only can we lead more fulfilling lives, but we can also inspire those around us to do the same. The journey of rediscovering joy isn’t just about personal fulfillment—it’s about transforming our schools into vibrant, dynamic spaces where learning thrives. However, the key is – consistency and commitment always and every, single, day.
Let’s not merely grow older; let’s grow brighter, fueled by the undying spark of our childlike wonder. Remember, it is NEVER too late for you to find your joy and fulfillment. But it is going to take some work….commitment…and going through all of the emotions in seasons and waves. That is just part of being human. Just don’t conjure up the joy, nostalgia, wonder, and humor each day. Start with dancing in your kitchen, singing at the top of your lungs to one of your favorite songs. Watch what happens! And then go do that in your school.
Even If You Miss..... 