This week is my last full week of lessons. Wahoo!
Next week, while the studio will still be on its regular schedule, students will come in and do a final run-through of their recital pieces (which I plan to record), and then parents will join in and we will have our final evaluation meeting.
I don’t know about you, but my body and mind are extra ready for a breather this year! That makes me extra happy I decided to end my semester one week earlier than usual and give myself a two-week break before Summer lessons begin.
Today is all about taking care of ourselves through rest and (thus) renewal.
1
Cheers to Acknowledging Rest (Beyond Measure podcast with Christina Whitlock)
“Let’s face it: especially this time of year, rest is HARD for ambitious teachers. Rather than making you feel guilty for not incorporating more white space into your spring schedule, this episode encourages us to acknowledge the rest that comes – intentionally or not – and to embrace it for the benefits it brings.”
2
What if We Approached Taking Care of Ourselves the Way We Approach Our Jobs? (Shonda Rhimes)
“…what if the only person I’m competing with is the me I was …yesterday?”
3
Paid Time Off for Piano Teachers (Nicola Cantan | Colourful Keys)
4
24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life by Matthew Sleeth.
I read this book several years ago and really enjoyed it. There are other similar ones out there with the same name.
5
Use some of this “slow” time to make some “slow” foods. Here are some suggestions:
Irish Soda Bread (Ina Garten)
The Easiest Bread Recipe You’ll Ever Bake (it really is!) (Williams Sonoma)
Chicken Stew with Biscuits (Ina Garten)
Rhubarbecue (slow-braised ribs in Rhubarb BBQ sauce) (Taste of Home)
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham (The Kitchn)
6
4 Lessons I Learned from Doing Less (Michelle Cushatt)
7
A Helpful Guide to Becoming Unbusy (Joshua Becker | Becoming Minimalist)
“Busy” has become the new “fine” – the new “default state” for our lives.
8
How to Make Your Weekend a WOW Experience: My 5-Ingredient Recipe for Total Rejuvenation (Michael Hyatt)
9
Finding Sabbath Again (Mike Glenn | Patheos)
“Sabbath gives you the time and space to remember what matters.”
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Amy, my body and mind also are extra ready for a breather this year! Looking back on the last year, the break I normally take over the summer didn’t happen last year. It was still a time of catching up & adapting to everything changing so quickly.
For the first time in 14 months, I’m actually working ahead instead of scrambling to keep up. And it feels fantastic! That being said … I’m ready for summer & taking a breather. Taking regular extended breaks is so important, both as a teacher & an entrepreneur.
Amy, I always love your Friday Finds! But, this one was extra special since it’s exactly where so many of us are at right now.