When Do I Get Time Off?

by Jean Clarke, National Executive Council Adviser, South Dakota

Many of us are eagerly anticipating the summer break that has arrived or will be here soon. We often make mental lists about what we’ll do when we get that “time off”. Some of us have even made actual to-do lists; others have our lists leftover from last summer!

During the school year, we feel that we are always on call, so that “time off” rejuvenates us and energizes us. But, every adviser has to encourage the heart year-round. We need to take time off throughout the year in creative ways to keep our energy high and our motivation strong. For example, we need to take time off at the end of the day (perhaps have our favorite form of caffeine) and reflect on what went well during that day, focusing on the positive results of our daily work. We need to e-mail or call a fellow FCCLA adviser and give encouragement during the stressful times in our busy years. Even a short message or conversation can renew our determination. We need to plan time off for 15 minutes in our day to walk, read, or take time for ourselves. Most important, we need to encourage ourselves to try something new. We all need to take time off to challenge ourselves to try something different, attempt something new, or tackle opportunites we might even fear.

Time off can be measured in days or months, but time off to encourage our hearts might only be measured in minutes. Both can be the spark that keeps us active and vital in our personal and professional lives.