At the start of a new school year, everything can feel big. The stress, the expectations, the changes...they all seem to hit at once. If you’re in that season of overwhelm, this episode is your much-needed pep talk.

In Episode 225, I’m sharing the mindset shifts that have helped me stay grounded, protect my peace, and stop giving energy to things that don’t matter in the long run. Whether you’re already in the thick of it or gearing up to start the 2025–26 school year, this is the perfect time to take a deep breath and shift your perspective.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why it's normal to feel overwhelmed at the start of the year (you’re not alone!)
• 3 key perspective shifts that can help you stay grounded and avoid burnout
• How to tell the difference between a moment and a mountain
• Why building strong connections with your team (especially your paras and gen ed colleagues) matters more than ever
• What it means to zoom in, zoom out, and find the balance in between

Quick Recap of This Month’s Back-to-School Series:

• Ep. 222: Where Do I Even Start? — 3 Priorities for Special Educators
• Ep. 223: Mastering the Special Education Schedule (One Tetris Piece at a Time)
• Ep. 224: How to Choose the Right Data Collection System for Your Classroom

If you missed any of those episodes, now’s a great time to go back and catch up!

Key Takeaways from Episode 225:

🔄 Perspective Shift #1: Will This Matter in 3 Days, 3 Weeks, or 3 Months?

Use the “Triple 3 Rule” to filter your stress and energy. Not everything is worth your mental real estate.

🤝 Perspective Shift #2: Stay in Your Lane—But Don’t Isolate

Focus on your students and your goals, but build strong connections with your support team and gen ed teachers. You’re not alone, and your people can help lighten the load.

🔍 Perspective Shift #3: Know When to Zoom In… and When to Zoom Out

Being detail-oriented is a superpower—but don’t forget to zoom out and look at the big picture. Your students are making progress. So are you.

Final Thoughts

You can’t do it all and you don’t have to. The job is big, but it should never come at the cost of your well-being. Protect your peace, give yourself grace, and remember: you’re doing better than you think.

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