On Thursday, August 12, 2021, I had the privilege of providing a keynote from my book Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator at the Archdiocese of Louisville welcomed back ceremony for the new school year. 

Although my teaching and administration work has been for public schools, Superintendent Mary Beth Bowling, invited me to address teachers from thirty nine Pre/K-8 elementary schools and nine high schools collectively serving 18,000 students in six counties of the Archdiocese of Louisville. 

It was a wonderful experience to attend an early morning Mass followed by an hour of professional learning. This week I want to share the first in a series of episodes from the keynote I delivered to educators beginning a new school year. 

If you’ve read my books or listened to my previous podcast episodes, you may find many of my stories and lessons repetitive or familiar. Nevertheless, I hope you will benefit from this summary of ideas on “breathing first” as you continue the important work of serving students – even in the midst of ongoing challenges as I share feedback on the following:

* 10 Areas of Self-Reflection for Self-Care* The Power of Your Influence* The Importance of Your Friendships* The Meaning of Your Legacy

In Part 1 of this series, learn the importance of reflecting on the following areas:

* Your Body* Your Mindset* Your Influence* Your Time* Your Friendships* Your Spirituality* Your Resources* Your Intimacy* Your Future* Your Legacy

Now It’s Your Turn

Consider the 10 self-reflection areas. If you had to pick three, which ones would you identify where you would like more focus or growth? 

Reflect on this quote: “If your goal is to influence others in becoming better, you can’t ignore this important safety notice: You need to learn to breathe first.” In this school year, how have you struggled with “placing the oxygen mask” on first? 

Can you describe a time when you have felt like “a shell” of yourself. Who is one person that will tell you the truth and hold you accountable?

What is one way you are already “investing outside of work?” Or what is one way you plan to invest in yourself this coming week?

What is one area out of the ten that you’ve already seen significant growth? Of the ten self-reflection areas for breathing first described above, what is one area where you want to see personal growth?