Podcast Summary: Back to School Strategies

In this episode of Zen & the Art of Living SLOW, Lauren Kazee and Cheryl-Marie Manson welcome Shailee Patel, Director of Leadership and Organizational Development at the Michigan Education Association, to discuss how educators and school leaders can begin a new school year with greater purpose, balance, and intention.

Shailee reflects on how much education has changed since she began teaching special education in 1997. Although technology has transformed how educators plan, organize, communicate, and access information, the central goal remains the same: being prepared to support students and create meaningful learning experiences.

The conversation then turns to the intense decision-making demands school leaders face, especially at the beginning of the year. Shailee encourages leaders to remember that they do not need to make every decision alone or have every answer immediately. She recommends slowing down, identifying what matters most, listening before reacting, and ensuring decisions align with the school’s mission and the needs of students, staff, and families.

She also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right form of communication. Complex or emotional concerns are often better handled through a phone call or face-to-face conversation than through a lengthy email exchange. Thoughtful dialogue can clarify misunderstandings and strengthen relationships.

To prevent burnout, Shailee encourages leaders to be intentional about where they place their energy. She discusses the importance of maintaining interests and relationships outside of work, giving yourself permission to leave some tasks unfinished, and remaining curious and open to new approaches. For Shailee, sustainable leadership is not simply about working less; it is about prioritizing wisely, surrounding yourself with supportive people, making room for joy, and remembering why you chose education.

Her final message is simple: work hard, but play harder. Leaders can give their work their heart while still celebrating successes, enjoying life, and making time for the people and activities that restore them.

Key Takeaways

• You do not have to make every decision alone.
• The best decision is not always the fastest one.
• Listen, gather information, and stay grounded in your mission.
• Use conversations rather than email for complicated or emotional issues.
• Give yourself grace when decisions are not perfect.
• Protect your energy and make time for joy outside of work.
• Continue questioning whether there may be a better or more innovative approach.
• It is okay to leave some things undone.
• Work with purpose, but do not forget to enjoy the journey.

Core Reflection Question

What is one idea from this conversation that you can carry with you and put into practice today?

In this episode of Zen & the Art of Living SLOW, Cheryl-Marie and Lauren pause to savor some of the ideas that have stayed with them from their recent conversations with Debbie McFalone, Colin Ripmaster, and Chris Robinson. They revisit what it means to meet the moment, build trust through authenticity and follow-through, assume the best in others, and prioritize our own well-being. Along the way, they reflect on how self-awareness helps us slow down, notice what we need, and choose how we want to show up—for ourselves and for others.

It’s a chance to revisit the wisdom, make it personal, and ask: What’s one idea you want to put in your pocket and carry with you today?

Episode 5: Work-Life Harmony with Chris Robinson

Is work-life balance really possible—or is there a better way to think about managing the demands of work, family, and personal well-being?

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Living SLOW, Cheryl-Marie Manson and Lauren Kazee explore the idea of work-life harmony—moving beyond the pressure of achieving perfect balance and instead finding a sustainable rhythm through life's ever-changing seasons.

Joining the conversation is Chris Robinson, mental health professional, former school mental health leader, and private practice owner. Chris shares practical insights on navigating competing priorities, managing stress, maintaining perspective, and building healthy boundaries while juggling professional and personal responsibilities.

Together, the hosts and Chris discuss:

• Why work-life balance may be the wrong goal
• How to find harmony when life feels overwhelming
• Strategies for managing multiple roles and responsibilities
• Navigating difficult adult relationships and workplace stress
• Practical ways educators and leaders can protect their well-being
• One powerful takeaway for creating more peace and purpose in everyday life

Whether you're an educator, leader, parent, or simply someone trying to keep up with life's demands, this conversation will leave you with actionable ideas for slowing down, staying grounded, and creating harmony in the midst of the chaos.

Takeaway Question:
What is one idea from this conversation that you can carry with you today?

Listen in and join us as we continue the journey of living intentionally, leading thoughtfully, and embracing the art of living SLOW.

Show Links:

https://www.therapybyrob.com/

https://www.facebook.com/therapybyrob/

Trust is the foundation of every healthy relationship—and an essential ingredient in personal wellness. In this episode of Zen and the Art of Living SLOW, Cheryl-Marie Manson and Lauren Kazee sit down with educational leader Colin Ripmaster to explore the role trust plays in leadership, relationships, and navigating life's uncertainties. Together, they discuss what happens when trust is challenged, how leaders cultivate trust within their teams, and why learning to trust ourselves and the process can be a powerful step toward greater well-being. Listeners will leave with practical insights and reflective questions to help them build trust in both their personal and professional lives.

Debbie McFalone Website (find her book!)

In this episode of Zen & the Art of Living Slow, we explore the powerful stories we tell ourselves—and how they shape the way we think, feel, and show up each day.

As educators and leaders, it’s easy to fall into patterns like “I can’t keep up” or “There’s not enough time.” But what if those thoughts are just stories… not truths?

Cheryl-Marie and Lauren reflect on how these internal narratives form, how they can quietly turn into limiting beliefs, and how we can begin to “re-story” them into something more supportive and aligned. Through personal experiences and practical strategies, they share what it looks like to pause, notice your thinking, and shift your perspective in the middle of a full day.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

•  How self-talk impacts your mood, energy, and productivity 
•  Why limiting beliefs often go unnoticed 
•  Simple ways to interrupt negative thought patterns 
•  Grounding practices to help you reset when you feel overwhelmed 
•  A glimpse into Cheryl-Marie’s four daily routines for staying regulated 

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just looking for a more intentional way to move through your day, this conversation offers small, doable practices to help you come back to center.

What story are you telling yourself right now—and is it serving you?

Take one idea with you, and see what shifts.

Until next time—stay grounded, stay present, and stay in the work.

What do you do when life doesn’t slow down—but your emotions demand your attention?

In this very first episode, Cheryl-Marie Manson and Lauren Kazee introduce Zen & the Art of Living S.L.O.W. and the heart behind their conversations: helping leaders find clarity in the midst of constant noise, pressure, and decision-making.

Together, they explore a powerful and honest reality—sometimes, the only way to keep moving forward is to “put it in a box.”

From navigating grief and personal loss to managing everyday emotional stress, Cheryl-Marie and Lauren unpack:

•  When it’s necessary to compartmentalize your emotions 
•  Why “putting it in a box” can be both helpful and harmful 
•  What happens when we never come back to unpack what we’ve stored away 
•  How our bodies signal when it’s time to slow down and process 

This episode is a reminder that while leaders often feel the need to carry everything, they are still human—and modeling self-awareness and care matters.

You’ll walk away with a simple but powerful takeaway:
 Sometimes it’s okay to set things aside… as long as you remember to come back.

Whether you’re an educator, leader, or simply someone navigating a full and fast life, this conversation offers a grounded perspective and a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

Take a breath. Put one thing in your pocket. And come back when you’re ready to open the box.