My Unproductively Productive Summer Break

[@rachaelgreen8437]

I am heavily contemplating returning to the classroom after 6 years!! I was so overworked over stressed over everything and my miracle baby was born. So I stepped away knowing I was coming back eventually. I have watched your videos on and off that entire time. Thank you for thinking out loud what I need to be thinking for myself to not get back to that place but still do what I love.

[@elizabethsparks1764]

This summer I mastered the fine art of recliner napping. I'm not sure how I feel about that...

[@maquilleMOI]

You've been my therapist....all those steps you have taken , have become my inner voice when I didn't want to work or declutter and get rid of my work (mini -office). I don't want to be tied to my work so much. I deserve a life...outside of teaching. Thank you.

[@shamoanaboney5399]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I am a mom and wife and did the exact same thing this summer. I prioritized myself by not setting a schedule and forcing myself to relax, enjoy life, and have good old fashioned fun. Some things included trying new recipes, completing brain games and puzzles, listening to audiobooks and podcasts on topic topics I am interested in, playing pool (billiards) with my husband, crafting and journaling. We traveled to explore and see family during the 4th. I am a teacher also and overall this was one of my best summers. I feel rested and ready to go back to work. My family hs noticed and appreciated the more relaxed version of me as well.

[@empoweredtoshine12]

You had an inwardly productive summer. With all that goes into teaching I'm glad that you took this time for yourself. You now have additional tools, time and energy to keep you grounded when life gets a little chaotic.🎉❤😊

[@livingwithlaughter8106]

Yes! Self care for a great summer. I took the summer to get a knee replacement, rest, recuperate, and enjoy. I feel better mentally. This will be year 30, so this is it 🎉. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Have a great school year. 😊

[@tracyteaches8747]

This is a much needed video. We need to take care of ourselves more and not always be "peoductive". Have a great new school year.

[@FocusOnWhatYouLove-t6c]

Omg long comment, and please dont take this the wrong way just wanted to let you know, I am so proud of you for choosing you. This video showed a very different view of you. Choosing yourself, not being so work driven. I absolutely love it for you. The burnout seems to have gone, so many changes. Awesome job. You know I watch no matter what or when you post, so be blessed. Have a great week back 💜

[@SmartieStylelr]

Thank you for the support and I am glad you could see the change in me. I hope it continues.

[@shamonforbes-rushing6283]

May you have a great year! I too am going into my 20th year in education. I found myself slowing down to take of myself as well. As an Instructional Coach for 4 years now, I often tell teachers that they have to take care of themselves so that they can help students. I always look forward to your videos as a form of self care and tell others to watch as well.

[@Thealaskanteacher]

Woofie is soooo relaxed in the background. 💞 I love the balance you are finding for you!

[@rachaelgreen8437]

Omg!! The puppy snoring at 22:00 is adorable!! 🥰 I think I replayed it three times

[@SmartieStylelr]

Puppy snores are pretty cute.

[@susanveligor364]

❤ Love that you had a self carefree summer break! Last year was a difficult year for many of us. I am starting my 21st year and I am planning on retiring at the end of June. I, too love teaching and very happy this was my dream come true job. I will be heading into this new school year with conflicting feelings. Excitement in starting a new year with a new group of students, and the knowledge I will be saying goodbye to my full time status and my school family. ❤

[@Savoringlifesjourney]

Yep! My Layla Olive has so many toys but prefers my ponytail holders and socks instead! lol

[@TamekaJackson-lm8vm]

Thank you so much for this video!! This has definitely helped me to not feel as guilty when I think about doing things for me. This is year 22 for me and balancing all of the things stay on my mind. Too often I forget about myself and thank you for the reminder!! Be blessed!

[@LeaRaesWay]

15:30 yesssss to getting rid of that home office! Find that balance!!!

[@SmartieStylelr]

One of the best decisions I've made.

[@booksandbudgets2029]

I pray and hope you have a great and successful school year and always continuing doing for you!!

[@emeraldcollier178]

This was soooo validating for me to hear as I go into this new school year! And im so so happy for you!!

[@LeaRaesWay]

New here 🙋🏽‍♀️ Ok…I’m glad that I’m not the only one who gets anxiety when summer break is over. I feel better this summer because I got on a plane ✈️ ✌🏽 Hadn’t been on one since 2019. Definitely lowered my anxiety because I felt like I really did something.

[@fdoctor79]

I am so proud of you for taking the necessary steps for the sake of your peace. 😊 Congrats on your 20th teaching anniversary! 🎉 I am believing this is going to be your BEST school year, yet! 🙌🏽😁

[@daphnerivera6493]

Thanks for sharing. This was so helpful. Similarly, I worried about this summer as well. I spent most of July alone (all family members working summer jobs) and no travel plans because my youngest child will be starting college this month...however I survived due to the fact that some work opportunities became available and I felt like I had a "summer school position" without the teaching. It not only kept me focused and engaged but also gave me flexibility to rest when needed(plus some coins stashed away) I wish you a Happy new school year. Thank you for all of the ways that you bring joy to others....may joy, joy, and more joy find its way back to you!!!

[@nicolespivey9521]

I am going into year 23 of teaching. I had considered getting a summer job, but I decided against it. My daughter has three years of high school left so I decided the next three summers will be spent focusing on her. I am very anxious (not in a good way) about the school year. Our school will have two new administrators and new administration always makes me nervous. I hope you have a great year. Good for you for taking care of you this summer.

[@SmartieStylelr]

I hope that your new school year goes well despite some of your anxieties heading into it.

[@teachloveinspire561]

Great vlog! As a teacher, I really appreciated this talk, and I think going into the school year, rested and relaxed, you are going to have a terrific school year with work/life balance.

[@adriennebal5450]

I am happy for you! So glad you took care of you. 🎉🎉 Good for you. Thank you for sharing what worked for you. May your year be richer than the previous years. Take care.

[@LynnDanielleTreasure]

I am so happy for you growing closer to GOD! Guess what I noticed? After watching all the goodies you get for yourself, I feel impulsive, too! Over the summer, I have purchased a few home items (a water sprinkler, 2 large floor mirrors, and a humidifier) from the Tiktok Shop, my new favorite shopping spot. Thank goodness for summer school covering the cost. A scripture from a favorite song - "Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad!" (Proverbs 12:25) Here's to a great school year!

[@pamela.imagines.p10]

I appreciate this video. It's like we are enjoying coffee and a conversation. You have so much to be grateful for. Truly. I love that you speak of the importance of God. I miss my nature walks when I also talked with Him, prayed with Him, and journaled those prayers. I enjoy reading my prayers that I journaled at a later time.Self-care is life changing. Worry, sadness, or regrets can take away joy. Spending time with your niece and brother is special time. Having a puppy really has helped you. Changing your office to a home gym is so cool. You can find motivational posters on the wall, add a stability ball and a kettlebell, and create a wall of quotes or photos to inspire you. A partner is not always what we hope it to be. Your peace, safety, independence, financial security, and happiness is too important, plus not bringing in someone that may not be good for your family. Good luck this week.

[@jenniferrichardson550]

Great video of reflection. I love the idea of you praying while walking your dogs. That’s actually a thing(prayer walks) they have videos on KZbin about those. Sounds like you’re off to a peaceful start of the year, and may you have a great one. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@Jni470]

Love this! Thanks for sharing your relaxing summer with us.

[@michellewilliams9652]

This was that summer for me as well! 🎉🎉 Way to go! Wishing you a fun and peaceful school year!😊

[@dannaellington2653]

I loved this video so much! I’m going into year 18 and have found slowing down this summer has been so helpful. Your self care habits you’ve developed are so good to hear and I will be implementing some of these myself (I love a good pajama set 😄). I hope you have a much better year!

[@trinaj.2427]

Great video!!! I found your content over the summer and have been catching up on some of your past videos. I appreciate your perspectives on self care since this is only my second year teaching. Congratulations on your 20th year and much success for the upcoming school year!🎉

[@MichelleRey75]

Have a great first day😊

[@rachelprichard4095]

I loved this video, and I needed to hear your words. Thank you😊

[@SassyandKiwi]

Love it, I always enjoyed your summer blogs.

[@mzzzzzzday]

Do you ever miss elementary? I worked summer school and spent the rest of the summer resting. And that's fine with me. When I get my money together I will travel. Having too many plans stresses me out and having no plans stresses me out too.I put expectations on myself based on what other people tell me and what I see online and I'm learning to just focus on myself.

[@SmartieStylelr]

I do miss certain aspects of elementary from time to time. I miss reading picture books on a regular basis, I miss teaching math, and I miss the innocence of the kids.

[@cynthiaa.guyton6606]

I get excited when I see you’ve uploaded a video!😊

[@lillianwashington7767]

Glad to hear you had a great unproductive summer! Like you said a woman has to treat herself.

[@nappymodel]

It's refreshing to hear the positive reflection on your "unproductive"summer. Sounds like you are really taking the time to address your personal needs instead of buffering. Lol Maybe it's the summer of teacher epiphany! This is the first summer that I did not take any trips, not even a day trip. Nothing. I referred to my summer as a recovery period. Lol This allowed me to develop a habit of getting up for a prayer walk before work. Initially I worried how I could maintain my prayer walk when the school year started. So far I have been able to do it 6 work days. Latawnya, it is THE BEST part of my day! Just talking to God. Thanking Him for all of His blessings while enjoying His handiwork-nature. We devote a lot of our time to so many other distractions, and all God wants is a little bit of our time.❤ Make it a great year! 🎉🎉🎉🎉💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

[@SmartieStylelr]

So glad you have been able to keep your walks up. I hope the trend continues.

[@shaintac6072]

So glad to hear. I would love to see some more videos with your niece. Love the bond you two have formed

[@MichelleGayscienceteacher]

Have wonderful school year and I pray it is an enjoyable year for and your students!

[@carolyn8103]

This has been very helpful. What have you done for you? What were your accomplishments this summer? I'm going to write this is my journal and do this every month.

[@lisal9825]

Thanks for the video. We have two weeks before officially starting school. I just brought that same white dress yesterday at Old Navy for $8.99.

[@Dede_5718]

Thank you for this vlog,, this information has helped me to reflect on my FIRST time summer Break... And I will continue...it will be my 30 something years in the classroom... Have a great and safe school year!!!🌻😎 Yes please create more vlogs about you and some Finacial, fashion as well as school.. Balance .. CENTER SELF..

[@camrygirl84]

❤❤

[@jamarconway4459]

Did you do a classroom set up

[@SmartieStylelr]

I did not. There was nothing to set up this year.

[@jamarconway4459]

@@SmartieStylelr I am praying for you 🤗

[@jamarconway4459]

@@SmartieStylelr I am praying that you have a successful school year 😃.

[@portialewis1826]

Didn't you reduce your caffeine intake and are taking vitamin D3 also? I see that everything you prioritized this Summer contributed to your well-being. Thanks for sharing.

[@SmartieStylelr]

Sadly, I feel like I actually consumed more caffeine over the summer. That continues to be a work in progress.

[@MyeshaB]

Have you changed something with your set up? The audio quality has not been the same the last 2 videos.

[@SmartieStylelr]

I haven't changed anything.