What this tired teacher wants to leave behind in 2022
I had high hopes for Fall 2022, I really did. I admit worrying for a bit that I wouldn’t remember how to …
The emotional tax of dropping mask mandates for travel
I’ve studied emotion management in air travel and TSA airport security for 12 years. My first scholarly publication likens the emotions in …
On actually achieving goals
A few years ago, I read a short article about how of the people who make resolutions in January, more than half will …
22 Goals for 2022
A couple weeks ago, my social media timelines were alive with people discussing their top 2021 accomplishments. My first thought? I survived. …
Ruminations on the work/life balance lie
Full disclosure: I hate the phrase “work/life balance.” The phrase and associated societal conversations are too simplistic and set an unrealistic bar, especially …
The Power of Communicating Gratitude
When the box arrived, I was sprawled out on the couch staring the ceiling, contemplating a 10-minute power-nap between meetings. Like every …
When your go-to burnout management strategies stop working
“Have you become cynical or critical at work?” Well, my self-appointed nickname is Cynical Shawna. “Do you drag yourself to work and …
Trying (and failing) to care less
Normally when a new semester starts, I think about what I want to accomplish–for myself professionally, with my students, in the department/university. …
101 Pat-Downs
One of the scariest things about publishing a book? Waiting for the feedback. I’ve been on pins and needles the last couple …
A dozen years of musing
Whoa. This morning Facebook reminded me that The Bluest Muse turned 12 yesterday. (And yes, I missed it. Again.) Twelve whole years …