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 …
Keeping Burnout at Bay, One Holiday Tree at a Time
“Is that a Christmas tree?” the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters asked me during a Zoom call. “Absolutely not,” …
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 …
Celebrating Fall with a Squirrel Tree
Slice. Slice. Slice. “What are you doing over there?” Mr. T asked, askance, peering over from the living room couch. “Cutting out …
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. …
Saying farewell to summer with an Under the Sea tree
Over the summer, I had the immensely good fortune to visit my best friend and beloved nephews (who refuse to stop growing …
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 …