Can people change? A New Year contemplation.
I’ve been contemplating the question “Can people change” every January 2 for a decade now, thanks to my Q&A A Day journal. …
Reflecting on a decade of personal mission statements
On January 1, 2013, I answered the question “What is your mission?” with: To love. Laugh. Write. Share joy. Be happy. Be …
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 …
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 …