1. I will face this school year with strength and demonstrate my leadership skills. I will lead from my heart with courage.
2. I will bring my best to school each day helping as many students as possible, wherever and whenever possible.
3. I will live just for today helping students and staff while taking care of myself.
4. I will radiate confidence, strength and hope in all I do.
5. I will be brave and model bravery for my students and staff.
6. I will practice being grateful each day as I enter the school building or my workplace wherever that may be.
7. I will look at all the possibilities and opportunities this time offers me.
8. I will open my heart to the staff and students I work with focusing on their strengths.
9. I will celebrate all that is right in my school and in the world.
10. In my words, actions and deeds, I will let go of fears and embrace love, joy and hope. I know that being a School Counsellor is what I am meant to do and be.
We need to base what we do on theoretical perspectives that are useful and helpful. Humanists like Carl Rogers ,Viktor E Frankl have impacted me, but so to have others in the field of psychology like Albert Ellis, Irvin Yalom, Fritz Perls, Ed Jacobs, David Burns, Virginia Satir, Donald Meichenbaum, Claudia Black, and Mary Pipher to name a few. There is no one right approach. You need to discover what you believe and make sure it works for you and your students. Developing a sound relationship online and off is essential. Using all the skills you learned in grad school can make a difference. Demonstrate empathy, be genuine and respectful, but more importantly be yourself. Therapeutic alliance will always matter.
If you are going to read anything to start your career I would suggest the following:
Dr. Allen FrancisSaving Normal: An Insider’s Revolt against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis, DSM-5, Big Pharma, and the Medicalization of Ordinary Life is a must for your bookshelf.
One of my all time favourite people who has influenced me and the way I interact is Leo Buscagalia. His lessons on life have truly had a positive impact on my life and as a result I have passed this on to others.
“To live in love is to live in life, and to live in life is to live in love.” “It’s not enough to have lived. We should determine to live for something. May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of person kind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.” Only you will be able to discover, realize, develop and actualize your uniqueness. And when you do, it’s your duty to then to “give it away.” Leo Buscagalia
Each theorist, counsellor and counsellor educator has impacted the way I interact and help students. Along the way I have also worked with some amazing school counsellors , educators and supervisors who have also influenced me in a positive way. Thanks especially to Diane Williams, Deana Helton and Helen MacKinnon. Also to the many School Counsellors in CSSD and #scchat I have much gratitude . Two very special Counsellor Educators and friends Ed Jacobs and Erin Mason thanks for all you do and who you are.
Lesson 2 : Keep learning and base it on theory. Which ones have impacted you?
Choose ONE of the following tips. You may want to post it on your mirror at home or pin it to your desktop and remind yourself of what you need during this time.
Just for Today I will acknowledge that we are all grieving the world as we once knew it. I will be compassionate with myself and my students.
Just for Today I will take the necessary actions so that I don’t burn out during Covid 19. I will take breaks and put things on pause when I need to.
Just for Today I will be grateful I am an educator who loves and cares for youth.
Just for Today I will remember that relationships are a key factor for academics to occur especially as I move online.
Just for Today I will trust the process . If I don’t get exactly how to use the tech at this time that is more than OK.
Just for Today I will acknowledge that I need time and space for myself and my family, I will take time to care for my own well being and theirs.
Just for Today I will share a just for today , a positive quote or thought with my students.
Just for Today I will not speak negatively about myself, treating myself empathically focusing on what I do know, not on what I don’t.
Just for Today I will focus on doing my best and let go of the rest, acknowledging that I care about all of my students.
Just for Today I will make sure that I take time to have a proper lunch and take breaks.
Just for Today I will find ways to decrease my workload.
Just for Today I will connect with a colleague and collaborate knowing this will lighten some of my load.
Just for Today I will focus on my strengths and not fall into the trap of comparing myself to others .
14. Just for Today I will not put 20 things on my to do list. I will tackle one concern at a time.
Just for Today I will centremyself while helping students find ways to centre themselves.
Just for Today I choose the path of being there for a child.
Just for Today I will acknowledge that I cannot be everything to everyone.
Just for Today I will accept support from others.
Just for Today I will find a way to celebrate student success.
Just for Today I will film a short message to check in with my students.
Just for today I will avoid overthinking by attempting to stay in the moment.
Just for Today I will remember that it’s okay not to feel okay.
Just for Today I will collaborate with my team to share resources.
Just for Today I will send a message of thanks to a member of my school community.
Just for Today I will turn my computer off at the end of office hours.
Want to check out previous posts for students. You can find them here.
What is your Just for Today Tip? Please share in the comments. Erin and I would love to hear your ideas.
Just for Today I will think about what makes me happy and snowball ( use paper snowball or a real one if there is any snow) any negative thoughts away. Barb Brown
Just for Today I will visit my old neighbourhood and call an old friend. Graham Kennedy
Just for Today I will acknowledge that I am worthy and loved . Louise Hamilton
Just for Today I will learn a new skill and tomorrow a new life skill. Kim Souillet
Just for Today when I brush my teeth I will pretend that I am a zookeeper brushing a hippos teeth. Carol Stevenson
Just for Today I will read my favourite book. Kate Kucharski
Just for Today I will smile and wave at every person who passes by my house. Susan Viveiros
Just for Today I will tell my teacher about the things I do well and help them understand what makes me feel happy and safe. Verena Roberts
Just for Today I will reflect on where I have been, where I have gone, and the road I have built upon, I will take a step forward into the unknown world with familiar faces … holding hands would be nice too Kristen Copes
Just for Today I will call, text or video chat a peer who needs encouragement. Cynthia Nunnally Morton
Yesterday we published 101 Ways to Kickstart Your Day In A Positive Way : A Guide for Educators Parents and Students. Erin and I love the response we are getting. Thanks George Couros for inspiring the post and for sharing our thoughts. We were hoping that educators would use them and they are already doing just that. Here is one from a school in Missouri …
This is a collaborative blogpost by Erin Luong and I along with a few ideas from friends. As mental health educators we believe that a focus on our mental health and well being is foundational to all education. It is impossible to focus on academics if students are not feeling secure. We believe it’s important to intentionally embed a focus on well being into every lesson with young people. All of us need to use positive self talk and coping strategies to feel better . We can all do one thing a day that will help us cope during this unprecedented time.
Hoping some of these tips help you start the day as an educator. You can post a tip for the day using Canva or just text your student the tip to start their day. As an educator I am sure you can find many creative ways to use this as you move online.
Just for today I will start and end my day in a positive way.
Just for today I will remember that I am ok and all will be well with the world.
Just for today I will be proud that I stayed home and did my part to help.
Just for today I will be grateful for all the front line workers that are helping us.
Just for today I will celebrate our shared humanity.
Just for today I will head outside and let the sun hit my face. I will take some fresh air breaths and listen, it may sound quieter and more peaceful than usual. I will think about what I hear, how the sun feels on my face and how those deep breaths make my body feel. Susan Fueller
Just for today I will send some positive intentions out into the universe.
Just for today I will think of ways to make the world a better place.
Just for today I will learn to say I love you in as many languages as I can think of.
Just for today I will post a positive message in my window and or use sidewalk chalk to write a message for others in my neighbourhood to see.
Just for today I will connect with two people that lift my spirits.
Just for today I will write or talk about one thing I am grateful for no matter how small. Helen MacKinnon
Just for today I will remain hopeful.
Just for today I will look back at old photo albums and tell stories from the past which made me who I am today.
Just for today I will look in the mirror and recognize that I have a purpose for being here.
Just for today I will make sure I am moving my body for at least 30 minutes.
Just for today I will be kind to my mind.
Just for today I will have an eye staring contest. Juliana Miller – MacPherson
Just for today I will tell the people that I care about that they matter to me.
Just for today I will not worry about what is in it for me, I will think only about what I can do to help out in every situation. Gail White
Just for today I will dress in my favourite colour and eat my favourite food. Laurel Hunt
Just for today I will listen to one of my favourite songs and sing along. Leena Booth
Just for today I will say I am courageous, strong and can make a difference.
Just for today every time I wash my hands I will tell two silly jokes and laugh. Karen Hudson
Just for today I will talk about helpful and unhelpful worries with an adult.
Just for today I know that I am safe and I can control my thoughts.
Just for today I will wish upon a star.
Just for today I will remember that challenges can be opportunities.
Just for today I will go for a walk and notice all the beauty around me.
Just for today I will remember that all my feelings are ok. It’s ok to be scared etc.
Just for today I will remind myself that just because I made a mistake doesn’t mean I am one.
Just for today I will stay strong and well.
Just for today I will share my favorite song/poem and we can sing or say them together or to each other. Sheri Edwards
Just for today I will not give up.
Just for today I will ask God to get me through today.
Just for today I will look at one way I can see the opportunities because of the challenges of today.
Just for today I will reevaluate my priorities and tell someone what I think.
Just for today I will let go of any thoughts that don’t help my peace of mind.
Just for today I will remember not everyone reacts to events in the same way. I will be positive today.
Just for today I will remember that I am loveable and capable.
Just for today I will take a break from watching or listening to any alarming news.
Just for today wear my clothes inside out and walk backwards. ( Laura Cormier)
Just for today I will take care of my mind by listening to some soothing music.
Just for today I will do one activity that I love and enjoy.
Just for today I will check in with my parents and/ or grandparents to bring a smile to their day.
Just for today I will find a calm space just for me.
Just for today I will write about my feelings in a journal.
Just for today I know that I can deal with life’s difficulties.
Just for today I will smile often.
Just for today I will say to myself I can cope with this uncertainty.
Just for today I will draw out my worries.
Just for today I will talk to an adult about what is concerning me.
Just for today I will visualize my safe place ( a beach, being with my favourite friend , playing and singing in the rain).
Just for today I will do more of what makes me happy.
Just for today I will find two ways to distract myself if I start to catastrophize.
Just for today I will let go of anything that upsets me.
Just for today I will reassure myself that all will be well with the world.
Just for today I will calm my wandering mind by doing something that is fun.
Just for today I will unwind by taking time out of my day to draw, paint, sing, dance or play a game I love.
Just for today I will read a book for 15 minutes for pleasure.
Just for today I will be easy on myself.
Just for today I will look for solutions.
Just for today I will talk kindly and gently to myself just like I would my best friend.
Just for today I will watch a funny movie or talk to a funny friend. I know laughter will help.
Just for today I will remind myself that I matter.
Just for today I can journal for 10 minutes.
Just for today I will open my heart to new ways of thinking and doing.
Just for today I will spend some extra time with people I love.
Just for today I will use my imagination to imagine the best that can happen.
Just for today I will remind myself of one good thing I can do for the world.
Just for today I will love with all my heart.
Just for today I will tell myself that life can be tough sometimes , but so am I.
Just for today I will say I am strong, I am kind and I can do anything I make up my mind to do.
Just for today I will recognize that I cannot change the circumstances, but I can change my reaction to it.
Just for today I will practice breathing deeply.
Just for today I will write 3 things I am grateful for.
Just for today I will look at some old pictures and think of the positive memories of that time.
Just for today I will make something new.
Just for today I will create a song, a piece of art , a new recipe, or something I have always wanted to create.
Just for today I will take a picture of something that brings me joy.
Just for today I will lift someone else’s spirits.
Just for today I will spread some kindness and love in the world.
Just for today I will make hot chocolate and eat my favourite cookie.
Just for today I will write a love letter.
Just for today whenever I find myself thinking negative I will challenge those thoughts.
Just for today I will reach out to someone who needs it.
Just for today I will jump for joy.
Just for today I will start a blog, a vlog or share something that makes the world a better place.
Just for today I will share at least 2 jokes with others.
Just for today I will connect with someone from a different generation than I am, to learn more about how they see the world.
Just for today I will try a new recipe from a different culture.
Just for today I will learn to make a friendship bracelet.
Just for today I will collaborate with a friend on a project to make the world a better place.
Just for today I will make a playlist of songs which inspire me.
Just for today I will play a board game with my family.
Just for today I will make a short video.
Just for today I will try a zoom chat with friends.
Just for today I will focus on what I need.
Just for today I will share something I am passionate about.
Just for today I will tell my colleagues and friends how much I appreciate all they do.
Just for today I will reach out to see if I can help someone else in the world.
What is your Just for Today ? Please share with us so we can share with educators from around the world.
You make a difference don’t ever forget it. You are a helper and you go about each day doing your best . It’s in your DNA. Now is the time to maybe step back a bit and take care of you and your family. Each day is precious and needs to be savoured , some of us may recognize this now more than ever. I know that so many in our school communities and especially your School Counselling friends from around the world recognize and are grateful for what you do.
Take a moment to put things on pause thinking what can you can realistically do until the end of the school year. Whatever you planned to do as a part of your Comprehensive School Counselling Plan F2F is there a way of doing that now ?
There may be somethings you just need to let go of and if so what are you doing to bring some flow into your life? You can take time for you and not feel guilty.
You have and will continue to make a difference. Just be you and most importantly take time to do all the things you counsel others to do.
Here are some self care tips that you may wish to use. I kept them simple with you mind.
In case someone hasn’t thanked you today I will . Thank you because I know the passion and purpose you give to each day helping some of our most vulnerable youth.
SCCHAT is an online monthly chat on twitter for School Counsellors, School Counsellor Educators, grad students from across the world and really it is for anyone interested in School Counselling. Even if you cannot make the monthly chat because you are in a time zone that just won’t work, jump into #scchat any time of day so we can connect with you and please tell us where you are from. Connecting with School Counsellors from across the world makes us all better!
“There are scores of people waiting for someone just like you to come along, people who will appreciate your compassion, your encouragement, who will need your unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because you took the time to share what you had to give.” Leo Buscaglia
This week I am fortunate to attend the Inspiring Leadership Form at The University of Regina. I look forward to listening to women who have had many challenges in life and turned them into opportunities to learn and grow and inspire young women to take leadership roles at an early age. As Dr. Vianne Timmons says to make sure we surround ourselves with others who lift us up.
Presently, I am running a leadership group for a group of grade five students. I recognize that in order for them to take on leadership roles, I must model positive leadership and expose students to as many leadership opportunities as I can at an early age.
Being a leader isn’t always easy. It involves being brave, having courage, love , hope, passion, risk, self awareness, strength and trust among many other qualities. Sometimes it means having a thick skin, not allowing negativity to stop us from reaching higher. Having a growth mindset helps young leaders learn that failure is not a bad word. It is how we learn and grow and gain the strengths to be positive leaders in many ways throughout life. We each have a role to play in being leaders.
As School Counsellors we are in a unique position to not only model leadership , but to provide opportunities for students to thrive as leaders of today and tomorrow who are advocates and not afraid to become the kind of people they are meant to be … not perfect, but full of potential helping to make this a better world.
Collaboration and connecting with other leaders will help us to find our voice and be the kind of leaders our young people need.
Inspiring leadership begins with me and I hope with you too.
Often when I am looking for a twitter chat I notice #scchat is left out , so if you have never heard about it look no further.
SCCHAT is held the first Wed. of every month from Sept.-June 6:30MT 8:30ET #scchat is an International School Counsellor chat for those across the world, but even if you are not a School Counsellor we welcome you in . School Counselors ,administrators and teachers collaborate all the time. We need each other . We are better with each other . So come along with us. Drop by any month for a little chat. We’d love to connect with you.
You can learn more about our founder, chats and co-moderators here.
Education Hashtags you may wish to follow:
#1 SCHOOL COUNSELLORS ,COUNSELLOR EDUCATORS #scchat
