☀️Have a Summer of “Whatever I Want”-Advice from a Tired Choir Teacher
There is no “tired” like “choir teacher tired”. 😴 Yesterday was my first official day of summer break. How did I celebrate? By fully embracing relaxation. I didn’t leave the house. I didn’t change my clothes. I aimlessly walked around the house and snacked. I took THREE naps and still went to bed early. 🛌
Now, I’m thinking about the weeks to come. It’s a running joke in our family that I only paint and/or redecorate my house during the month of June. Because it is the only month where I feel motivated to do so. A house project is too daunting in October or March. “That’s a summer project,” I think to myself. And the truth is, working on home improvement projects is my way of unwinding and recharging. 🏡
Shifting Focus to Personal Enjoyment 🌸
Over the years, I’ve spent my summers doing “teacher” things. I’ve worked at summer music camps, taught voice lessons and made sure my own children had library time and did those summer “gap” workbooks in grade school. It was always about other people or things.
However, the summer of 2020 brought a new perspective. Staying home with no agenda was amazing. I realized how much I enjoy being a homebody. No one expected anything from me. I discovered a love for gardening 🌻, walking my dogs 🐕, and sipping coffee on my patio while admiring my backyard flowers. ☕ That summer, I learned to listen to my own needs and do what I felt like doing, rather than what I had to do. It was an eye-opening experience.
Embrace the "Whatever I Want" Mantra 🌈
Since then, I’ve adopted a simple mantra: "Do whatever I feel like doing." And I encourage every teacher to do the same. Give yourself the gift of a summer filled with activities you enjoy. 💖 It's essential to recharge and take care of yourself.
Reflect and Celebrate Your Achievements 🎉
While you're enjoying your summer, take a moment to reflect on the past school year. Identify the successes you want to repeat in the fall. Write them down and celebrate your accomplishments. Here are a few of my own celebrations:
Fun Fridays and Choir Wars: 🎤 I introduced “fun” Fridays and a year-long “Choir Wars” competition between sections. It was a huge hit! I’ll share more details in the coming weeks.
Spring Musical Success: 🎭 We had a fantastic spring musical production of “Oklahoma!” (Proud Mama moment: my son played Will Parker! 👏)
Program Growth: 📈 I’m thrilled to see my choir program grow and have increased numbers on my rosters for next year!
You Deserve a Break 🌟
Remember, you've worked hard and deserve to relish in your accomplishments. But you also deserve some "Whatever I Want" time. So, this summer, take a break, recharge, and enjoy doing the things you love.
Happy Singing (or whatever you want)! 😉🎵
