Caring Connections ~ Conversations with Erica
I have become quite a self-care warrior during these trying days. Not the self-care which has turned into a big dollar industry with programs, classes, seminars, or books. No, I have become a warrior for the type of self-care we already know how to do for ourselves. The self-care that does not feel like another to-do, a should, or a boiling pot of hot guilt reminding us of yet another thing we are forgetting to do.
Instead, I fiercely champion for much smaller regular forms of self-care.
Like taking three deep grounding breaths all the way to my belly before I jump on any Zoom call.
Like completing just five minutes of yoga, which sometimes turns into ten or forty, but not always.
Like putting something green in my eggs or my lunchbox or my smoothie, even if it’s a green M&M.
There is no one right way to care for yourself and only you know what you need. Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder to slow down and listen to the needs of our bodies, our minds, and our hearts so we can tune into care that is unique to us.
Whenever I need a gentle self-care reminder, I use these three guidelines to help me remember the ways self-care is available to me whenever I am ready.
Number 1: My self-care must be dependent only on me.
My favorite people to spend time with are my husband and my daughters but they are not always available to offer me the care I need. If I made my daily self-care dependent on them, I might not get what I need when I need it. Therefore, I make sure the only person required to complete my care is me.
Number 2: My self-care must be micro-sized, something I can complete in three – five minutes.
When I make my self-care practice small, I can never blame “not having enough time.” Instead, I lower my expectations by implementing care in small doses which can be available to me at any time during the day or night.
Number 3: I celebrate the completion of my self-care whenever I remember to do it.
Neurobiology tells us how much our brains crave completion. When I honor myself by doing what I say I am going to do, AND I pause to celebrate and claim, “I did it,” I am more likely to continue the behavior. In our BFPP staff family we take this celebration one step further by having accountability partners we report to around our self-care goals. This added step helps us stay connected and it gives us the additional motivation to take care of ourselves.
During these difficult times when we are navigating a loss in our community, when the season is shifting to darkness, when the social climate is fraught with tension, and when our physical health is being challenged, we all need fierce self-care in ways we’ve never needed before. As you work so tirelessly to provide so much for others, please also make this time for yourself.
With love and care,
Erica
Harvest festival tonight~ more Friday night events to come!
Tonight from 6:30-7:30pm
Zoom Link: https://bellinghamschools.zoom.us/j/89541941312
Hope to see you there!
~Hosted by Maestra Carol and Teacher Karen
**Be on the lookout in November for more Friday Community Night events!**
**Fridays, 6:30-7:30pm on Zoom! More info coming soon**
BFPP SPIRIT WEAR IS HERE!!
Show your school spirit (and maybe take care of some holiday shopping) with our new items: baseball caps, fleece beanies, water bottles and tote bags. We also have tee-shirts and sweatshirts for kids and adults.
Drop off your order forms and payment during Wednesday material pick-up times at BFPP (9-11am and 4:30-5:30pm) or make other arrangements with the office (360-676-6424).
Deadline for orders is Friday, November 20th. Items should be here before the winter holiday break.
Please contact Sue Watson with questions.
Scholastic Book Order
This will be our last order before the winter holidays!
Please place your online order by Friday, November 20th.
New to ordering? Here’s how:
1. Go online to: https://clubs.scholastic.com/
2. Click on 'Connect to a Teacher' and enter our BFPP Class Code: RT8NH
3. Sign up using your student's first and last name.
4. Shop the flyers and pay online for your order. You can choose from any and all of the many different flyers available. You can choose to have your order shipped to school for free, or to your home (free with $25 purchase).
5. Please email Heidi Zollner and let her know you've ordered so we can arrange delivery of your books.
6. Books should arrive the second week of December.
Thanks for supporting the BFPP library with your purchase!
Every purchase earns us free books and other goodies for our school.
BFPP Village Books Day
Mock Student election materials
WWU Flips for Reading
marine life center
