Dear Teacher in a Box,
Several weeks ago my son created a fairly nifty hideout from a spare box we had in the garage. He carved out a few holes in the top so he could breathe, added some blankets and snacks and brought his Nintendo Switch for entertainment. We didn't see him again for two hours.
Upon further inspection, I noticed he had decorated the box like a spaceship. In his mind, he was on the moon far from the center of gravity munching on dehydrated, space food. As I listened to him exploring, I became a little envious. I wanted my own safe space like his - a place with snacks and warm fuzzy blankets where nobody could find me.
Then, I began to think we might all benefit from a little time in a box- not a pine one or anything morbid like that- I simply mean a little time away from our pesky older brothers or the other demanding pressures of life.
Daily, teachers are boxed into expectations, time crunches, and social stigmas. Even for the mentally strong, these demands can become suffocating.
An escape can go a long way in helping us stay alive- physically, mentally, spiritually, and professionally.
We owe it to ourselves to take a short time-out. Maybe it's a walk on the beach, a camping trip, a big bowl of banana pudding, a karaoke face off, or a visit with grandma. Honestly, it doesn't matter what it looks like. Just take some time to break out of the box for a little while. Be sure to punch some holes in the ceiling of life, so you can breathe a little easier. It's the only way we're going to survive the rest of this year.
If you don't know where to start, follow the lead of a seven year old who locked the door and put up a "Do not enter" sign.
If you'll do what he did, you'll be on the moon in no time.
What are you waiting for?
-CDB