Hey,
You want to know what really grinds my gears? When people talk about how teachers get their summers off… or even take it a step further, those same people use the whole “summers off” bit to explain the lousy paycheck teachers receive.
I know I’m not alone on this. I’m sure you’ve heard it countless times in your career, too.
When I was in the classroom, these kinds of comments left me feeling incredibly undervalued. Later, after I started studying happiness, I realized that these feelings subconsciously led me to overwork to the point of burnout to try to prove my worth as a teacher.
I don’t want that to be you. I’m sure you’ve been there wondering if saying, “No,” even though you technically have some “extra time,” is rude.
I’m here to let you know it’s not.
This post from my friend, Annick, reminded me of this concept of not giving our value away, so I wanted to share it with you!
One of my favorite parts of connecting with you is helping you completely flip the script when it comes to finding your value. Because if you don’t know your value, then the world can’t give you value back. It starts with us.
It’s human nature to look for it outside of ourselves, but the truth is that we are the only ones who hold the power to change how we recognize our own value. When we value ourselves, we believe we are worthy.
When we believe we are worthy, we are more willing to invest in ourselves in ways that allow us to feel comfortable asking for help, leaning on others, and ultimately growing into the person we want to be.
I want to challenge you to take back your power and find your value. I dedicate an entire chapter to this concept in Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy.
Spend a minute or two reading through this list of ways we tend to give away our value. Make a mental note of your habits. Which ones on the list ring true for you?
When we become aware of all the ways we give our value away, we can start making changes. Choose just one of these that you check-marked and decide today; you will no longer do that!
Shoot me a response letting me know which item rings the most true for you.
Always cheering you on! Remember – you’re worth it!
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