Taking Care of Me


When Penny Johnson could no longer meet the demands placed on her, she did something about it, because, dammit, she needed to.  Johnny Castle's explanation to those who didn't get it was simple: She's taking a break.  She needs a break. 

That scene from Dirty Dancing - the best movie of all time - has provided me with an often-used mantra. It has been uttered during hours-long hikes (read: chasing BRunn up a mountain), marathon climbing sessions, limited-bathroom-break road trips across the country, and this weekend, for a full-on AJ Day. 

I (reluctantly, at first) accepted what Brian had long been saying.  A break, even a brief one, was both needed and deserved.

Enter a Trader Joe's run, a meal without someone sharing my plate or claiming my lap, some shopping free of a timeline or a list, and a night with a bed - and a room - all to myself.  Oh, and plenty of HGTV! It was great.  I feel great.  Self care is real (as real as mom guilt) and necessary (as necessary as "taking a break"). 

Navigating the uncharted waters of the new school year, hybrid teaching and learning (it's at least double the work and not half of the work), a global health crisis (while pregnant, too), the loss of a dear friend, the passing of RBG - a feminist queen and hero, antiracist and equity work (at school and in my own everyday life), parenting, partnership...life is a lot.  Now more than ever. 

I'm proud of myself for meeting a personal need. I took a break to recharge and reestablish my energy, focus, and goals.  I will return to my world ready to do my best work on all fronts! 

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