How to THRIVE when it’s a jungle out there

Teachers, Don’t get caught in the weeds of doubt, demands and feeling devalued

Holidays are a distant memory, so be sure you tend to your garden of wellbeing so you can THRIVE.?

I created the THRIVE model to serve as our magic fertilizer, nurturing the vibrant growth of passion, resilience, and overall joy in our teaching journey. Just as a well-tended garden yields bountiful blooms, the THRIVE model—Time, Head, Relationships, Impact, Values, and Emotions—offers a toolbox of resources to help us not just survive, but truly thrive. If we are going to put so much energy into what we do, why not enjoy the process and outcomes.?

Below is a playful exploration of each element, discovering how we can cultivate a thriving environment that revitalizes our teaching spirits.?

T - Time: The Soil of Self-Care?

In the bustling world of the school day, time often feels like a rare commodity. However, just like a garden needs nourishment, we must prioritize self-care by allocating time for rejuvenation. Whether it's a short mindfulness break, a leisurely walk, or a cherished hobby, taking time for ourselves fertilizes the soil for our wellbeing to bloom. After all, if you don’t fill your own cup, you have nothing left to give.?

What will you do for you today??

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H - Head: Cultivating Positive Mindsets?

Our thoughts are like the seeds we plant in the garden of our minds. By nurturing positive mindsets and embracing growth thinking, we create a fertile ground for resilience and creativity. Weed out negative thoughts, water the seeds of gratitude, and watch as your mental garden flourishes with optimism and possibilities. This doesn’t mean ignoring negative emotions or challenges, it means choose what you focus on.?

What went well for you today??

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R - Relationships: The Pollination of Support?

Just as bees pollinate flowers, relationships are the essential pollinators in our teaching garden. Cultivate a network of supportive colleagues, nourishing friendships, and positive connections with students. These relationships are the nutrients that sustain our emotional soil, fostering an environment where we can grow and thrive together.?

Who are your greatest supporters??

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I - Impact: Blooming Positivity?

Take a moment to notice the positive impact you have on your students and colleagues. Like a beautiful bloom that brightens the garden, acknowledging your contributions enhances your sense of purpose and fulfillment. Celebrate the small victories, and let the positivity radiate, creating a garden of gratitude and accomplishment.?

What are you proud of achieving this week??

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V - Values: Rooted in Purpose?

Identify and connect with your core values—the deep roots that anchor you as an educator. Just as strong roots support a towering tree, aligning with your values provides stability and purpose. When your actions align with your values, you cultivate a garden that reflects authenticity and fulfillment.?

What is most important to you about being an educator??

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E - Emotions: Watering the Garden of Wellbeing?

Emotions are the rain that waters our garden. It's essential to regulate and nurture our emotions, allowing them to flow like a gentle stream rather than a torrential storm. Practice mindfulness, embrace positive emotions, and weed out negativity. By tending to our emotional garden, we create a flourishing landscape of wellbeing.?

What emotions come up for you at work? How do you express them??

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Just as a skilled gardener tends to their plants with care and intention, we can cultivate our own wellbeing by embracing Time for self-care, cultivating positive headspace, nurturing Relationships, recognizing our positive Impact, grounding ourselves in our Values, and regulating our Emotional landscape. Together, let's transform our teaching environments into lush oases of growth, resilience, and joy. Happy gardening, fellow educators! ?????

You can find out more about each of these elements in my book THRIVE – Practical strategies to nurture teacher wellbeing . In the book I share 6 specific activities within each area (36 strategies in total) to help make this meaningful and useful for you.

Daniela

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