Vanessa Notes

We took along weekend a couple of weeks ago to just go hide from the world in Fort Davis, Texas. This is the picture out of the back of the cabin we stayed in.  The stars at night, are indeed, big and bright deep in the heart of (west) Texas.   The trip was great because there weren't a whole lot people around so it left time for thinking about life and stuff while we were hiking during day.  It didn't all go to plan - the only Marfa lights we found were from Hollywood as they were filming a movie.  Regardless, it was one of the nicest weekends in a long time.  

It doesn't occur to me to just take a weekend (or a long weekend) to go enjoy myself - I work a lot.  My husband did most of the planning, which made it even more of a gift.  I was reminded of Seven Covey's 7th Habit - Sharpen the Saw. If we don't take time to sharpen the saw, it soon loses the ability to cut down the trees.   As the holiday season starts to move into high gear in the next weeks, remember to take a little time for you and sharpen your own saw - even if it just a little time to go outside, look up at the stars, and remember how connected we all really are. 

Stars over a basalt mtn

Getting Ready to Deal with Holiday Stress

The holiday season can be a whirlwind, especially for teachers balancing classroom responsibilities with the demands of home. Between sugar-fueled students after Halloween, the Thanksgiving rush, and December’s endless concerts, grading, and events, burnout can feel almost inevitable. But you’re not broken—you’re simply carrying too much.

Here are five actionable tips to protect your sanity this holiday season:

  1. Schedule Time for Yourself – Treat yourself as your most important appointment. Even 15 minutes to enjoy a nostalgic TV show or sip coffee can make a difference.
  2. Take Micro-Breaks – Pause for a deep breath, a stretch, or a sip of water. Encourage your students to join you for a moment of calm.
  3. Lean on Your Community – Share frustrations with a trusted friend or mentor. Venting can cut the weight of stress in half, but choose your confidant wisely to avoid workplace drama.
  4. Set Boundaries – Learn to say “no”.  Phrases like “Unfortunately, I’m not able to attend” or "Alas, I am unable to help with that," can protect your time without going into the details about why.  People don't always need to know why. 
  5. Embrace Imperfection – Sometimes, the most cherished moments come from unexpected missteps. Let go of perfection and find joy in the chaos.

Remember, you are enough. This season, give yourself grace and prioritize what truly matters.

Helpful Hack: Car Kit for Non-Emergencies

We all know to keep jumper cables or blankets in our car for emergencies, but what about those everyday “not-quite-emergencies” that catch you off guard? Here’s how to assemble a “Not-for-Emergencies” Car Kit to tackle life’s little hiccups with ease:

  • Scissors: Perfect for stubborn packaging 
  • Packaging Tape: Seal a package or fix a loose hem on the go.
  • Sharpie and Pen: label this, sign that
  • Stamps: because when you need to use the snail mail, it's super helpful!

This tiny kit takes up almost no space but can save you stress time and again.

UPCOMING EVENT:

The Resume Workshop with Vanessa Jackson

Struggling to write a resume that stands out? Join me for The Teachers in Transition Resume Workshop on Sunday, November 24th, at 2:00 PM Central.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Formatting for ATS and Recruiters – Learn how to make your resume scannable by both humans and technology.
  • Do’s and Don’ts – Avoid common mistakes that can keep your resume out of the “yes” pile.
  • Current Trends – Stay updated on what employers are looking for in today’s job market.
  • Using AI Effectively – Tips for incorporating AI into your resume writing process without losing your personal touch.

Don’t miss this opportunity to create a resume that opens doors! Register now to secure your spot. It's always a good idea to have an up=to-date resume whether you are leaving the classroom or not. 

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