Are you feeling burnout? Overwhelmed with so much to do? On the hamster wheel of life? Emotionally and physically drained at the end of the day? Are you riddled with mom guilt because you have no energy for your own family? Dealing with decision-making fatigue after answering a million questions? If you said yes to any of these questions, this podcast is especially for you.

I fondly call Kim Strobel my “work wife” in the educational-speaking world. She just gets IT! Kim brings her expertise to the conversation as a former fourth-grade teacher, literacy coach, and curriculum director.  She remains a part of the education process as a happiness coach, literacy consultant, motivational speaker, and founder of Strobel Education. I am so proud of her new book, Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy. She is on a mission to empower teachers and school leaders to prioritize their well-being and happiness.

"When we can create happiness habits that increase our overall happiness levels and experience more well-being, then we’re able to break out of some of the hardness of this job and create a better life for ourselves within this profession and outside of it."

-Kim Strobel

Speaker, Author, Educator, Happiness Coach

Who should read this book?

Teachers

Kim understands what it is like to live with anxiety and fear, and works diligently to regain control of her mental health. Remember, Kim provides practical strategies and ideas to work within your circle of control for your life and occupation. My favorite part of this book is that you can read in chapters or chunks. Reflect. Work on it.  

Administrators 

Do you remember what it is like to be in the classroom? Is teacher retention an issue in your school? Teach Happy is totally eye-opening to what teachers are experiencing right now. It allows you to regain perspective on where teachers are and how they are actually feeling.

Administrators are also stressed.  Learn how to make the best use of your time and productivity. I know how busy you are, and by the time you work through the blueprint, you will feel better, too.  

Purchase sets of books for your staffulty and show you are willing to put in the work as well.  The best part? You can download a study guide that will help walk your teachers through this. 

Tips for Radical Wellness: The Self-Care No One Is Talking About

“Kim Strobel has perfectly created the formula of emotion + science + common sense = to help educators love themselves and teaching again. Teach Happy is just what the doctor ordered! Kim has not only given practical resources and thinking to bring joy back to education, but bring joy back to your life. It’s like you can hear her talking directly to you on every page.  Teach Happy is the perfect guide to reclaiming your passion.”

- Stand Tall Steve Bollar

That is exactly how I feel about this book. Gang, I know so many people who need this book right now. It is time to take action and provide support for the wellness of teachers and administrators. Why are you waiting to reclaim your life? Learn happy habits to retrain your brain for a new normal. Here are my top ten tips from our conversation with Kim: 

1. Avoid toxic positivity. Toxic positivity refers to the overemphasis on maintaining a positive attitude at all costs, even when it may not be appropriate or realistic. It involves dismissing or invalidating genuine emotions, particularly negative ones, to promote an overly optimistic outlook. 

2. Feel your emotions. Be the best you can be. Show up and be the best for yourself. While positivity itself is not inherently harmful, toxic positivity becomes problematic when it suppresses or ignores valid feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, or other challenging emotions.

3. Evaluate where your energy is going. Deciding where to allocate your energy involves carefully assessing your priorities, values, and goals. Start by clarifying what matters most to you in different aspects of your life, such as work, relationships, health, personal development, and leisure. Reflect on your values and long-term objectives to determine your top priorities. By consciously deciding where to invest your energy, you can cultivate a more intentional and fulfilling life that reflects your true priorities and aspirations.

4. Set boundaries to free up energy and space. Setting boundaries is essential for cultivating healthy, balanced, and fulfilling relationships with others and yourself. It's a fundamental aspect of self-care and personal growth that enables you to honor your values, prioritize your well-being, and lead a more authentic and fulfilling life. Regularly evaluate where your energy is going and make adjustments as needed to align with your evolving goals and values.

5. Allocate resources wisely. Consider optimizing your resources, such as time, energy, and focus, to maximize their impact on your priorities. Look for ways to streamline tasks, delegate responsibilities, or eliminate non-essential activities to free up more energy for what truly matters.

6. Engage in the productive struggle. Productive struggle is a concept rooted in educational theory. It refers to the process of learners engaging in challenging tasks or problems that stretch their abilities and lead to deeper learning and understanding. It involves grappling with complex concepts, making mistakes, and persevering through obstacles to achieve mastery.

 Imagine a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. The struggle to break free is essential for its development and transformation into a beautiful creature. In the same way, productive struggle in learning is just like the challenges the butterfly faces as it emerges.

7. Creature of discomfort.  Becoming a "creature of discomfort" involves embracing challenges, pushing past your comfort zone, and cultivating a mindset of growth and resilience. More on that here. 

8. Practice self-awareness. Tune into your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations to gauge how different activities and interactions affect your energy levels and overall well-being. Pay attention to signs of stress, fatigue, or resentment as indicators that certain areas of your life may consume more energy than they're worth.

 9. Say NO! Learning to say no is an essential skill that can help you maintain boundaries, manage your time effectively, and prioritize your well-being. Exploring Kim’s blueprint will help you navigate one of the most challenging words to say for educators. 

10. Fill the guilt with new intentional habits. Fulfilling guilt with intentional habits involves recognizing guilt and consciously taking steps to address it through purposeful actions and behaviors. Join Kim on the journey to finding your happiness and balance. 

How to get your copy: 

Gang, it is time to make your happiness a priority. Join me on the journey and get your copy of Teach Happy today. Visit https://strobeleducation.com/teach-happy/

Within Our Ranks

Are you ready for a change in your career or take it to the next level? Take control of your journey and invest in yourself. 

Do you have a wealth of educational knowledge and experience, but need to know how to turn it into speaking and consulting opportunities? Those of us in education value the voices of fellow educators when it comes to professional development and training sessions.  That’s precisely why Within Our Ranks is so unique: educators train, support, and support other educators! 

 If you have ten or more years of experience in K-12 education, it’s time to learn about the world of educational speaking. This multi-step program will turn your knowledge into a profitable experience! 

• Program Flexibility (perfect for those transitioning careers) 
• Educator Focused
• Learn the business of the speaking industry
• Constructive feedback to grow confidently 
• Start your own full or part-time public speaking career!

 Join me in the City of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia) on June 28, 29th, and 30th for the WOR retreat at Holiday Inn Express Midtown. Don't let your goldmine of knowledge and expertise go untapped. Unlock your potential as a professional speaker and trainer with Within Our Ranks. Embrace this transformative coaching program and embark on a journey to become an influential voice in educational speaking. Together, let's make an impact and inspire others through the power of effective communication.

Learn more today! https://www.withinourranks.com/ or Schedule a time to talk with me!