Weekly Journal Prompt: Week #6
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Hello and Welcome!
Welcome to week 6! Thank you for subscribing to self-reflection and personal growth! Grab your favourite writing utensil, paper/notebook/or keyboard and find some space to write whatever comes to mind.
Welcome to all new members this week!
I'm so glad you all are here!
How has your journal reflection been so far? How about Your Call to Action from last week? Were you able to reach out to other ECE or caregivers? Did you join any new groups, classes, activities, or chats?
Share your thoughts (even anonymously) at: michelle@atplayprofessionaldevelopment.com
Here's your journal prompt for this week!
How do I show myself compassion during tough moments? How am I kind to myself? What words (or thoughts) do I use in tough moments towards myself? Could I change them to be more kind if they are not so much?
Here are some affirmations to reflect or meditate on as well:
Even when I struggle, I am worthy of love.
I offer myself grace and understanding.
My challenges do not define me—they shape me.
My Story
I might get a little raw here: In tough moments I often feel a lot of stress and pressure, or at least I place a lot of weight on myself such as self-judgment, self-criticism, and I worry I will not make the right choice, others will judge me, or not like me. I have a hard time crying and moving the emotions from my body, rather keeping them in and bear tense muscles and TMJ pain because of it. It was safer for me as a child to hide them and not let them out. As an adult, that remained much the same, through a emotionally neglectful/abusive marriage as well (I am now divorced!). Keeping everything together as not to upset those around me, especially in tough moments was my safety.
As an ECE. I see children have tough moments throughout each day. I allow them the space to safely express their emotions. I find these are tough moments for me, as I was not granted that safety as a child myself. I have to do a lot of self-regulating during these moments. I have learned through lots of therapy that self-compassion is so important in tough moments. Self-regulation is so important. Kind thoughts to ourselves is so important. This self-kindness and self-compassion can make all the difference in hard moments. Knowing that they will pass, that we will be ok, even though it is tough, and supporting ourselves with gentleness can positively influence our mental/emotional/cognitive/physical/spiritual health.
Caregiving is not easy. It is full of many tough moments. My hope is that you can find your kindness, your gentleness and compassion for you.
Rooted & Radiant Educator Card Deck - NOW available!
I have created 40 self-affirmation cards for ECE and Educators, now available on my website, to enhance your self-care practice.
You can use these in solo practices or as team building exercises at staff meetings/when setting team goals. (Instructions included) - hint hint to all management leaders😉
They are meant to be cut out and laminated for best use.
Find them here:
Mindfulness Colouring Pages
I have also added an 18-page mindfulness colouring pages to add to your self care practices.
These could be printed and left in the staff rooms at your workplace for everyone to doodle on, you can use them with children (school age and up preferably) or for your own time, sipping your fav drink, all curled up cozy at home.
Find them here:
Self Care Poster and Word Search
Download these for FREE!
Again, to enhance your self care practices. Why? Because I have experienced enough stress and burnout as a caregiver and ECE to know that self-care is more than important in our profession. I hope to help others enhance their self care, or learn how to destress where they can.
Print them out for your workplace or home.
Find them here (scroll down to All Products and click on the blue download buttons under the pictures of items):
About Me
I am an ECE/IT/SN educator for 25 years, with a diploma as an Education Assistant and a degree in Child and Youth Care, and a minor in counseling. I am a trained Self-Compassion Coach, too! I wish to make pro-d for educators by an educator who understands the career journey, the struggles, the successes, the burnout, the love of child development, and so much more.
Your Call to Action
This week I challenge you to find ways to be compassionate to your self during any tough moment you may have. What kind words could you say to yourself? What kind thing(s) could you do for yourself? Either in our after those tough moments?
Share your stories if you wish. You can also do so anonymously. Email: michelle@atplayprofessionaldevelopment.com
Best Wishes Educators!
Michelle Bergen Proctor of At Play Professional Development
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