I had a wonderful visit with the Dawson Cooperative Educational Group in Hot Springs, Arkansas, for their summer conference! Wonderful people and a beautiful spot. Before heading home, I had a chance to visit downtown and the historic Hot Springs National Park.
This park consisted of some outside beauty as well as historic hot bath houses. It was interesting to see the Natural Hot Springs and see people enjoying, relaxing in the bathhouses.
The bathhouses sparked my curiosity. While I didn’t get in the water, I did pop my head inside one or two to check them out. What I saw was people relaxing, talking, and taking it all in. They were breathing deeply, their heads back, and soaking it all in.
As I strolled further along the main strip, it got me thinking. What is your hot spring? How do you relax? How do you decompress or destress? Leading, being an educator, and our work can be stressful at times. My visit to Hot Springs reminded me to take time to relax and destress.
The job of a school leader and leadership in general can be quite stressful and quite lonely. Whether it’s yoga, a cold plunge, or a visit to the Hot Springs, take time to relax. It’s so important for our continued journey of leadership and positive impact!
If I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out at @andrewmarotta on Twitter! Keep rolling friends, keep surviving and thriving.
The smallest harbor
So much of my life was spent charging ahead. Taking control and braving the tides on my own accord.
In this present season of my life I have learned to set my own agenda aside and read the world around me. Embrace the challenge at wait patiently. For what? Sometimes I don’t know.