Happy Holidays
As most read this message, Springfield students, faculty and most staff have begun our winter break. For many of us, the days leading up to this break often seemed endless with efforts to fit as much into the 24-hour period as possible. Family and work demands, schedules that have included a variety of concerts, athletic events, shopping and, with luck, even a little time for volunteer activities and fun. I’m exhausted just writing those words. While there is comfort knowing that I am not alone, I’d like to share with you a comment I also shared with the members of my team.
The genesis for my comment was a simple quote that I found in a Google search, “It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, or make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” That’s right–just this once I am suggesting that over these next several days, we cut ourselves some slack, indulge in just a few (or more) moments of selfcare–even if it feels a little selfish.
These past 22 months have been exceptionally hard. They have created new stressors and forced all of us to make very difficult, challenging decisions–all while navigating towards this “new normal” that we keep hearing about.
Truth here–nothing about these last almost 650 days can be described as normal. So, as I write this last message of 2021, I wish for all that you find a few moments to indulge in self-care–find happiness in every possible moment with family and friends. Try to recall what matters most and allow this to be your focus as we rejoice, relax and reboot for what 2022 has in store for us.
Together, we can and will navigate this next year.
