Take Time To Recharge Your Batteries

Last week I heard Dr. Adam Saenz speak at Oklahoma’s Engage Conference when he said, “Only when you find satisfaction in the totality of life can you really enjoy your calling.”
unpluggingimage
School leadership is not just about the to-do’s of management and leadership, it is also intimately connected to how you invest your time inside and outside of school.

For the next couple of weeks I am purposely “going dark” to enjoy time with family. We’ll enjoy unplugging and just spending time together.

Sharing A Song With You!
One of the other joys in my life is music, and sometimes I’ll use my downtime to create or record a new song.


So in the spirit of summer vacation time, I wanted to share a song that I wrote a couple of years ago, when we visited Crested Butte, Colorado. Click on the play button above to listen.

Here’s a copy of the lyrics:

Crested Butte Is Calling
by William D. Parker, Copyright, 2013

1. I can see the jutting peaks of Gothic Mountain
While the hummingbirds flit softly with the breeze
And the wildflowers paint the meadows with their colors
It’s a Rocky Mountain morning here with me

Chorus:
It’s a Rocky Mountain morning here with me
As the snow peaked ridges beckon us to sing
Lift your eyes and see that Crested Butte is calling
It’s a Rocky Mountain morning here with me

2. Walk the Snodgrass, see the dirt trails banked with Aspen
Feel the sunshine as it warms the mountainside
Dip your feet in the icy waters of Lake Erwin
Gather friends and fill your soul with their sweet smiles

3. Autumn’s aspen leaves are the beauty of the seasons
Their roots are joined together by one common bond
Green to red and then to yellow as they’re spreading
They remind us how God joins us one and all

4. Hear the laughter of the children on the snowbanks
Feel of the hush of winter’s hibernating call
Slide your way down slopes of icy covered landscape
Warm your hands by fires, hot chocolate drinks for all

5. Say goodbye but know it’s only until next time
For the mountains have worked magic on us all
Carry memories of God’s beauty back home with us
This is a taste of something greater after all

If you want more thoughts on why vacation matters, check out one of my previous posts Why Vacation Is Important.

Now It’s Your Turn
Whatever you choose to do with your downtime, what are some ways you are finding to time to re-charge your batteries as you prepare for your next season?

Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook
When you enter your email address below, you will automatically receive my newest posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together!

Subscribe for free weekly updates and receive free e-book!

* indicates required

(function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]=’EMAIL’;ftypes[0]=’email’;fnames[1]=’FNAME’;ftypes[1]=’text’;fnames[2]=’LNAME’;ftypes[2]=’text’;}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true);

Principal Matters–The Book!
Principal Matters (Final) 3D
School leaders are very busy, so each of the twenty-four chapters is designed as a quick-read and followed with take-action questions for follow-up or reflection. If you want practical ideas on understanding your purpose, managing school teams, dealing with challenges, and leading with courage, action, motivation, and teamwork, go HERE to pick up a copy for you or your team.

Think someone else would benefit from this episode?
William D. Parker
William D. Parker
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.