“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule,
but to schedule your priorities.”
When I was going for my Masters in Education I prided myself on always being present for each class, no matter how sick I might have been. I never missed a day of work or my internship. This is a trait I definitely got from my Dad. It is an honorable one, however, I learned something one night in class from one of the professors I had the utmost respect for. I entered his class looking rather clammy and peaked. I went to my seat and prepared for the class while the other students filtered in. As I was getting my assignment out and other paraphernalia my teacher came over to me and asked if I was alright. With a hoarse voice I replied, "Well, I am not feeling so well." He asked me why I had come to class. I told him that I never miss class or work and that I really did not want to appear like some of the slackers who miss class for a date or vacation. I told him how important my education was to me and that by my showing up it reveals a lot about my character. He smiled and answered, "Your committed character can be seen in your extensive preparation for class and in your assignments." Then he said something I will never forget, "You need to prioritize. What is your main priority?" I answered, "My education." He said, "It is your health!" Then he told me to pack up my things and to go home and get better. I never forgot this and still battle my hard working ethics with being able to put myself first at times.
My Priority!
This Thanksgiving Thursday I am grateful for:
1.) Little Chick and my family.
2.) A great camera (thank you to my mom).
3.) Little Chick's caring personality and big smiles she makes sure to send to people who look like they are having a tough day.
4.) My mother's endless listening ear.
5.) The complete joy I get out of Autumn and everything about it! It really makes me happy!
Take some time, Mama! Even 30 for a pedicure. Turn the phone off and sit back and relax. It can recharge you for days...
ReplyDeleteyou gotta have YOU time Mama! It is well-deserved, but that professor sure told you some wise words :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you! That IS an honorable trait to have!
ReplyDeleteI've toyed with the idea of going back for my master's, but raising our little boy and taking care of my hubby are my priorities. I could never imagine having to do homework, instead of hang out with them. That's just my personal feeling :-)
I didn't know you had your master's, either. So impressive!! :-)
Hi Mama Hen,
ReplyDeleteWell said...
Dr.Sameena@
www.lovelypriyanka.blogspot.com
www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com
Balancing family, house, and life in general leaves little room for "me" time. Something I struggle to find time for too. But those times when I actually do something for myself I'm able to give more of myself to those I love most!
ReplyDeleteBig Fat Mama
You sound so much like me. Thank you for this post and the reminder, how very true it is. What a great professor.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
I felt a little touched when your prof mentioned, " It's your health" that you should prioritize... such a considerate lecturer, well saying too!
ReplyDelete...and Mama Hen, salute you for you are a truly determine lady(will spectacular will power)!
Have a great day!
That is so true that "health is wealth." We need to slow down sometimes. I admire you for your work ethics. When I'm sick, I really stay at home HAHA
ReplyDeleteLove how one person can say so little and have such a profound affect. What your professor said is true and it's a good thing you believe what he said. Sounds like you need a little time to take care of yourself. We all want you to be healthy and happy! Have a great night and thanks for stopping by. Now go to bed :-)
ReplyDeleteThe code was pilates, WOW! That's hilarious. The universe is talking to you & me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good lesson! I find this one hard as a mom, it's almost impossible for me to focus on my own needs but sometimes you have to. You can't be a great mom if you are run down. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great lesson! I have the same problem you do, and I am the same way when it comes to my work ethic, which I too learned from my dad. But remembering to put yourself first is hard to do sometimes. Wonderful list for Thanksgiving Thursday!
ReplyDeleteNow that's an understanding and wise professor. He was kind too in how he encouraged you to go home to rest. I'm glad you heard and remembered that message! It takes intention to really take care of yourself - I'm the same way. You sure exhibit excellence in whatever you do.
ReplyDeleteYou definately have your priorities straight now. Interesting how impactful one comment or one moment can be and this can make us do a complete 180.
ReplyDeleteSo....tell us about your camera? Inquiring minds want to know!
;-)
What a wonderful professor! I'm glad he set you straight!
ReplyDeleteWise professor!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wise professor - no wonder he was someone you had so much respect for. I love your list this week. I'm thankful for the same things, especially the camera. This week I've seemed to get so many of Georgia, and I feel blessed that I can capture moments of her blossoming personality.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. What a great reminder to "schedule our priorities". Love it.
ReplyDeleteOh, my gosh! I laughed out loud when I pictured your professor snapping you into shape with the "It's your health!" line with an exclamation point!!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom your blog, we all can see your comittment, your love, your passion, your zeal for life, your unending loyalty to your daughter, your father, your family and to us, your bloggy friends.
I could picture perfectly you sitting at your desk, cold, clammy, peaked, and the professor coming over to send you home. Bravo, professor, a man wise beyond the classroom.
I, too, had that to-the-end mentality until one day I was really sick at work, too, and my boss was trying to send me home and I was like, "No, I need to be here, you need me to be here," and he blatantly pointed out that if I died in a car wreck, he would be sad, go to the funeral and then post my position for a new employee.
It was such a slap in the face of REALITY!
So as much as we all struggle to figure out the life and family balance, it's FAMILY that will be there till the end.
Bianca
I love fall, too. Th crisp, fresh air and the feel of damp leaves under my feet are really invigorating. It's hard as mothers to put ourselves first. We usually don't have the option of staying bed and getting better when we're sick -especially if we don't have family around. When my girls were little I was sick for 2 months and ended up getting pneumonia and my doctorsaid she was going to check me into the hospital so that I could get the rest I needed! It was a big wake up call. Now I have friends I can rely on to help me when I sick. Having a back-up plan is an important priority.
ReplyDeleteThat's is so true, and I also learned that becoming a mom makes us forget ourselves even more sometimes. Is it normal to put my daughter first before myself? I feel that it is... for the most part.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Mama Hen. Moms really do have some of the keenest "listening ears" around. Little Chick wasn't just born with that caring personality. She learned it from her Mama! I am glad you all are feeling better and enjoying the fall season. I'm sure you are aware by now that missing class/work for the purpose of safeguarding your health (without which you cannot be the great and productive educator you desire to be) falls into a category far away from "slacker-hood"! *smile* Just like on the airplane when caregivers are instructed to put on their oxygen mask first then tend to their dependents, we must take measures to take care of ourselves-physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually-in order to better care for those we love. Happy Thanksgiving Thursday. I'm going to finish my post now, too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful things to be thankful for!
ReplyDeleteYour professor was right! I have a hard time putting myself first, too.
great post. love the pics you have and your priorities. Loving this fall also.
ReplyDeleteI have a button swap on my site if you'd like to exchange, let me know and I'll put yours up asap. Thanks have a great day.
I had perfect attendance for several years in school simply because my older brother did also and I knew how much my mom expected that kind of excellence...one day I just simply realized that I needed to live for me; not for my mom and not for my brother. I still maintained great grades and took school seriously but, didn't beat myself up for missing a day thought it was hard for me the first few times. Yup, take care of yourself. That is very good advice! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou can be so thankful for that work ethic you learned growing up. It's a wonderful thing to pass on to your daughter, for it will get her through a lot of difficult things in life, knowing that many things of value don't come easily but are worth hard work and perseverance.
ReplyDeleteaww, what a wonderful story about you to share mama hen..i'm also like you. when it comes to work or attending classes, i always want to appear ready. but your professor was totally right! i miss going to school because of this post, i haven't been able to finish my master's degree =( have a great weekend ahead! =)
ReplyDeleteThat's such an important thing to learn - and I really struggle with it, too. I find it hard to put myself first, even when I know that sometimes, putting myself first is the only way to help others to the best of my ability. Great post :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wise professor you had! It is so true. I am a lot like you in this regard. My first year teaching, I didn't miss a single day the entire school year. And you know how sick you get your first year getting used to all of the "kid germs!" And yes, that darling girl of yours is your priority so you have to keep yourself well so you can care for her! Love your list and especially love what you said about your Mom. I needed my Mama this week too. And her ear was probably ready to fall off from all of the listening she had to do! Have a great night!
ReplyDeleteMost of the times people uses "Fever" "Flu" to escape school and take a leave from work. It's nice to know that there are dedicated people like you who value work the way it should be valued.
ReplyDeleteBut don't forget what your professor said, You should prioritize your health because everything will not come into realization if is it being compromised.
So true, Mama Hen! I think a lot of us need to prioritize our priorities. I use the Franklin Covey system for my work priorities, but have found that it really helps me in my personal life too. Sometimes, i just have to stare at it on paper to figure out exactly where things belong in the scheme of things. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat post & advice thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good reminder. Family and health are far more important than any career.
ReplyDeleteWow she is just so cute! And thanks for this reminder - you need to hear it again and again... :)
ReplyDeleteThis is something I need to work on....I am the exact same way. Priorities is so important! Love the pic :)
ReplyDeleteBlog
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