It was 3:00 AM, and I was staring at my ceiling, trapped in the ultimate insomnia choose-your-own-adventure. Do I flop around like a landed fish for another three hours? Do I cue up a guided meditation and let a soothing British voice lie to me about ‘inner peace’? Or do I lean into the madness … Read more
There is a specific kind of morning betrayal that happens when you sleep through the night, wake up, and immediately collapse onto the couch like a damp towel. Whenever this happens, I have to ask myself the mysterious question: What did I put in my body yesterday? Inevitably, I realize my diet was fueled entirely … Read more
It is exactly 5:30 AM. I have just written an entire IEP in ninety minutes flat—a feat of academic gymnastics that deserves a medal, or at least a nice breakfast. Nothing says “victory” quite like finishing a massive stack of special education paperwork before the sun comes up, only to realize you’ve accidentally aged forty … Read more
I actually bought a bracelet that said ‘teacher language’ on it, a literal wrist-bound emergency brake to stop myself from snapping at kids for doing perfectly normal kid things. When that wasn’t enough, I plastered my computer monitor in Post-its. My favorite was: ‘Neutrality—keep your personal views to yourself.’ (Translation: Don’t scream out loud, only … Read more
If you’re searching for a way to turn off your work brain before you scream, guided meditation offers a surprisingly effective escape hatch. I used to think I was far too overanalytical and caffeinated to ever achieve inner peace, but it turns out you don’t need a perfectly serene mind—or endless free time—to rewire how … Read more
Struggling with a wandering mind during meditation? Welcome to the club. One minute you’re focusing on your breath, the next you’re planning a grocery list or cringing at a random memory from middle school. If you feel frustrated, don’t. Brains just love to brain. Every time you catch your thoughts drifting and gently drag them … Read more