- This was a bit of a trick question. If you answered a, b,
c, or d -- sorry -- you are thinking about self-care in terms of
what to do about outside events and pressures. One of the biggest
things to become aware of in understanding self care is that it is
about your own feelings and thoughts. There is often very little
any of us can do about external circumstances. The real key is to
taking charge of our thinking and feelings.
- Both answers a and b are problematic. Let's see why. First,
we are often taught that simply taking care of our own needs will
make us better able to meet the needs of others. This may or may
not be true. The critical difference is whether our thinking
changes so that we don't feel guilt or self-righteousness. Second,
if we get into thinking that sees teachers as victims of a lot of
pressure to meet the needs of others -- it can be a "pity party"
that can also set up either feelings of self-righteousness or
guilt.
- Focusing on and getting in touch with parts of this case
study that "trigger" feelings in you or that you readily identify
with is a key to helping you engage in this course. Knowing that
you can find meaning is the start of self-care and renewal.
See your study guide to write a case study
about yourself
