Each year around this time, I find myself standing at the same familiar crossroads.

The calendar says “almost there.”
My mind says “hold on tight.”
And my body says… “are you sure we’re going to make it?”

May has a way of sneaking up on school leaders.
It’s the season of countdowns and chaos, celebrations and stress, growth and goodbyes.
And somehow, even after all these years, I still find myself wrestling with rest.

Because in leadership, wrapping up the year isn’t just about turning in grades or hosting final assemblies.
It’s about carrying the emotional weight of a hundred stories, a thousand moments, and countless unfinished lists — all while trying to stay steady for others.

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I’ve learned something over time:
Rest doesn’t happen because the calendar clears.
It happens because we choose it — even in the middle of the race.

“Seeking balance will require you to use plateaus in the journey more than you think you should.”
— Principal in Balance

Some days, that means leaving 10 unread emails and walking out the door anyway.
Other days, it means putting down the clipboard and picking up the conversation with a colleague who needs you.

And sometimes, it simply means giving yourself permission to breathe, even when the sprint isn’t over yet.

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This year, instead of fighting against the season, I’m inviting you to try something different.

I created a FREE Finish Strong 5-Day Challenge — just for school leaders like you.

In 5 minutes a day, for 5 days, you’ll:

• Reconnect with your why
• Protect your energy
• Celebrate the small wins you might be too busy to notice
• Reset before summer — with intention, not exhaustion

No long webinars. No big homework.
Just simple, doable actions to help you finish this year with more peace, presence, and purpose.

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Because you deserve to cross the finish line not just standing, but strong.
And you deserve a summer of becoming, not just recovering.

Ready to wrestle a little less — and rest a little more?
Join me here ➡️ Sign up for the 5-Day Challenge

We start soon — and I’d love to walk this final stretch of the year with you.

With gratitude and grace,
Jessica

Want to see the original post? https://principalinbalance.wordpress.com/2021/05/02/wrestling-with-rest-while-wrapping-up-the-school-year/