What keeps you energized?

Hello friends, 

I hope you're savoring the arrival of fall and weaving in routines that keep you energized and passionate about our vital work—welcoming and empowering culturally and linguistically diverse students.

For me, that routine is running. At 45, I’ve come to realize I’m built like a spirited mare, and I need to hit the trails daily to both release and generate energy. Running not only recharges me but helps me show up fully for those I support. Some days, my "trails" take the shape of an airport terminal, but wherever I am, I find a way to lace up and get moving.

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My friend Irene recently asked, "How do you stay motivated when you just don’t feel like it?" I smiled, and shared a little wisdom I picked up from Nancy Motley’s Small Moves: “I put on my shoes and tell myself I can walk for 30 minutes if I’m not feeling it. Once I’m out there, seeing others pushing themselves, I usually pick up the pace." There’s an elderly gentleman I see regularly on my runs—he doesn’t know it, but just seeing his consistent presence inspires me to stretch my own limits.
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Community is powerful. We often have no idea the impact we’re making on one another, yet that silent support can fuel us in ways we don’t always recognize.

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