President’s Letter: Commit to Self-Care

As counselors, we tend to feel pressure to take care of those around us, but often forget to take care of ourselves. Although we know we can’t be our best for others if we aren’t at our best, we get caught up in the busyness of life and self-care can be one of the first things to go by the wayside. As we continue with our theme of “Unlocking Our Potential,” I challenge you to move self-care up on your priority list. With the holidays upon us, carving out an intentional time for yourself can become even more difficult because we are givers by nature. We encourage students and those around us to be a little kinder than necessary, but sometimes forget that doesn’t just mean being kinder to others, but also to ourselves. Self-care doesn’t require a monetary investment nor a huge time investment – even a few moments here and there throughout the day can make an amazing difference! Whether it’s reading a book, exercising, journaling, watching a movie, or just completely unplugging for a short amount of time, I encourage each of you to find what brings you peace, joy, hope, a sense of calm and stress release. Commit to using this year’s winter break to rejuvenate yourself so you can return in January more effective than ever!
 
As we near the end of this semester, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some updates. In the August newsletter, I challenged everyone to re-commit to growing as professionals. We have had several opportunities this semester to engage in positive, meaningful and intentional professional development including the 4th Annual Critical Issues Conference at Birmingham-Southern College and the ALCA Annual Conference in Birmingham. I announced in the October newsletter that ALSCA will be hosting regional workshops featuring Carolyn Stone, Ed.D., in February 2019. I am happy to announce those dates and locations:

• February 26 at the University of South Alabama in Mobile
• February 27 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham
• February 28 at Calhoun Community College in Decatur.

Be on the lookout for more information and registration forms.
 
In the October newsletter, I also announced that we have been working diligently to overhaul the ALSCA website. The new website launched on November 5. We hope you will find it user friendly and that it will become a resource for you. If you haven’t already, please check out the website at http://www.alabamaschoolcounselors.org/.
 
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of your ALSCA Governing Board members should you need us. I hope you continue to grow and learn in ways you didn’t imagine possible!
 
“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.”
– Unknown
 
Contact AnnaGrace Baldwin, Ed.S, LPC, ALSCA president, at alscaboard@gmail.com.