It’s an understatement how challenging and stressful these times are for school leaders. We’re focused on the “outside” skills, what I refer to as technical leadership. We fight fires, problem solve, focus on strategic plans, and setting and moving toward goals. Yet leadership is also “internal,” and it’s these internal skills of purpose, beliefs, and values that are often more important than technical ones. We are reminded of them during times of great challenge because adversity reveals character. As retired Admiral William McRaven reminds us, when times are darkest we must be at our best. But how can we be at our best and bring our best if we do not take care of ourselves? Practicing self-care isn’t selfish – it’s the smartest thing we can do for ourselves and others. For me, self-care means structure and finding daily rituals that we can practice such as mindfulness meditation. I like to start my day with five minutes of silent meditation using an app on my smartphone. There are many to choose from. I use the app “Calm” because I like the self-timed function. I also like that it keeps track of my sessions and leaves daily inspirational quotes like this recent one… “If the ocean can calm itself so can you, we are both salt and water mixed with air.”  At the end of my practice, I always save a moment to remind myself of all that I am grateful for like family, friends, my children, my dog, health, happiness, all that I have, and opportunities to make a difference within my life. Practicing gratitude helps restore perspective, and provides rhythm and harmony. During some sessions I feel more in the flow and other times I am distracted by thoughts. Still, it’s the daily discipline to continue on that is most important.  After meditating, I’ll spend 10 to 15 minutes stretching. This is a great way to wake your body up and begin getting ready to start your day. Flexible muscles give us energy to move through our day, which also becomes more important as we age.  Meditation and stretching not your thing? Okay. But what is? It’s important that we find something that we can practice daily that makes us feel whole, alive, and reminds us that we are human, loved, and capable of happiness. So where are you on your journey to self-care? By taking care of ourselves we send an important message to those we lead and those we love. About priorities, what is important to us, and what we value. Staying connected to ourselves and community has never been more important. We can start by taking care of Me.