🎧 Battery Life of an Educator: Being Seen and Valued with Amy-Jo Smith

With Amy-Jo Smith

Description

What does self-care look like for those who give their all to educate and support others? In this conversation, Amy-Jo Smith, a seasoned early childhood educator and trauma care trainer, shares her insights on the unseen roles of caregivers and educators, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community support, and maintaining personal identity. Amy-Jo discusses practical self-care practices such as outdoor activities, journaling, and balancing work with personal joy. She also explores the challenges of secondary trauma, systemic frustrations, and the vital role of supportive networks. Amy-Jo’s compelling anecdotes of international caregiving, along with her expertise in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), highlight the profound impact of connection and empathy in caregiving.

Time Stamps

[05:46] Connection and presence bridge gaps in childrens' needs.

[08:18] TBRI stems from Karen Purvis' trauma research.

[11:12] Support systems are crucial for caregiver resilience.

[15:38] Friend's small help greatly relieved overwhelmed teacher.

[19:19] Movement and beauty alleviate stress and trauma.

[20:58] Monitor emotions to prevent burnout through processing.

[26:02] Supporting colleagues facing trauma needs debriefing, teamwork.

[30:21] Feeling overwhelmed by limited resources in service work.

[32:15] Child's note revealed deep teacher-student bond.

PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

CORRESPONDING JOURNEY WITH PRAYER:

1 Corinthians 13:7 | Love That Sees Beyond

Passage

1 Corinthians 13:7

ESV (English Standard Version)

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

NLT (New Living Translation)

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

NIV (New International Version)

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Ask Yourself

"How can I embody the enduring nature of love in my interactions, especially towards those who express their need for love in difficult ways?"

Walk it Out

Reflect

Meditate on 1st Corinthians 13:7 and consider how you can embody the enduring nature of love.
Take the time to reflect on your interactions and how you can infuse them with compassion and understanding. Journal about moments where you have struggled to remain loving and what you can do to improve.

Engage

Step into challenging situations with a mindset of empathy and kindness. Look for opportunities throughout your week to demonstrate unwavering love, especially towards those who might be acting out due to unmet needs. Practice active listening and offer understanding and support to those around you.

Pray

Pray for those who express their need for love in challenging ways, that they may feel seen and understood.
Pray for increased resilience and compassion within yourself, so you can respond with enduring love in difficult situations.
Pray for our communities to be filled with the love that never gives up, creating a supportive and caring environment for everyone.