By Stephanie Weese, CFO, MSBO Board President, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Livingston ESA
Last week, I started my morning working from home because I had a mid-morning meeting in Lansing. Just as I was about to leave, I received an important phone call from the office. The topic required my full attention, so I stayed at my desk until the call was complete. When I finally glanced at the clock, I realized I would arrive at the Lansing meeting about five minutes late. For context: I hate being late.
I hurriedly grabbed my things and rushed to my car, only to discover that I had failed to stop for gas the day before. I had told myself I’d handle it in the morning—a bad decision every time.
As I drove out of town, feeling anxious about being late, an unsettled, cranky mood began to take hold. I was also driving as quickly as possible without risking a ticket. The stress of the situation was overwhelming and felt like it was taking over my entire day.
Then, somewhere along the way, it hit me: being five minutes late to a meeting I was attending—not leading—was okay. That realization immediately shifted my perspective. My body relaxed, and my mood lifted. I gave myself some grace, and guess what? Everything turned out fine. The meeting room door wasn’t locked. A colleague saved me a seat. No one even batted an eye when I walked in.
To be clear, I’m not suggesting we all start showing up late to meetings. But sometimes, extending grace to ourselves in moments like these can help ease unnecessary, self-induced stress. Life is busy. We’re all doing our best to keep up with work and personal responsibilities. We all deserve a little grace.
And while you’re at it, look around you. Extend that same grace to others.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope you find time to relax and recharge. I appreciate you and the hard work you do every day to support Michigan’s students.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- Celebrate Your Success!
- Growing Your Leadership Skills
- Interested in Running for the MSBO Board of Directors?
- MSBO Helps You Meet Your Education Goals
- MSBO Update – Bob Dwan
- Start the Year Right with These Finance Workshops
- Taking the Path Less Traveled – Julie Williams-Muz
- Welcome New Members
- Winter Travel – Not a Problem