The Tortoise with Brooke McAlary Everyday slow living for the "normal person" with Ellen Ronalds Keene
Why Giving Yourself Permission To Slow Down Is Life-Changing
Ellen Ronalds Keene shares how deciding to go part-time in teaching was not a single moment of realization but a gradual necessity due to declining health and burnout. She emphasizes the importance of giving yourself permission to make changes that prioritize your well-being, especially when facing societal doubts or internal guilt.
She notes that people questioning your choices often stems from curiosity or concern rather than judgment, and the real challenge is accepting that self-care is not selfish. Ellen highlights that putting health and self-care first allowed her to continue loving her work and maintain her job sustainably.
This permission to slow down is crucial to avoid burnout and build a sustainable lifestyle while managing physical, emotional, and financial realities.
Shift to Part-Time Teaching
- Ellen experienced a gradual health decline and burnout in her third teaching year, leading to reducing work hours.
- Her school supported her shift to part-time, allowing her to continue teaching while managing health.
Start Small to Avoid Overwhelm
- Start simplifying where the pain or overwhelm is greatest to avoid burnout.
- Take small, manageable steps rather than trying to fix everything at once to prevent overwhelm.
