“You’re only given one little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” - Robin Williams

We’ve arrived in December, the time of the year when hot chocolate drinks warm hands, icicle lights drip from rooftops, and Spotify wraps fill our feeds. Whether you think of it as festive season, one of overwhelm, or one that calls for hiding in a pillow fort ‘til the calendar page flips, it shows up with bells on and only leaves when it’s done. It’s up to us to enjoy it or survive it. 

How are you doing?

In school, many of us had a severe case of holiday-itis as soon as late November came around. It often felt like everything got crammed in those last few weeks of the year; sometimes it was hard to take it all in and not feel swallowed by it all. Staying present to fully invest in each thing in its individual essence was nearly impossible as zillions of items were shoved into spaces that normally held less. And, let’s be honest, years ago mainstream cultures weren’t focused on staying in the moment or holding space for each individual event.

Busy was (and still is for many) a badge of honor. 

In this season of making magic, how often do we spend on cultivating our own inner magic?

What if we could change all that?

What if we flipped the script and made sure to build some of that holiday magic inside ourselves?

WICKED has been a favourite of mine for the past 20 years. The story of the witches of the Wizard of Oz before they were the witches of the Wizard of Oz holds lessons and wisdom that can benefit all it touches. Part of its allure and, quite literally, magic, is that it allows each character to show their own power.

The story (without any spoilers) says: stop, pay attention, we all have strengths, these are mine, and I’m proud of who I am—and, of course, it’s done through showstopping music that leaves its audiences profoundly changed for good.

Whether you’re a fan of the original Elphaba and Glinda or have joined the ranks of moviegoers meeting the new faces of these witches, perhaps we can take head of their stories and remember to focus some of our end of year energy on cultivating our own inner magic to leave our own corner of the world changed for good. 

In the midst of volunteering, wrapping, finishing projects, and setting intentions, can we find moments to remember who we are? 

The hustle and bustle of December’s madness has the ability to crowd hours and days with noise, often jamming our calendars with stuff, sparkly stuff…yet still, stuff. Can we carve out space for ourselves, find a quiet corner, and take a moment to breathe? 

This time of year finds shimmery lights adorning houses and community spaces, yet sometimes our inner glitter could use a new set of batteries. Consider that one bulb amidst the string that flickers on and off. It does so for a while before it finally dims. 

Our spirit is the same. We take such care and joy in that seasonal luminescence; let’s remember that rekindling our inner light needs even more. When we are at our full strength, we glow that much brighter.

The question isn’t "are we worth it," because that’s one of life’s certainties; the questions are, will we take the time and effort to do it (even if it’s hard)...and how do we make it happen?

And really, what does that even look like? The world of education has gotten better over the years. Whether you subscribe to traditional or non-traditional, private or public, or quite literally use the world as your classroom, we’ve begun to incorporate more inclusivity, social-emotional wellness, and more of what (annoyingly, in my opinion) used to be called soft skills – the ones that make up more of who we are than what could ever be discovered through quantifiable data.

Perhaps, reminding us to take the time when we don’t have it to take is one of those important lessons. 

If we don’t make the time to breathe, create, write, find awe, and remember who we are on those really busy days, we’ll never do it when our calendars tell us we have the time. 

In the midst of feeling all the feelings, giving what we can, and crossing off everything on all sorts of lists, can we remember to boost our morale, recharge our batteries, and create a vision that aligns with our values and make room for it on our actual calendars? 

Can we teach our children and students that even if it feels awkward, even if society doesn’t tell us to, and even if Hallmark doesn’t have a card for that, how vital it is to our growth? Can we let them see us doing it so they know it’s possible? 

We know representation matters, in politics, Hollywood, and everyday institutions. We know it can change the game and empower today’s dreamers with tomorrow’s future.

Let’s show the next generation that in a season of busyness, taking moments to cultivate our own inner magic is our power move. 

Jump on the broomstick, fasten that cape, set an intention, and ready your sparkle. Your time for magic is now. 

Because…”as someone told me lately, everyone deserves a chance to fly.” - Elphaba, WICKED

4 Tips to Continue to Cultivate Your Inner Magic

Remember who you really are

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” - Carl Jung

In theaters everywhere, Moana and Maui have once again re-entered the chat. On her first voyage beyond the reef, Moana encountered lava monsters, singing crabs, and coconut pirates. She dealt with grown up emotions from the death of a loved one, feeling out of place, struggles, resilience, and going against societal norms. She traversed many stormy seas before finally learning how to quite literally ride the waves and adjust the sails. In one of the movie’s pinnacle moments, it was this young warrior who realized that returning a heart helps one remember who they truly are. If Disney’s lava monsters can shed their protective skin to rebirth their goddess selves, imagine what we can do. 

Whether this year got away from you, drowned you, lifted you, made you, or changed you, taking time to revitalize, align, manifest, and map your desires, values, and dreams can help you celebrate your gifts and design a path to your continued journey.

You’re worth it. 

Be your own pep squad

“Remind yourself that you cannot fail at being yourself.” - Wayne Dyer

If you’ve ever planned, gone to, participated in, or witnessed a pep rally, you know. Exuding spirit, strength, talent, skill, ferocity, fight songs, glitter, and yes, pom poms, humans of all shapes and sizes jump, dance, kick, step, flip, sing, play, and perform feats of greatness in front of your eyes. Whatever mood you held at the entrance soars in their presence. While a packed gymnasium isn’t always in our grasp, channeling those mood-boosting elements of a pep rally most certainly is. 

It’s not always easy to be our own pep squad. Doubts show up for all of us, encountering rejection is normal, and navigating challenges hits even your most revered super heroes. In fact, it’s often part of what makes them, well, super.

In those moments, when things are heavy or haywire, can we embrace the parts of ourselves that make us who we are? Wherever we are, whenever it’s necessary, bust out our figurative (or literal) pom poms, dial up that music, get your game face on, remember your power, and wow the audience.

Knowing you’ve done your best is 100% worthy of that standing ovation.

Channel your inner witch

“I’m through accepting limits ‘cause someone says they’re so.” - Elphaba, WICKED

Like seasons, we change throughout the year. There are periods of growth and hibernation, tilling the soil and harvesting, resting and rejuvenation, heights of season and that in between time…each with their own strengths, struggles, heartfelt losses, and epic wins. In each, we learn.

As quickly as we’re grateful for one to show up, we forget how special it really is. The same can be said for ourselves and our own journeys, whether there’s an actual yellow brick road, giant wizard, or real-life flying monkeys. 

While every student enters with their own expectations and lived experiences, our educational system teaches reading, writing, ‘rithmatic, and rigor—and often leaves out lessons of how to learn, how to grow, and how to navigate our seasons of development. 

So, how can we help ourselves?

Perhaps, like nature leans into its seasons of awesome, inspiring, recovery, growth, alliances, and power, we can, too. Perhaps we can learn to embrace our own strengths, find those who support us and “help us most to grow if we let them,” (For Good, WICKED), empower rest to elevate our own magic, and remember how very special we truly are.

Imagine how much more energy we’d have to make our dreams come true, to share with others, and to benefit the wider world.   

Live authentically

“Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” - Mary Oliver

I clearly remember the first time I traveled without my family. I recall feeling empowered, more curious, open to possibilities, and freer to be my authentic self. Simultaneously, I’d have to manage challenges, chart a course for adventure, and find people with whom I could learn, grow, cry, dream, plan, and celebrate. 

The view of life as a classroom helped. The implication that there’s always room for learning, that trying is better than not showing up, that surrounding yourself with good people who support, teach, guide, listen to, sit with, and cheer you matters, and that there’s more than one way to live, work, struggle, thrive, and embrace joy helped. 

Sometimes it takes poets, writers, travelers, explorers, philosophers, musicians, and dreamers to remind us of our own journeys, our own inner turmoil, and our own ability for greatness.

But then what to do with that knowledge is up to us. 

It’s our sparks of magic, our wild lives, our gravity defying moments, and our path to explore. What will you do? How will you use your powers to change the world?

How will you nurture your dreams, encourage your ideas, and inspire others?

How will you leave your mark on those you touch?

It’s not always easy, it often feels hard, and shooting for optimal in a world of average isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s a woman in Brooklyn who dresses in green every day. First, people looked with questionable eyes, now they look with awe. And today, there’s an actor taking over movie theaters who sits for hours to become ‘green’ and has not only found the ability to fly, but has taken the world by storm. 

When you find your own voice, you know. 

Let it wobble till it doesn’t. It’s always yours to use. Step lively, folks.

Your power is your own and you can change the world.

At this time of year, remember to take moments to cultivate your own inner magic. Imagine the world we could create together.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year.  

Please click the photo below for a collection of my Through the Eyes of an Educator columns:

Stacey Ebert, our Educational Travels Editor, is a traveler at heart who met her Australian-born husband while on a trip in New Zealand. Stacey was an extracurricular advisor and taught history in a Long Island public high school for over fifteen years, enjoying both the formal and informal educational practices. After a one year 'round the world honeymoon, travel and its many gifts changed her perspective. She has since left the educational world to focus on writing and travel. She is energetic and enthusiastic about long term travel, finding what makes you happy and making the leap. In her spare time she is an event planner, yogi, dark chocolate lover, and spends as much time as possible with her toes in the sand.

Check out her website at thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com for more of her travel musings.