Hello Vimbo

01/12/2023

Chapter 12/12.
However the past 11 months have been, whatever lies ahead for you in the last month of the year, remember:

🎄 it’s always ok to stop and take a deep breath. I literally just did that typing this.

🎄take it day by day. Make plans, sure, but live in today.

🎄it’s ok to rest. It’s ok to say no. It’s ok to take it easy.

27/11/2023

The plight of many youths in Zimbabwe who age out of residential care is to have support that prevents them from turning to crime or prostitution for survival and becoming a statistic. Kuda Vana’s Youth Transition Program helps them complete their education, provides medical care, temporary housin...

23/11/2023

As cliche as it sounds, I look around and feel deeply grateful.

For life,
For health,
For loved ones who’ve got my back,
For support when I’m up and when I’m down,
For long friendships,
For dear ones who’ve prayed for me,
For the ability to be in a position to help others,
For the military spouse community both in WA and now DC,
For my friends who make my life fun and funny and sweet,
For every single answered prayer this year,
But especially for the doors I’ve seen God close. I am grateful.

Today, we get to spend the holiday with family, and I hope that any of you celebrating get to also take a few mins to deeply “sit in” what you’re grateful for.

21/11/2023

What an honor and truly a joyful time we had 🤗❤️ I had so much fun reading to the happy (and energetic!) kids at our Blue Star Families Coffee Connect. I love connecting with other military spouses in the area, and read-alouds were one of my favorite part of being an educator 😌

16/11/2023

I’m so thankful to have met Wendy, retired Navy Chief Yeoman, a phenomenal leader who also is a fantastic human being.
I also enjoyed hearing the stories that Sheila, White House Executive Director of Joining Forces (2nd picture) shared about the work of Joining Forces and how they support military spouses, children, and families as a whole.

This military spouse lunch was just so special to be part of ☺️

08/11/2023

I'm so excited to finally share! Vimbo Watson, Director of Development Kuda Vana Partnership 🇿🇼 I’m incredibly blessed to join this amazing team, and I’m excited for the work ahead ☺️ https://www.kudavana.org

06/11/2023

There are no clever captions left in me today 😂 I’m still excited to share a new career announcement with you all in a few days 🥳 And excited to be a few cloudy, flying moments from home.

06/11/2023

What direction are you headed this week?

I heard something wise recently:

Direction is more important than speed.

Pause.

Make sure the steps you're taking you are moving you closer to who you want to be 🤗

02/11/2023

There are so many things about myself that made me feel awkward about myself for so long.
Honestly, for NO good reason.

-I get really excited about silly things

-I laugh when I take pictures (it's a wholeee thing, y'all)

-to Zimbabweans, I sound like an American,
to Americans, MY NAME IS VIMBO :)

Let me tell you,
you are YOU on purpose.

Everything in my life has prepared me for what I get to do now.
And I am SO excited.

For whoever is feeling weird
different
like you don't quite *fit*,

please know that you don't have to...

You are you on purpose.

01/11/2023

Friends, I have a very exciting announcement to share soon! I can hardly wait to share it 🥳🙌

Happy November! 🍁🍂

I’ve already got so much to be grateful for.

26/10/2023

Hello! 🤗 Here’s a little bit about me 🥳 Making this was a lot of fun, and I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to!
The fantastic folks at the Career Development Convention helped me capture who I am and what I do ☺️

24/10/2023

Are you looking for a sign?

What do you love?

I love good humans + good conversation. Thank you, Mary, for filling my soul this morning!

I love doing things on purpose and with purpose.

And I love exploring.

What do you love?
Do more of that.

23/10/2023

The last time I was at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture was February 2020. I visited again a few days ago.

This place, these stories, the history, the beauty and pain and struggle, will always be remarkable to me.

“We are determined…to work and fight
until justice runs 'down like water,
and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

May the words of MLK inspire you today as you, hopefully, work to make your corner of the world a little bit better today.

20/10/2023

Everything about this was great!

This week, I had the opportunity to connect with so many genuine, kind, and encouraging military spouses. I’m so grateful that NMSN organized this luncheon and brought us all together 😊

Thank you to Photography by Trish Alegre-Smith for capturing these wonderful images from today's NMSN Networking Luncheon sponsored by our friends at Humana Military. Fantastic afternoon with fellow military spouses, friends and colleagues. Please feel free to tag yourselves in the photos!

18/10/2023

What’s the best way to foster creativity in your students today?

Be silly
Explore
Ask questions

Give students insight into your “self talk” as you problem solve throughout the day.

I’ve been AMAZED at how, when I take myself less seriously, my students are drawn to me like a magnet and then they feel freer to make mistakes, learn, and grow!

17/10/2023

Can we be honest about “self care”?

This is a word that is often thrown around for teachers, and is sometimes used as a weapon against them when they’re struggling.

“Maybe you just need more ‘self-care’!”
“Have you thought about prioritizing ‘self care’?”
“Seems like lesson planning on the weekend is squeezing out your chances for good ‘self care’!”

What I know is that
I’ve never met a teacher
who intentionally CHOOSES
to neglect themselves.

What they typically choose is to:
-prioritize their students’ success
-take their job seriously
-care about what they do

There are not QUICK solutions to the overall problem of teacher burnout, but I will say this,

Taking care of yourself requires time

If you’re finding yourself burned out and tired

Ask yourself,

What is taking most of your time today?
How can you give yourself back (even a little bit) of time tomorrow?

You can’t fix it overnight,
But that’s somewhere to start.



I'm opening up my weekly 1-on-1 virtual mentoring to support teachers who want to increase their wellness! 🥳
DM me or email [email protected] TODAY if you'd like to sign up for me to support you on this path from burnout to bliss!!
Follow my on YouTube at Vimbo Watson

16/10/2023

I rarely give a peak of the “behind the scenes” of my business, but here’s a little sneak peak of what some of my days look like.

As a speaker and professional development provider, I often find myself attending trainings, seminars, and workshops myself!

One of my favorite parts of being in education is that I fully embraced, early in my career, that I would forever be dedicated to being a learner!

And I get to learn alongside some of the best individuals! As a military spouse, I’ve been privileged to connect with some fantastic humans who have supported me in this journey.

I am so grateful.

15/10/2023

I have yet another confession,

I’m not a HUGE fan of superhero movies.
Yeah, I watch them socially (as in, because friends and loved ones enjoy them) but they’re like, not my thing.

Anyway, regardless, I’ve watched enough to know
that each superhero

has a special power.

And usually it’s activated by SOMETHING

a spider bite
a liquid potion
a light saber thingy

Ok, ok, so hear me out

what if rest

is the key

to activating

the very best in you?

What if by showing up every day fully rested,
mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally

you can then turn around and activate

you?

13/10/2023

Which one of these do you feel most like today?!

Backdrop by Teacher Noire 🥳❤️

12/10/2023

Have you ever met someone new who just GETS it?

Kids deserve access to a great education,
All kids

Especially the children of those who serve us all.

This organization does so much for children of US military service members,
They work with schools to gain Purple status - verifying that they are military-child-friendly
They educate, advocate, and go the extra mile for kids who too often go to bed with one or both of their parents away in service to our country.

I loved stopping by the Military Child Education Coalition booth at the AUSA Annual Convention yesterday.

As a proud military spouse and a proud educator, I was so grateful to learn about MCEC and the incredible work they do 💜

11/10/2023

It takes a village to support military families! I’m so grateful I attended the Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF & Association of the United States Army - AUSA National Annual Meeting!

What a rich day, networking with fellow military spouse entrepreneurs from multiple branches (Air Force, Army, Navy like me), and learning more about the organizations and policies that exist to support us.

Even more exciting, was the opportunity I had to connect to many organizations across our country and world who support US military children and their access to education! 🥳

11/10/2023

Hands up if you’re ready for the weekend?

Listen, there’s no shame in admitting you’re tired.

My goal, as I work with educators, is to help them build a life that is enjoyable Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

It can be done!

I'm opening up my weekly 1-on-1 virtual mentoring to support teachers who want to increase their wellness! 🥳
DM me or email [email protected] TODAY if you'd like to sign up for me to support you on this path from burnout to bliss!!
Follow my on YouTube at Vimbo Watson

10/10/2023

I. Talk. With. My. Hands.

If you are looking for a speaker for your event or professional development trainer for your school, email [email protected] or visit vimbowatson.com for more info 💡
I serve educators, women, and leaders.
I would be honored to join you for your event in 2023.

09/10/2023

Is it too early to make pumpkin pie? 🍁 Asking for a friend…

08/10/2023

In the words of Lizzie McGuire, "This is what dreams are made of!" ✨

I'm so grateful to High-End Headshots for the beautiful headshots from the recent CDC event. It was the PERFECT time for a new headshot!

Allow me to introduce myself to all the new faces here!
💛 My name is VIMBO! My husband and I are DC residents, and I am a proud Navy wife ⚓️
💛Community is a powerful force. I am an extreme extrovert, I love meeting new people.
💛I am passionate about supporting School Districts so they can retain teachers.
💛I enjoy empowering teachers as they move from burnout to bliss.
💛I was recently featured In Newsweek! Writing, words, and speaking bring me great joy.

If you are looking for a speaker for your event or a professional development trainer for your school, email [email protected] or visit vimbowatson.com for more info 💡

I serve educators, women, and leaders.
I would be honored to join you for your event.

06/10/2023

If you are looking for a speaker for your event or professional development trainer for your school, email [email protected] or visit vimbowatson.com for more info 💡
I serve educators, women, and leaders.
I would be honored to join you for your event in 2023.

05/10/2023

There are 88 days left in 2023

And this is not your typical post about “let’s finish the year strong” or “make sure you complete your 2023 to-do list”

This is a post to remind you that
-you’ve come far this year
-some things are done, some aren’t
-that’s OK

Recently, I went on a journey of about 3,000 miles

And in the last 133 miles
We got a flat tire

But guess what?

We made it.
We made it to our new home.

Eventually.

And so, for that person who needs to hear that today,
A delay
Does not mean
A denial.

Fully embrace today
This week
This year

And know that even if you feel delayed

You’re going to make it.

04/10/2023

Stop wasting time limiting yourself!

Last week, my husband and I got tickets to go see Cirque du Soleil and it was incredible.

Just breathtaking

Perhaps one of the most amazing productions I’d ever witnessed in my life.

The thing I realized while watching was that,
EVERY move, musical note, and costume

was once a thought.

And someone had the courage to bring it to life.

What beautiful,
wonderful,
spectacular thoughts are you dreaming up today?

03/10/2023

: Students may be more likely to experience bullying in middle school.

Learn more about how to recognize signs of bullying or cyberbullying in your middle school student: https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/middle-school

03/10/2023

How did I not know this sooner?

As a teacher, I did my best to encourage students to be patient with themselves when learning new things. As a principal, I did my best to support my teachers and staff as they took risks and experimented in the classroom. And as an educational consultant, I do my best to help schools give themselves realistic and gracious timelines for implementing lasting change.

And yet
with myself
I really struggle to accept
that often I’m doing my VERY best

and I simply need to be patient with ME.

I just moved, our home is a mess of boxes and casserole dishes and books and furniture

And guess what?

That’s ok

I’m doing my best.

Today, I’m choosing grace.

If you are looking for a speaker for your event or professional development trainer for your school, email [email protected] or visit vimbowatson.com for more info 💡
I serve educators, women, and leaders.
I would be honored to join you for your event in 2023.

02/10/2023

Life rarely goes exactly as planned…

Too often, I’ve found myself stuck on what “should” have happened

10 years into my career as an educator, my thoughts on what I “should” be doing have often been strong

I “should” do what the teacher next door is doing
I “should” treat my staff the way the other principals around me are treating their staff
I “should” provide professional development the way I’ve experienced it in the past. Why not stick to the norm? It’s definitely easier!

And yet, if there’s anything I’ve learned these past couple years,
It’s that I should NOT let “should” stand in the way of what “could” be!

Because what COULD be, has so often been so, so beautiful.

If you are looking for a speaker for your event or professional development trainer for your school, email [email protected] or visit vimbowatson.com for more info 💡
I serve educators, women, and leaders.
I would be honored to join you for your event in 2023.

29/09/2023

The best thing I ever did as a teacher was give up.

If something is not working for your kids

give
it
up!

Too often, we are stuck, and we keep doing something even though it doesn't work for our class, students, or school culture!

Every system and curriculum must be properly adapted to fit the needs of our students.

Of course, PLEASE hear me correctly - that doesn't mean just go doing something random and collecting random (unvetted) TPT lessons to change your curriculum without getting advice, guidance, etc. But if some system, some way of doing things, just ISN'T working with your kids, stop "hitting your head against a wall", evaluate what might work, get advice, and try something else.

It's OK to pivot.

I'm opening up my weekly 1-on-1 virtual mentoring to support teachers & principals who want to increase their wellness this fall! 🥳
DM me or email [email protected] TODAY if you'd like to sign up for me to support you on this path from burnout to bliss!!
Follow my on YouTube at Vimbo Watson

27/09/2023

I do not have 27 bridesmaids dresses

however,

I've been a bridesmaid in a lot of weddings through the years.
[And I LOVE it.]

Mainly because it reminds me,
that I am so blessed to have some of my favorite people,
who have seen me through tears, tough years, seasons of burnout, and seasons of joy

are still in my life.

What are YOU grateful for today?

I'm opening up my weekly 1-on-1 virtual mentoring to support teachers & principals who want to increase their wellness this fall! 🥳
DM me or email [email protected] TODAY if you'd like to sign up for me to support you on this path from burnout to bliss!!
Follow my on YouTube at Vimbo Watson

26/09/2023

If you are looking for a speaker for your event or professional development trainer for your school, email [email protected] or visit vimbowatson.com for more info 💡

I serve educators, women, and leaders.
I would be honored to join you for your event in 2023.

25/09/2023

Want to know something wild?

Our new home is a mess of unopened boxes,
I've been a resident of the District for less than 72 hours,
and I literally Amazon-ed my outfit because I wasn't sure my clothes would be unpacked by Monday morning

BUT somewhere in Iowa, while driving 3,000 miles across America, I signed up for this opportunity to connect with this fantastic Military Spouse Pathway to Business program put on by the US Small Business Administration, VBOC, Association of Women’s Business Centers, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, and more orgs

AND I JUST KNEW I HAD TO BE IN THE ROOM!

I've already met some fantastic military spouses today, learned some fantastic things for my educational consulting business which is growing, and I've been plugged into this amazing network.

I'm so grateful to be part of and be supported by a network of the most fantastic small business owners I've ever met 🥳

25/09/2023

Can we be honest about this time of year?

We're past the joy of bright, shiny new school supplies, and the promise of a better year. And by now, if you're a teacher, you may be feeling tired.

You've redirected,
you've made your best plans,
and still, you may be hitting a wall.

You may be realizing that some classroom issues you're facing are deeper rooted than you thought. They may need an actual formal plan to address them.

I'm here to tell you that almost EVERY teacher goes through this as some point or another during the school year.

And guess what?
You can still be an effective teacher, even on your hardest days, or during hard seasons.

Is these times it's most important to remember:
-why did you go into teaching to begin with?
-why are you STILL a teacher?

Remembering your why, and saving encouraging notes you've been given through the years can really BOOST you on those dark days.

I'm opening up my weekly 1-on-1 virtual mentoring to support teachers & principals who want to increase their wellness this fall! 🥳
DM me or email [email protected] TODAY if you'd like to sign up for me to support you on this path from burnout to bliss!!

Follow my on YouTube at Vimbo Watson

24/09/2023

Happy Sunday!

What are you impatient about today?

22/09/2023

Can I share a secret with you?

I don't really know how I'm supposed to feel about famous art.
Honestly, I tend to be drawn to the paintings that are lines, and smudges, and blobs.

Those are my faves.