Yes, technically, this is two words with the the article.  La rentrée is a French phrase that translates to “back to school,” which may seem like an odd choice for my January word of the month.  In France, it is common for people to take several weeks off over the summer, typically in late July and August.   La rentrée applies equally to children excitedly returning to a new school year as it does to adults returning to work and daily routines after summer with a refreshed outlook and energy.

Many school districts where I live were on recess for two weeks over the winter holidays, and it is a mini back-to-school season for families with school-aged children.  I have taken my own holiday recess for the past couple of years and am better off for doing it.   During my winter recess, emails were discreetly monitored and administrative duties handled, but the days were mostly free of work commitments.   My recess allowed me time and space to reflect, rebalance, and reassess.

When I returned to the office, I arrived with renewed energy and a restored focus on my priorities, my values, and my vision.  It also helped that before my first official day back, I had what I call my “soft opening” when I came armed with cleaning supplies and left with a sparkling and serene workspace.  It is a new year with fresh opportunities.  With notebooks ready to be filled and a freshly sharpened bouquet of pencils (bonus points if you can name the movie that comes from!), I am ready to embrace la rentrée this month. How about you?