The Emergency Chocolate Bar: A Sweet Reminder for Self-Care

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"You can't pour from an empty cup."

Last week I had myself "a day" at work. It was certainly not my best day, nor a very productive one. With Halloween at the end of the week, you can just imagine that getting 17 students to settle in and get their work done was next to impossible. There was a silly energy in the air, and their attention was on anything else than the lessons I had prepared. 

At the end of the day I found myself extremely exhausted and frazzled thinking "What is even happening today?" I was a bit beside myself and needed something to help me in my time of need, but what I needed was the dilemma. Thinking through some options, it finally hit me!

I remembered something that was sure to save the day. It had been there all along. It had been sitting in my teaching bag literally for two months: my emergency chocolate bar. You see, on the first day of school I was given my favourite chocolate bar, a Twix bar, by my amazing vice principal to welcome me back. Trying to make healthy choices, I had decided to save it for another time, or a day such as this.

Frantically I searched for that bad boy in my huge tote bag, amongst the notebooks, papers, pens and stickers. Like a dog digging up a long lost bone, I was determined to find it. I was on a mission.

My eyes lit up realizing my day was about to get so much better when I finally spotted that sweet sensation. There it was! My Twix bar. Sure it was flat as a pancake, a bit worse for wear, and had clearly seen better days, but at this point none of that mattered to me.

I had not had chocolate in so long. It was not on my eating plan, but today I made an exception. I needed it. I had no regrets. That little chocolate bar lifted my spirits in a big way. 

Enjoying the Twix bar, as simple as it may seem helped me see that I had the power to put something positive in my day. It was a choice and a reminder that often small joys have a big impact on developing a more optimistic  perspective. 

Self care is not selfish

Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana

Enjoying the Twix bar without guilt represents for me an act of self care. I need to take care of myself to keep my spirits up and keep on going day after day. There is too many people counting on me to not make myself a priority. If I am not at my best, it will affect a lot of people so I must strive to do what I need to do to get in the right headspace and fill my own tank.

Exercise, quiet time, naps, coffee in copious amounts, prayer and Bible reading, a night out, a great chat with a friend, or watching a favourite funny movie or TV show are activities I enjoy to take care of little old Me, Myself and I. I have even starting giving myself a high-five each morning inspired by Mel Robbins’ High 5 Habit because I need to be my own cheerleader more. I am an amazing person, loved by God put on this earth with a calling and distinct purpose and I am kind of a big deal. 

Photo by Sora Shimazaki at Pexels.com

Fill er up!

All of the above statements are so true for you as well. You are such an incredible and special person. The world is honestly a better place simply because YOU exist.

What fills your cup?
Do more of that, please — and the more often, the better. Fill that cup to overflowing.
The world needs you — and respectfully, not the stressed-out, maxed-out version of you. Instead, this world needs the best version of you, and you simply cannot offer that if you are depleted and empty.

​Call to action

• Make a list this week of self care activities you enjoy.
• Pick your favourites and schedule them.
• Mark them on your calendar, and treat them as appointments. This will help to ensure they actually happen.
• Try the "High 5 Habit" and give your sweet old self a big high-five each morning to set your day on a positive tone.

Until next time friends,

Take care of yourself and I really mean that!

Dana 
Copyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, © 2025

A final thought and update: I told my students about my emergency chocolate bar episode and they found it quite funny and in case you are wondering even with Halloween looming my week did indeed get much, much better. 

​​Authors note: ~ The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life By One Simple Habit by Mel Robbins is the inspiration behind my new high-five habit.

Author

Dana Romualdi is an elementary teacher, social worker, and writer who is passionate about helping others find hope, healing, and growth through life’s challenges. As the creator of Little Lessons Learned by Dana, she shares faith-filled insights and practical wisdom to inspire others to live with purpose and compassion.

Connect with Dana at www.littlelessonslearnedbydana.com

Tags: self care, fill your tank, the high 5 habit, mel robbins, take care of yourself, teacher self-care, emotional burnout, how to recharge as a teacher, self-care for educators, mental health for teachers, small joys in teaching, faith and wellness, the High 5 Habit, Mel Robbins inspiration