In this heartfelt episode, I'm sharing a mix of laughter, encouragement, and reflection for school counselors wrapping up the year. Drawing from letters written by real counselors, this episode offers wisdom to tuck away for the tough days ahead—and a reminder that your work truly matters.

Highlights:

• 💌 “Dear Future Me…” letters full of humor, heart, and hard-earned advice
• 📢 The importance of advocating for your role (and inviting yourself to the meeting)
• 🧠 What to remember when you're overwhelmed next fall
• 👀 Why checking work emails at home is a big nope
• ✨ A challenge to write your own end-of-year letter

Words of Wisdom from the Episode:

“You’ve walked through hard things and you’re still standing. Your value isn’t determined by someone else’s words.” – Michelle F.

“You are the right person for this job—even when the to-do list says otherwise.” – Darcy C.

Challenge of the Week:

 Write your own "Dear Future Me" letter. Include a reminder of your growth, the wins worth celebrating, and advice for when things get heavy again. Then, save it somewhere to reopen next fall. 💛

Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast

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Connect with Carol:

• TpT Store
• Counseling Essentials Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group
• Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group
• High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

Carol: You're listening to the Counselor Chat Podcast, a show for school counselors looking for easy to implement strategies, how to tips, collaboration, and a little spark of joy.

I'm Carol Miller, your host. I'm a full time school counselor and the face behind Counseling Essentials. I'm all about creating simplified systems, data driven practices, and using creative approaches to engage students.

If you're looking for a little inspiration to help help you make a big impact on student growth and success, you're in the right place. Because we're better together.

Ready to chat?

Let's dive in.

Carol: Hey there counselor friends.

Welcome back to Counselor Chat. It's the podcast that knows you've probably already hidden your walkie talkie in a drawer and you're mentally halfway to summer break if you haven't started already.

Carol I'm Carol Miller, your host and your fellow end of the year warrior. And today's episode is part pep talk,

part permission slip, and part love letter to yourself.

Because today we're talking about Dear Future Me,

an end of the year letter from your school counselor self.

Because let's be honest,

this time of year,

well,

it's a little chaotic. You're closing groups, writing reports,

attending approximately 8,000 IEP meetings, and trying to convince at least one student that yes,

they do need to come to school until the actual last day.

And side note, if you are in New York, it is the end of June.

But as we wind down the school year, I want us to pause and reflect not just on what still needs to be laminated or packed up,

but on how far you've come.

So, Dear Future Me,

let's pretend you're sitting on a porch, drink in hand,

sun shining,

you've got your feet up,

and you're writing a letter to Future you,

Lucky for us, I asked a few fellow school counselors on Facebook last week to help out and their advice. It was spot on.

So I'm going to read some of these to you. Are you ready?

Dear Future Me,

it is okay to reach out for help.

Try to get involved in your local counselor association.

Networking is key.

When I started, we didn't have a platform like this Facebook to share ideas.

Way to go Carol. And that was from Carol C.

Yes, Future, you ask for help.

Collaboration.

It's not a weakness.

It's how we survive and thrive in this work.

Here's our next letter.

Dear Future Me,

Be obvious about the work you're doing,

even if you feel like a broken record.

Share your schedule, tell people what you're doing,

and yes,

invite yourself to all the meetings.

Signed, Diane S.

And my friends. Because the truth is, if you don't advocate for your role,

who will?

And now,

this is my personal favorite that came in. Are you ready?

Dear Future Me,

don't check work emails at home.

You don't make six figures signed by anonymous counselor who deserves an award and a nap.

My friends, can we get that one printed on a mug or maybe a billboard because oh my gosh, that's the best.

Don't check work emails at home. You don't make six figures.

Yeah, maybe I.

I need that on a shirt. Got to think that one back over a little bit more.

But here's another one and this is a little bit more heartfelt. And this is from Michelle F.

That future year will definitely need to hear. Are you ready?

Dear Future Me,

you've walked through hard things and you're still standing.

Your value isn't determined by someone else's words.

What you're feeling is information,

not weakness.

Be proud of the way you've grown and keep choosing growth over perfection.

Once again, signed by Michelle F.

Future you.

You. You're not the same person you were in August.

You're wiser.

You've handled things no one trained you for.

You've had tough conversations,

you've celebrated wins and you made a difference even when it didn't feel like it in the moment.

And let's not forget Laura W. And Nicole K.

Who dropped this brilliant piece of advice.

Dear Future Me,

stop letting folks get under your skin.

Stop taking things personally.

I know he irritated you Again,

blank. Stare him and walk away.

Once again,

those words of advice came from Laura W. And Nicole K.

Future you.

You will encounter that same hallway hero who tells you they wish you had a job where they just play with kids all day.

Yep, we're going to encounter that person.

Remember,

blank stare and walk away.

But here's the mic drop from Darcy C.

Are you ready?

Dear Future self,

remember,

even on the toughest of days, you matter.

When you doubt yourself,

remember the lasting impact your presence makes.

Laugh,

be silly.

The light hearted moments are vital to surviving the dark ones.

You're beautiful,

amazing,

and more than enough.

You're needed,

loved,

and the right girl for this job.

Signed Darcy C.

Let that sink in for a moment, people.

You are the right person for this job even when the to do list says otherwise.

So my friends,

here's your end of the Year Counselor Chat Challenge before you shut your office door for the last time this school year,

take a moment to write your own Dear Future Me letter.

What do you want to remember about this year?

What advice would you give yourself when things feel heavy again?

What wins do you want to celebrate?

Even the tiny ones?

Then put it somewhere safe or email it to yourself with a reminder to open it in October.

Future you is going to need that wisdom,

Counselor friends.

This year.

It was no joke and you did it.

You showed up.

You made it count.

You made it through.

So whether you're headed to the beach,

your couch, or straight into summer school,

please my friends,

take some time for yourself.

Rest,

reflect,

recharge.

And remember,

you're not just doing the work,

you are the work.

Until next time,

I hope you have a wonderful break.

And don't forget,

no checking work emails at home.

You're not making six figures.

Bye for now.

Carol: Thanks for listening to today's episode of Counselor Chat. All of the links I talked about can be found in the show notes and at counselingessentials.org podcast.

Be sure to hit follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast player and if you would be so kind to leave a review, I'd really appreciate it.

Want to connect?

Send me a DM on Facebook or Instagram at Counseling Essentials until next time. Can't wait till we chat.

Bye for now.