Friday, March 06, 2015
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Help me stop bullying
It's been a very long time since I've written. I've been working on the major update of the Strategies for Success curriculum for high schools. I taught the course to a group of college freshmen this summer (they raved about it!!) and I reprised the role of the Fairy Godmother again in Cinderella on tour this summer. Busy, busy, busy! But I love it and am very grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way.
But the biggest thing is the journey to end bullying. As many people know, I wrote my program after the suicide death from bullying of one of my students. The program changed my school and the lives of the over 85% of the students who took it. But bullying continues in our country. And we need to do something...all of us.
I'm working with a group on putting together an Anti-Bullying Summit for my state where we gather people from all communities with a stake in bullying and brainstorm solutions. Better to gather solutions and put them into practice than wait til another student is harmed.
I also applied for a grant from Pepsi and this is where I could use your help. You see the grants go to those people who have the most votes. Now lots of people have voted for American Idol or Dancing with the Stars. This time I need you to vote for my proposal which would get my program in 100 schools, train the teachers, turn the two bullying shows from Kaleidoscope Theatre into DVD's so they can be seen world wide and much more....
Please vote...every day in August...and tell everyone you know to do the same. We can do this..if we take the time to save a life...
Here's how: Text message 101886 to Pepsi (73774) or go to: http://pep.si/bDCjyz
Thanks!!!
But the biggest thing is the journey to end bullying. As many people know, I wrote my program after the suicide death from bullying of one of my students. The program changed my school and the lives of the over 85% of the students who took it. But bullying continues in our country. And we need to do something...all of us.
I'm working with a group on putting together an Anti-Bullying Summit for my state where we gather people from all communities with a stake in bullying and brainstorm solutions. Better to gather solutions and put them into practice than wait til another student is harmed.
I also applied for a grant from Pepsi and this is where I could use your help. You see the grants go to those people who have the most votes. Now lots of people have voted for American Idol or Dancing with the Stars. This time I need you to vote for my proposal which would get my program in 100 schools, train the teachers, turn the two bullying shows from Kaleidoscope Theatre into DVD's so they can be seen world wide and much more....
Please vote...every day in August...and tell everyone you know to do the same. We can do this..if we take the time to save a life...
Here's how: Text message 101886 to Pepsi (73774) or go to: http://pep.si/bDCjyz
Thanks!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Power of Questions
Hi Everyone,
I had a meeting this evening that ended with us talking about questions and how important they are. Now that might sound like a strange topic but questions really do guide our thoughts and our lives. How? Good question!
1. They determine the direction that the conversation is moving toward.
2. They place limits on information. For example, if you ask a child how their day in school went, you often get "Fine" or "Good." Ask them a more open ended question and youget a more detailed answer.
Sometimes we don't ask enough. One of the people at the meeting lost his cell phone
this week and asked the provider if he could get a free replacement. They said he couldn't. Someone else at the meeting said he didn'task enough. He might have asked what he had to do to get a free one which might only have involved extending his contract for another year.
3. They determine our mood. Ask yourself a question like, "Why does everything always happen to me?" or what I consider one of the worst questions to ask yourself, "What elsecould go wrong?"
The funny or not so funny thing about these questions is that our brain answers them. Do you really want to know the answer to why everything always happens to you or what else could go wrong?
When I was teaching my Strategies of Success class, I devoted a couple of lessons to the power of questions. We worked at coming up with questions that improved our day and the students often competed for the 'best question.
Here are some of our favorites:
1. What am I grateful for?
2. What made me smile today?
3. What cool thing is going to happen today?
Asking questions opens the door to our minds. What questions are you asking yourself? Are they improving your day or adding to your daily stress?
What good questions might you ask? Send me your favorites and I'll share them!
What can you do after you read this that will either make your day or someone elses?
Get it?
I had a meeting this evening that ended with us talking about questions and how important they are. Now that might sound like a strange topic but questions really do guide our thoughts and our lives. How? Good question!
1. They determine the direction that the conversation is moving toward.
2. They place limits on information. For example, if you ask a child how their day in school went, you often get "Fine" or "Good." Ask them a more open ended question and youget a more detailed answer.
Sometimes we don't ask enough. One of the people at the meeting lost his cell phone
this week and asked the provider if he could get a free replacement. They said he couldn't. Someone else at the meeting said he didn'task enough. He might have asked what he had to do to get a free one which might only have involved extending his contract for another year.
3. They determine our mood. Ask yourself a question like, "Why does everything always happen to me?" or what I consider one of the worst questions to ask yourself, "What elsecould go wrong?"
The funny or not so funny thing about these questions is that our brain answers them. Do you really want to know the answer to why everything always happens to you or what else could go wrong?
When I was teaching my Strategies of Success class, I devoted a couple of lessons to the power of questions. We worked at coming up with questions that improved our day and the students often competed for the 'best question.
Here are some of our favorites:
1. What am I grateful for?
2. What made me smile today?
3. What cool thing is going to happen today?
Asking questions opens the door to our minds. What questions are you asking yourself? Are they improving your day or adding to your daily stress?
What good questions might you ask? Send me your favorites and I'll share them!
What can you do after you read this that will either make your day or someone elses?
Get it?
Monday, September 10, 2007
Strategies of Success: Providence
Hi Everyone...
If you've been reading my SOS newsletters recently,you know that I was recently in Chicago, a city I fell in love with. Why? The wide streets, the lake,the flowers everywhere, the beautiful architectureold and modern, the river that runs through the city.
Today as I was driving home from a wonderful surprise birthday party for a friend of mine, I hadto take a detour because an accident was blockingmy normal way home. So I drove though the citythat I've lived ten minutes from for most of my life - Providence.
And I looked around and noticed...wide streets,the bay, flowers everywhere, the beautifularchitecture old and modern, the river that runsthrough the city. Wait a minute...that's beenhere all this time and I never truly noticed??
Yup...pretty true. I've taken it for granted...the Waterfire (waterfire.org) along our river that is trulyunique, the Tony award winning Trinity RepertoryCompany, the art along the river most likelyconnected with the renown Rhode Island Schoolof Design, college hill with Brown University,...I could go on and on...
I remember a week ago telling my Dad I'd liketo live in Chicago for month, maybe San Diego.He asked what about Vancouver and Toronto - twoof my favorite Canadian cities...and then heasked, "What about Boston?" Now I'm thinking...
What about Providence? Yes, I love my travelsbut have I really appreciated what's right in front of me? I'm not so sure I have. When weare surrounded by the familiar, our thoughts arenot on what makes them special, but on whateverelse is going on in our lives. We focus on thequickest way through, or worry about being late,or so many other necessities which we don't tend to do when we're somewhere 'special'.
What's in your life that might need another look?The people in your life...do we see what makes themspecial, or just what needs fixing? Do we seethe things we dislike about our jobs or the reasonwe wanted them in the first place? Are we alwayswishing we were somewhere else when where we areis worth truly looking at?
Look around, pay attention...appreciate...we eachhave so much more than we often realize.
Thanks Providence...lesson learned...
If you've been reading my SOS newsletters recently,you know that I was recently in Chicago, a city I fell in love with. Why? The wide streets, the lake,the flowers everywhere, the beautiful architectureold and modern, the river that runs through the city.
Today as I was driving home from a wonderful surprise birthday party for a friend of mine, I hadto take a detour because an accident was blockingmy normal way home. So I drove though the citythat I've lived ten minutes from for most of my life - Providence.
And I looked around and noticed...wide streets,the bay, flowers everywhere, the beautifularchitecture old and modern, the river that runsthrough the city. Wait a minute...that's beenhere all this time and I never truly noticed??
Yup...pretty true. I've taken it for granted...the Waterfire (waterfire.org) along our river that is trulyunique, the Tony award winning Trinity RepertoryCompany, the art along the river most likelyconnected with the renown Rhode Island Schoolof Design, college hill with Brown University,...I could go on and on...
I remember a week ago telling my Dad I'd liketo live in Chicago for month, maybe San Diego.He asked what about Vancouver and Toronto - twoof my favorite Canadian cities...and then heasked, "What about Boston?" Now I'm thinking...
What about Providence? Yes, I love my travelsbut have I really appreciated what's right in front of me? I'm not so sure I have. When weare surrounded by the familiar, our thoughts arenot on what makes them special, but on whateverelse is going on in our lives. We focus on thequickest way through, or worry about being late,or so many other necessities which we don't tend to do when we're somewhere 'special'.
What's in your life that might need another look?The people in your life...do we see what makes themspecial, or just what needs fixing? Do we seethe things we dislike about our jobs or the reasonwe wanted them in the first place? Are we alwayswishing we were somewhere else when where we areis worth truly looking at?
Look around, pay attention...appreciate...we eachhave so much more than we often realize.
Thanks Providence...lesson learned...
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Secrets of Success: Got work? Have fun!
I'm sitting at my favorite work place - PaneraBread where I can sit all day and work with freeinternet and a change of scenery from working athome.
I got up to get a free refill on my cup of teaand heard the three young women working behindthe counter laughing. I said something like,You sure know how to have fun" and they saidthey were laughing to motivate themselves todo the cleaning they had to do. I told themthat I'm in the business of motivating peopleand asked them what their secret was. They toldme that they found out what job they each likedto do best and which ones they weren't too crazy about. Then they split up the jobs soeach got to do the one they liked best and didn't have to do the one they liked least.
What a great strategy! They were laughing andhaving fun all the while really working hard(as opposed to when you see a bunch of peoplelaughing and talking while ignoring the customersand not getting much done).
It reminds me yet again that it's all about howwhat we experience in our lives is all abouthow we choose to look at it. They made a commitment to each other...saying that theyeven "pinky swore" (a serious commitment fromchildhood days) to do a good job on the taskthey were assigned to.
Nice...reminds me of when I was a teenager working in the grocery store. My friendDonna and I hated the long hours on Saturdaywhen the store was so crowded...until oneday we decided to make a contest of it. Whoever had the most money in their drawerat the end of the day won. You should haveseen us trying to get the customers intoour lane!
What's on your to do list that you could make more fun? It's your life...you get tochoose...as for me, I'm having fun watchingthose girls have fun while I'm getting my work done!
Cheers!
I got up to get a free refill on my cup of teaand heard the three young women working behindthe counter laughing. I said something like,You sure know how to have fun" and they saidthey were laughing to motivate themselves todo the cleaning they had to do. I told themthat I'm in the business of motivating peopleand asked them what their secret was. They toldme that they found out what job they each likedto do best and which ones they weren't too crazy about. Then they split up the jobs soeach got to do the one they liked best and didn't have to do the one they liked least.
What a great strategy! They were laughing andhaving fun all the while really working hard(as opposed to when you see a bunch of peoplelaughing and talking while ignoring the customersand not getting much done).
It reminds me yet again that it's all about howwhat we experience in our lives is all abouthow we choose to look at it. They made a commitment to each other...saying that theyeven "pinky swore" (a serious commitment fromchildhood days) to do a good job on the taskthey were assigned to.
Nice...reminds me of when I was a teenager working in the grocery store. My friendDonna and I hated the long hours on Saturdaywhen the store was so crowded...until oneday we decided to make a contest of it. Whoever had the most money in their drawerat the end of the day won. You should haveseen us trying to get the customers intoour lane!
What's on your to do list that you could make more fun? It's your life...you get tochoose...as for me, I'm having fun watchingthose girls have fun while I'm getting my work done!
Cheers!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Secrets of Success: Seeing things from another perspective
Hi Everyone,
Well I finally got to see one of my favorite neighborhoodsfrom the other side. I'm blessed to live in a communityon the water - beautiful Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island.Although I don't live on the water - yet - I do my daily walking there. And yesterday, I got to see it from the other side.
My brother brought his boat over to a family 4th of Julyparty and took us out into the bay past all the housesthat I often wonder about. And it got me to wondering about how often we don't get a chance to see things fromanother perspective.
* Driver cutting in front of you? What was going on atthat moment in time for them? What was the chance thatthey cut you off intentionally? Better yet, how often have we been the ones doing the cutting off?
* Family disagreement? We wonder why they can't see itour way when perhaps we should put ourselves in theirshoes to see how they might see it.
* Someone not return a text message, call, email or IM?How often do we jump to conclusions - usually negative ones - rather than putting ourselves in their livesand trying to understand why?
Two things come to mind.1.Dr. Wayne Dyer who says, "Stop looking for reasons tobe offended."
2. The activity I used to have my Strategies of Successstudents do - ask "How else could I see this?"
Next time you can't figure out why someone did what theydid, maybe it's not a bad idea to try to see it from their perspective. Things look quite different fromthere.
Well I finally got to see one of my favorite neighborhoodsfrom the other side. I'm blessed to live in a communityon the water - beautiful Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island.Although I don't live on the water - yet - I do my daily walking there. And yesterday, I got to see it from the other side.
My brother brought his boat over to a family 4th of Julyparty and took us out into the bay past all the housesthat I often wonder about. And it got me to wondering about how often we don't get a chance to see things fromanother perspective.
* Driver cutting in front of you? What was going on atthat moment in time for them? What was the chance thatthey cut you off intentionally? Better yet, how often have we been the ones doing the cutting off?
* Family disagreement? We wonder why they can't see itour way when perhaps we should put ourselves in theirshoes to see how they might see it.
* Someone not return a text message, call, email or IM?How often do we jump to conclusions - usually negative ones - rather than putting ourselves in their livesand trying to understand why?
Two things come to mind.1.Dr. Wayne Dyer who says, "Stop looking for reasons tobe offended."
2. The activity I used to have my Strategies of Successstudents do - ask "How else could I see this?"
Next time you can't figure out why someone did what theydid, maybe it's not a bad idea to try to see it from their perspective. Things look quite different fromthere.
Monday, April 16, 2007
School Violence...Again
We need solutions to this violence. There are no easy ones. It seems just yesterday that Columbine was the news and now Virginia Tech.
I don't know the details of this shooting yet...no one does. But I do know we need solutions.
I have one. I began creating it the day of Columbine. I remember saying to myself we can't lose another precious child to violence...we have to do something. That day led me on a journey to create a high school course to supply what teens are missing in their lives. It took me 2 years to research, get training and write the course. It came into being in the fall of 2001.
This course teaches kids how to respect themselves and those around them. It shows them how to build a team with the others who happen to land in the same class as them all while teaching them how they learn best, how to overcome their weaknesses and honor their strengths, how to give back and how to do the right thing for all the right reasons. Students learn all this and much more...
The course is now in its 6th year and as popular as it was from the day of its inception. It has won awards and is now a finalist in the Cable in the Classroom's Leaders in Learning Awards for 2007. It's now a book ready for any high school to adopt...
Is it the answer to all of the issues that face our schools? No, nothing is...but this works...it's been used by over 2000 students who have nothing but high praise for the impact it's had on their lives. They say, "Keep changing lives."
If you know a school that can benefit from having this program...where kids can have the ability to feel special in a world where they often feel ignored, where kids feel safe and honored, where teens get the chance to expand their comfort zone and learn the skills, manners and ethics they often miss...then please pass on this website: strategiesofsuccess.com.
Thank you...let's not lose one more precious student...please.
I don't know the details of this shooting yet...no one does. But I do know we need solutions.
I have one. I began creating it the day of Columbine. I remember saying to myself we can't lose another precious child to violence...we have to do something. That day led me on a journey to create a high school course to supply what teens are missing in their lives. It took me 2 years to research, get training and write the course. It came into being in the fall of 2001.
This course teaches kids how to respect themselves and those around them. It shows them how to build a team with the others who happen to land in the same class as them all while teaching them how they learn best, how to overcome their weaknesses and honor their strengths, how to give back and how to do the right thing for all the right reasons. Students learn all this and much more...
The course is now in its 6th year and as popular as it was from the day of its inception. It has won awards and is now a finalist in the Cable in the Classroom's Leaders in Learning Awards for 2007. It's now a book ready for any high school to adopt...
Is it the answer to all of the issues that face our schools? No, nothing is...but this works...it's been used by over 2000 students who have nothing but high praise for the impact it's had on their lives. They say, "Keep changing lives."
If you know a school that can benefit from having this program...where kids can have the ability to feel special in a world where they often feel ignored, where kids feel safe and honored, where teens get the chance to expand their comfort zone and learn the skills, manners and ethics they often miss...then please pass on this website: strategiesofsuccess.com.
Thank you...let's not lose one more precious student...please.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Strategies of Success: What about me?
I read an article today in USA today about how self-centered we've become as a society. The author was stating that people in conversations these days often just talk about themselves and never even ask a single question of the person they're talking to.
I thought about that for a bit. Have we lost the ability to think about others? Or are there other reasons?
I'm interested in other people but often have had difficulty questioning them. It always feels a bit like prying. Plus I've always been a bit shy which no one who knows me believes. I also wonder if it goes back to an event when I was about 8 years old. I had blabbed (my mother's term) to a neighbor that I couldn't have a new bike because my Dad needed a new suit. My mother was furious with me or at least it seemed that way to my 8 year old brain. She told me to keep my mouth shut. No one needed to know our business and we didn't need to know theirs.
I'm sitting by the pool in Florida pondering why people aren't as curious about each other. I'm promising myself to ask more than I currently do. An elderly gentleman who I've known for many years at this timeshare comes up and says, "Tell me about your life. Are you happy?"
Now that's a questions!
Looking to connect better with the people in your life? Don't just tell about you - ask them about their lives. You'll be glad you did!
I thought about that for a bit. Have we lost the ability to think about others? Or are there other reasons?
I'm interested in other people but often have had difficulty questioning them. It always feels a bit like prying. Plus I've always been a bit shy which no one who knows me believes. I also wonder if it goes back to an event when I was about 8 years old. I had blabbed (my mother's term) to a neighbor that I couldn't have a new bike because my Dad needed a new suit. My mother was furious with me or at least it seemed that way to my 8 year old brain. She told me to keep my mouth shut. No one needed to know our business and we didn't need to know theirs.
I'm sitting by the pool in Florida pondering why people aren't as curious about each other. I'm promising myself to ask more than I currently do. An elderly gentleman who I've known for many years at this timeshare comes up and says, "Tell me about your life. Are you happy?"
Now that's a questions!
Looking to connect better with the people in your life? Don't just tell about you - ask them about their lives. You'll be glad you did!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Strategies of Success: Being in the moment
Are you living in the moment? Or are you spending your time wishing you were somewhere else? How about being in that place you always wanted to be and yet still not really being there?
What's this all about?
I'm a big baseball fan. My team? The Boston Red Sox. So here I am in Florida where for the first time I get to go to spring training. What did I catch myself doing while I was watching my favorite players? Going through my pictures and text messages in my cell phone! Yikes!
Good news is that I caught myself before the whole experience was over. After all the years that I couldn't come here because I was in school, after missing them the first year I had tickets because my Dad had surgery, after last year when I arrived and missed them by an hour - here I was not watching them and enjoying the environment but playing with my cell phone!!
What's going on? Technology addiction? Or was it the habit of not truly living in the moment?
How many times have we missed truly being with the people we love because we'e paying more attention to our cell phone, blackberry, laptop or TV?
How often do we miss the beauty around us because we've thinking of things we need to do or things we wish we had done better?
I can't speak for you but as for me, it's time to quiet the technology except for when it's truly necessary. Time to savor where I am and who I'm with. I don't ever get this time back. Do I want to look back and say, remember that trip where I was online or on the phone all the time?
For right now, time to put down my pen and look out at the beautiful Gulf of Mexico which I'm blessed to have right in front of me. Now that's a moment to be in!
What's this all about?
I'm a big baseball fan. My team? The Boston Red Sox. So here I am in Florida where for the first time I get to go to spring training. What did I catch myself doing while I was watching my favorite players? Going through my pictures and text messages in my cell phone! Yikes!
Good news is that I caught myself before the whole experience was over. After all the years that I couldn't come here because I was in school, after missing them the first year I had tickets because my Dad had surgery, after last year when I arrived and missed them by an hour - here I was not watching them and enjoying the environment but playing with my cell phone!!
What's going on? Technology addiction? Or was it the habit of not truly living in the moment?
How many times have we missed truly being with the people we love because we'e paying more attention to our cell phone, blackberry, laptop or TV?
How often do we miss the beauty around us because we've thinking of things we need to do or things we wish we had done better?
I can't speak for you but as for me, it's time to quiet the technology except for when it's truly necessary. Time to savor where I am and who I'm with. I don't ever get this time back. Do I want to look back and say, remember that trip where I was online or on the phone all the time?
For right now, time to put down my pen and look out at the beautiful Gulf of Mexico which I'm blessed to have right in front of me. Now that's a moment to be in!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Strategies of Success: Stranded on a plane for 11 hours!!
Jet Passengers Stranded on Icy Tarmac for 11 Hours
Traveling soon? Are you fully prepared for this?
"NEW YORK (Feb. 15) - JetBlue Airways Corp. tried to calm a maelstrom of criticism Thursday, after passengers were left waiting on planes at a New ork airport for as long as 11 hours during a snow and ice storm." AP News as seen in AOL news
Would you have had enough to do to keep you occupied?
While no one expects to be stuck on a plane for as long as 11 hours, winter weather certainly canmake travel troublesome.
Whether you're trapped on a plane or stuck at an airport waiting for that very same plane, youneed to have plenty to do to pass the time andrelieve the boredom not only for you but for therest of your traveling party.
As the title of this blog says, I'm the Strategies person...the one always looking forthe 'Secret of Success" in a situation. I am constantly on the lookout for solutions. This timeI actually created my own.
Check out my Travel Activity Book athttp://www.travelactivitybook.com
It's ready to download, print and stuff into yourluggage for the trip you may be just abut to take.
It's even ready to go if you're not traveling butmaybe stuck in the 8+ feet of snow in upstateNew York or wherever you may be.
It was designed to ease both boredom and stress and or course, I made it so that you'd enjoy the processas well.
Want to learn more...http://www.travelactivitybook.com
Traveling soon? Are you fully prepared for this?
"NEW YORK (Feb. 15) - JetBlue Airways Corp. tried to calm a maelstrom of criticism Thursday, after passengers were left waiting on planes at a New ork airport for as long as 11 hours during a snow and ice storm." AP News as seen in AOL news
Would you have had enough to do to keep you occupied?
While no one expects to be stuck on a plane for as long as 11 hours, winter weather certainly canmake travel troublesome.
Whether you're trapped on a plane or stuck at an airport waiting for that very same plane, youneed to have plenty to do to pass the time andrelieve the boredom not only for you but for therest of your traveling party.
As the title of this blog says, I'm the Strategies person...the one always looking forthe 'Secret of Success" in a situation. I am constantly on the lookout for solutions. This timeI actually created my own.
Check out my Travel Activity Book athttp://www.travelactivitybook.com
It's ready to download, print and stuff into yourluggage for the trip you may be just abut to take.
It's even ready to go if you're not traveling butmaybe stuck in the 8+ feet of snow in upstateNew York or wherever you may be.
It was designed to ease both boredom and stress and or course, I made it so that you'd enjoy the processas well.
Want to learn more...http://www.travelactivitybook.com
Why this book?
- requires no batteries
- you'll have it ready to go minutes after purchase
- good for all but the youngest family members
- can be used over and over again
- can be printed out on most home or office printers
- inexpenisve - only $9.95* includes free bonus travel tips
- it's fun to do
Feel free to pass this on!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Strategies of Success; Valentine's Day
“If I could give you one gift, I would give you the ability to see yourself as I see you so that you could see how truly special you are.”
This entry is from a daily sheet I would give my students on Valentine's Day. I thought it was worth sharing with all of you since when it somes to romance, we're all kids at heart!
**************************************
Some thoughts on Valentine’s Day
For those of you that have a special Valentine, be sure to use their best style to show them you care. If they’re visual – make sure you give them something they can see – a gift and a card. If they’re auditory – make sure you tell them how you feel about them. If they’re kinesthetic – make sure you hug them or hold their hand so they’ll feel how you care for them.
For those of you who don’t currently have a special someone, Valentine’s day can seem difficult. Just because you don’t currently have a special Valentine does not mean someone special doesn’t care about you. You might not have found out yet. Maybe they’re too shy to let you know.
This might be a good time to imagine what you want that special person to be like. Many people have found the person of their dreams by writing their vision. Maybe you could use this Valentine’s Day to describe in detail all the qualities you’d like and wouldn’t like in the person who will someday share your life.
Another thing to consider. It might be better being on your own than being in a bad relationship. Spend the day focusing on who you have in your life rather than who you don’t have.
This might be a good time to remember how strong we really are and how much we appreciate all the people in our lives, not just our sweetheart. Take a minute today to tell the people in your life how much you care about them and how lucky you are that they are in your life. This might include your parents, your brothers and sisters, your grandparents, your friends, maybe even your teachers?
How about the people in the military? Maybe it’s a good day to write a letter to soldier. Give it a try…I can promise you it will change your day in ways you can’t even imagine!
And have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
This entry is from a daily sheet I would give my students on Valentine's Day. I thought it was worth sharing with all of you since when it somes to romance, we're all kids at heart!
**************************************
Some thoughts on Valentine’s Day
For those of you that have a special Valentine, be sure to use their best style to show them you care. If they’re visual – make sure you give them something they can see – a gift and a card. If they’re auditory – make sure you tell them how you feel about them. If they’re kinesthetic – make sure you hug them or hold their hand so they’ll feel how you care for them.
For those of you who don’t currently have a special someone, Valentine’s day can seem difficult. Just because you don’t currently have a special Valentine does not mean someone special doesn’t care about you. You might not have found out yet. Maybe they’re too shy to let you know.
This might be a good time to imagine what you want that special person to be like. Many people have found the person of their dreams by writing their vision. Maybe you could use this Valentine’s Day to describe in detail all the qualities you’d like and wouldn’t like in the person who will someday share your life.
Another thing to consider. It might be better being on your own than being in a bad relationship. Spend the day focusing on who you have in your life rather than who you don’t have.
This might be a good time to remember how strong we really are and how much we appreciate all the people in our lives, not just our sweetheart. Take a minute today to tell the people in your life how much you care about them and how lucky you are that they are in your life. This might include your parents, your brothers and sisters, your grandparents, your friends, maybe even your teachers?
How about the people in the military? Maybe it’s a good day to write a letter to soldier. Give it a try…I can promise you it will change your day in ways you can’t even imagine!
And have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Strategies of Success: Thank you notes
Ok...the holidays are mostly over and most of us have received gifts from someone. Time to write our thank you notes.
What? You don't do thank you notes? I didn't either until I became best friends with Annie...the Queen of the Thank You Note! She wrote them for all sorts of things. And I'm so glad she did.
You see her thank you notes are all that I have left from her other than a few photos and of course some extra-ordinary memories. As I've written previouslly, my dear best friend Annie passed away this year.
How I cherish those thank you notes. I get to read again and again how much my friendship meant to her especially these last few years as her cancer began taking more and more of her freedoms and liberties away from her. She didn't have to write those notes but I was always thrilled to get one and now of course, they mean even more.
So when I get home from the coffee shop that I spend my afternoons in, I'm going to begin writing out my thank yous to all the people who took the time to buy me something this holiday season or who in some way add to my life.
I hope the notes make their day as much as Annie's continue to make mine.
Hope you had a great holiday!
What? You don't do thank you notes? I didn't either until I became best friends with Annie...the Queen of the Thank You Note! She wrote them for all sorts of things. And I'm so glad she did.
You see her thank you notes are all that I have left from her other than a few photos and of course some extra-ordinary memories. As I've written previouslly, my dear best friend Annie passed away this year.
How I cherish those thank you notes. I get to read again and again how much my friendship meant to her especially these last few years as her cancer began taking more and more of her freedoms and liberties away from her. She didn't have to write those notes but I was always thrilled to get one and now of course, they mean even more.
So when I get home from the coffee shop that I spend my afternoons in, I'm going to begin writing out my thank yous to all the people who took the time to buy me something this holiday season or who in some way add to my life.
I hope the notes make their day as much as Annie's continue to make mine.
Hope you had a great holiday!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Strategies of Success: Holiday Travel Tips
Worried about being bored while stuck traveling this holiday?
Do you get stressed and nervous when you travel and wish there was something that would take your mind off everything?
Then check out the Travel Activity Book full of great activities to keep you occupied whether you're flying, driving, taking the train or stuck somewhere!
Included with it is a bonus travel guide with links to
Do you get stressed and nervous when you travel and wish there was something that would take your mind off everything?
Then check out the Travel Activity Book full of great activities to keep you occupied whether you're flying, driving, taking the train or stuck somewhere!
Included with it is a bonus travel guide with links to
- track the flight of someone you're picking up at the airport
- what to pack for both plane and train trips
- track flight delays
- check weather along the trip
and much more!
Ready to download immediately so that you can print it out and take it with you!
For more information on the Travel Activity Book with bonus travel guide, click here.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Strategies of Success: Holiday Stress Part 2
THANKFULLNESS
When we are as busy as we all are this time of year, it's easy to be cranky and stressed.
Here's a list of some of the things that irritate us the most...and why if we look at things differently as my quote at the bottom of this email says, we might be more gratefulinstead of frustrated.
I received it from one of my favorite siteswhose name says it all, The Happy Guy. If youwant to link to him directly, check the end ofthe email.
I am thankful for the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, and not out with someone else.
I am thankful for the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is homewith me and not out at the bars.
I am thankful for the teenager who is complainingabout doing dishes because it means she is at home,not on the streets.
I am thankful for the taxes I pay because it means I am employed.
I am thankful for my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.
I am thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
I am thankful for all the complaining I hear aboutthe government because it means I have freedom of speech.
I am thankful for the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.
I am thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means I am alive.
I am thankful for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.
I am thankful for my shadow that watches me workbecause it means I am out in the sunshine.
I am thankful for the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.
And finally, I am thankful for too much e-mail because it means I have friends who are thinkingof me.
So send this to someone you care about. I just did.And thanks for being part of my newsletter community!
This came from the Happy Guy . Find him at: http://hop.clickbank.net/?happynews/happysite
When we are as busy as we all are this time of year, it's easy to be cranky and stressed.
Here's a list of some of the things that irritate us the most...and why if we look at things differently as my quote at the bottom of this email says, we might be more gratefulinstead of frustrated.
I received it from one of my favorite siteswhose name says it all, The Happy Guy. If youwant to link to him directly, check the end ofthe email.
I am thankful for the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, and not out with someone else.
I am thankful for the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is homewith me and not out at the bars.
I am thankful for the teenager who is complainingabout doing dishes because it means she is at home,not on the streets.
I am thankful for the taxes I pay because it means I am employed.
I am thankful for my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.
I am thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
I am thankful for all the complaining I hear aboutthe government because it means I have freedom of speech.
I am thankful for the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.
I am thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means I am alive.
I am thankful for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.
I am thankful for my shadow that watches me workbecause it means I am out in the sunshine.
I am thankful for the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.
And finally, I am thankful for too much e-mail because it means I have friends who are thinkingof me.
So send this to someone you care about. I just did.And thanks for being part of my newsletter community!
This came from the Happy Guy . Find him at: http://hop.clickbank.net/?happynews/happysite
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Strategies of Success: Holiday Shopping
What's your shopping strategy? Run around at the last minute?
Do you dread the malls? Hate trying to find the right gift for everyone?
Here's my strategy which has left me free of the shopping stress this year. I shop all year. As I go about the year, I check out interesting places and see if anything there might be the perfect thing someone on my gift giving list would like. So by the time Christmas comes or birthdays, I just go to my bag/box of goodies and pull out the appropriate gift.
This works really well for me especially since i'm not a big shopper. But I do travel around a bit and going places offers me opportunities to see unique stores. I'm a bit more interested in checking those places out because they might have things that will remind me of my time there. But usually I don't buy for me...I buy for someone else. And often there are great bargains to be found.
Even if you don't travel much in your life...and to be honest, most of my traveling is just driving trips around the New England area...expand your life a bit, see a little more of the world around and poke around in some the unusual shops/stores.
And start your holiday shopping for 2007 as soon as you've recovered from this holiday!
Do you dread the malls? Hate trying to find the right gift for everyone?
Here's my strategy which has left me free of the shopping stress this year. I shop all year. As I go about the year, I check out interesting places and see if anything there might be the perfect thing someone on my gift giving list would like. So by the time Christmas comes or birthdays, I just go to my bag/box of goodies and pull out the appropriate gift.
This works really well for me especially since i'm not a big shopper. But I do travel around a bit and going places offers me opportunities to see unique stores. I'm a bit more interested in checking those places out because they might have things that will remind me of my time there. But usually I don't buy for me...I buy for someone else. And often there are great bargains to be found.
Even if you don't travel much in your life...and to be honest, most of my traveling is just driving trips around the New England area...expand your life a bit, see a little more of the world around and poke around in some the unusual shops/stores.
And start your holiday shopping for 2007 as soon as you've recovered from this holiday!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Strategies of Success: Holiday Strategies Part 1
The holiday season certainly presents its share of challenges. A friend of mine called and told me how disgusted she was with all the commercialism of the holidays. She was obviously stressed and focused on the negative aspects of this time ofyear. Although I certainly honor her feelings, it reminded me that this time of year is what wemake of it.
I know all the negative connections - the rushing around, the traffic, the exhaustion of trying to do everything after a busy day of work. But a few years ago, I changed the way I look at the holidays. I began to pay attention to the things that ony seem to happen during this time..things I know I miss when they're gone.
Like what you ask?
Like the lights on houses. I'm not crazy about darkness descending at 4 pm here in the NortheastUS but that means the lights come on earlier. And we have some pretty spectacular ones around.
I like that people make an extra effort to get together during the holidayas. Sure it's hectic but there's something fun about squeezing in all these visits.
I like the traditions. I like creating new ones. Here are two that I miss. When I was the drama director at my school, the members of the drama club would go Christmas caroling collecting money for a needy charity. I miss that. I tried a fewyears ago to go with some current students but only three showed up. We went anyway but we sounded pretty pathetic.
Another tradition I miss was when there were so many small children in my family that it made opening the presents at my parents house a total zoo. As the oldest sibling, I named myself Chief Elf. About 30 minutes before present opening time, I had a meeting of my elves...the children who were 5 and under. I gave them the game plan - the elf mission as it were. I would sit under the tree, they would bring me the presents. I would read the name on the tags and they would deliver each present to the proper recipient. They felt so important and it kept things a tad more sane. I miss that. The youngest elf is now a freshman in high school!
So for me, it's time to create a few new traditions.This has been a difficult year for me because I lost my best friend. But I will focus on all the great things that the season brings...the warm cozy coffee shop I'm writing in, the strategies class I created years ago in which current students are now paying good deeds forward.
So much to be grateful for and to enjoy...if we just give ourselves the chance...
I know all the negative connections - the rushing around, the traffic, the exhaustion of trying to do everything after a busy day of work. But a few years ago, I changed the way I look at the holidays. I began to pay attention to the things that ony seem to happen during this time..things I know I miss when they're gone.
Like what you ask?
Like the lights on houses. I'm not crazy about darkness descending at 4 pm here in the NortheastUS but that means the lights come on earlier. And we have some pretty spectacular ones around.
I like that people make an extra effort to get together during the holidayas. Sure it's hectic but there's something fun about squeezing in all these visits.
I like the traditions. I like creating new ones. Here are two that I miss. When I was the drama director at my school, the members of the drama club would go Christmas caroling collecting money for a needy charity. I miss that. I tried a fewyears ago to go with some current students but only three showed up. We went anyway but we sounded pretty pathetic.
Another tradition I miss was when there were so many small children in my family that it made opening the presents at my parents house a total zoo. As the oldest sibling, I named myself Chief Elf. About 30 minutes before present opening time, I had a meeting of my elves...the children who were 5 and under. I gave them the game plan - the elf mission as it were. I would sit under the tree, they would bring me the presents. I would read the name on the tags and they would deliver each present to the proper recipient. They felt so important and it kept things a tad more sane. I miss that. The youngest elf is now a freshman in high school!
So for me, it's time to create a few new traditions.This has been a difficult year for me because I lost my best friend. But I will focus on all the great things that the season brings...the warm cozy coffee shop I'm writing in, the strategies class I created years ago in which current students are now paying good deeds forward.
So much to be grateful for and to enjoy...if we just give ourselves the chance...
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Strategies of Success: Reinventing myself
Today I woke up determined to make the changes I've been wanting to make for a long time. One of the first things I did was to make a list of how I wanted each day to go and how to make the weeks fit together productively. You see I do what a lot of you would love to do - I work from home.
Now I know that sounds wonderful...and I won't kid you, most of the time it is. I set my own hours, can work in my jeans or a bathrobe if that's what I feel like wearing that day. Everything I need is close by and I never have to commute on a snowy day or get up before dawn if I don't want to.
But working from home has its challenges. I no longer can bounce ideas off and enjoy the company of my employees when I owned a flight school. I no longer have 1300 people around to absorb energy from as I did when I taught high school. I have to motivate myself on those days when all I want to do is sit in front of the TV and veg.
But mostly I have to make myself stop working. When you work from home...you're at work as soon as you put your feet down on the floor each morning. Between popping out of the office to do household chores and errands and taking my laptop around the house, I was finding that I never NOT working. No boundaries...all work...all the time....
So today the list was born. I decided when I would work...and when I would stop. I even wrote where I would work...so it wasn't always at home. So here I sit at a lovely little coffee shop...knowing that even though I'm finally gettiing back to the blogs I promised to write frequently...I can have a new perspective and a bit more say in making this new life one I truly enjoy!
My message to you....enjoy what your job has...even if you can't work from home like Ido. Find what you have that you'd miss if you were gone and enjoy it each day!
Now I know that sounds wonderful...and I won't kid you, most of the time it is. I set my own hours, can work in my jeans or a bathrobe if that's what I feel like wearing that day. Everything I need is close by and I never have to commute on a snowy day or get up before dawn if I don't want to.
But working from home has its challenges. I no longer can bounce ideas off and enjoy the company of my employees when I owned a flight school. I no longer have 1300 people around to absorb energy from as I did when I taught high school. I have to motivate myself on those days when all I want to do is sit in front of the TV and veg.
But mostly I have to make myself stop working. When you work from home...you're at work as soon as you put your feet down on the floor each morning. Between popping out of the office to do household chores and errands and taking my laptop around the house, I was finding that I never NOT working. No boundaries...all work...all the time....
So today the list was born. I decided when I would work...and when I would stop. I even wrote where I would work...so it wasn't always at home. So here I sit at a lovely little coffee shop...knowing that even though I'm finally gettiing back to the blogs I promised to write frequently...I can have a new perspective and a bit more say in making this new life one I truly enjoy!
My message to you....enjoy what your job has...even if you can't work from home like Ido. Find what you have that you'd miss if you were gone and enjoy it each day!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Change
How do we know when it's time to make a change? Sometimes we can feel that something isn't just right. The job...the relationship...the house we live in. While we certainly can't make major changes at a whim particularly when others are dependent on us or it's financially unwise, sometimes it pays to listen to that inner voice that's letting us know we're not where we belong.
I left teaching two years ago. I loved being the in the classroom with my students especialy since I was teaching a class I created. But I felt that rumbling within telling me it was time to move on. I didn't want to listen because although I loved what I was teaching and especially the way it was changing the lives of the teens in front of me, I was looking to new challenges again. Teaching anything 20 times in 3 years can do that to you especially after teaching 25 years before that. Should I leave or should I stay? I was lucky...I had the required 28 years of teaching to garner a minimum retirement check so I could leave if I wanted to.
Why I left became more clear cut that last year. My best friend had terminal cancer. She had been waiting for me to retire so we could travel together (her husband didn't enjoy travel). I didn't want to miss her last years being a busy classroom teacher.
I knew leaving was truly the right thing for me when my students asked me to leave. No, they weren't kicking me out but instead telling me straight out that my course was 'changing lives' and that 'every teen in America needed to take my course.'
OK...message received. It was time for me to go. Looking back now, it was the right decision although I missed the kids and my colleagues terribly. I did get to spend 2 amazing years with my best friend or as she called us "twin sisters from different mothers." We made the most of our time, adapting our adventures to whatever her treatments allowed.
This Monday confirmed I made the right decision. I had guest lectured for the day at the Strategies of Success classes in my old classroom. As much as I enjoyed it, I remembered that it no longer fit who I was. I'm someone who needs to put everything I can into whatever it is I'm working on...and then move on. It was time...
Glad I listened to that rumbling...
I left teaching two years ago. I loved being the in the classroom with my students especialy since I was teaching a class I created. But I felt that rumbling within telling me it was time to move on. I didn't want to listen because although I loved what I was teaching and especially the way it was changing the lives of the teens in front of me, I was looking to new challenges again. Teaching anything 20 times in 3 years can do that to you especially after teaching 25 years before that. Should I leave or should I stay? I was lucky...I had the required 28 years of teaching to garner a minimum retirement check so I could leave if I wanted to.
Why I left became more clear cut that last year. My best friend had terminal cancer. She had been waiting for me to retire so we could travel together (her husband didn't enjoy travel). I didn't want to miss her last years being a busy classroom teacher.
I knew leaving was truly the right thing for me when my students asked me to leave. No, they weren't kicking me out but instead telling me straight out that my course was 'changing lives' and that 'every teen in America needed to take my course.'
OK...message received. It was time for me to go. Looking back now, it was the right decision although I missed the kids and my colleagues terribly. I did get to spend 2 amazing years with my best friend or as she called us "twin sisters from different mothers." We made the most of our time, adapting our adventures to whatever her treatments allowed.
This Monday confirmed I made the right decision. I had guest lectured for the day at the Strategies of Success classes in my old classroom. As much as I enjoyed it, I remembered that it no longer fit who I was. I'm someone who needs to put everything I can into whatever it is I'm working on...and then move on. It was time...
Glad I listened to that rumbling...
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Losing and finding
Ok...it's been way too long since I've been on here. In some ways I've lost a lot of time but I needed that time to heal. Writing something that others would see was too hard the past few months so I gave myself the option of getting other things done that didn't involve being creative. I read a lot, watched a lot of the kind of TV where I could learn something, took notes so that I could use what I learned later. That worked for me. Doing the more mundane was manageable. I used a lot of the strategies I've learned to get through this difficult time.
So what did I learn that would be useful to others?
So what did I learn that would be useful to others?
- Don't be too hard on yourself in tough times.
- Don't take on tasks that you don't really have to do.
- Do other smaller tasks that you know you can handle.
- Listen to your body. You'll probably need more rest. Get someone to help you if you can so that you can get the rest your body needs.
- If you're really upset, try writing out your feelings in a journal or on a piece of paper. What you write does not have to be perfect or spelled correctly. This is for you, not your old English teacher.
- For some that don't like to write, say what you need to say out loud to a trusted friend or relative, on a cassette, or to an empty room. It's the writing and the saying that seems to release the hold these feelings have on us
- If you like to read, take advantage of the many wonderful resources that are out there. I just read a wonderful book by Dr. Wayne Dyer which showed up exactly at the time that I needed it most. I had ordered it as a fill in on my Amazon order so I could get free shipping (I'd rather get a book than pay for shipping). It was perfect for where I was at that moment of time. Seems there truly are no coincidences. Maybe it's just what you need too. Here it is on Amazon
Being In Balance: 9 Principles for Creating Habits to Match Your Desires
Losing someone we love is the most difficult challenge we humans face. But we do get through somehow which speaks to the resiliency of the human spirit. Finding we have ways to cope makes the journey just a bit more bearable.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Connecting with people who have lost someone close
If we haven't yet experienced the loss of someone very close to us, we will. It's inevitable. It's a very difficult time which takes months if not a lifetime to get through. While the person suffering the loss must employ strategies to help them cope with the sadness of losing someone they love, they would most like to be supported by having those around them reach out to them.
Sure everyone sends their regrets immediately upon the loss. Some call. Some connect at the wake and funeral. Some send cards. But then the contact disappears. Perhaps it's more frequent towards immediate family members but as someone who just lost an extremely close friend who was like a sister to me, I could really use a few more people checking in.
I do have a long distance friend who calls me regularly and another close local friend who has brought me dinner and supported me at the wake and funeral. Another old friend gave up his day to be with me during the funeral and I'm extremely grateful. But I'm amazed how few other people I've heard from since.
Two things I know. People are busy with their own lives and although their intentions are good, they forget. And many people just don't know what to do or say, do they do nothing. I remember hearing Nate Berkus on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" talk about how he was coping with the loss of his significant other after the horrendous tsunami in 2004. He thanked people who had sent cards or messages. He said when in doubt, send something - a card, a note, an email. Call...a quick hello. And he was right. It helps to fill the hole that the loss left. Nothing can fill it completely but it's a start.
So if you know someone who lost a friend, a relative, a co-worker - take a minute and reach out. And do it several times over the weeks and months ahead. You will be helping that person to heal more than you can ever imagine.
Sure everyone sends their regrets immediately upon the loss. Some call. Some connect at the wake and funeral. Some send cards. But then the contact disappears. Perhaps it's more frequent towards immediate family members but as someone who just lost an extremely close friend who was like a sister to me, I could really use a few more people checking in.
I do have a long distance friend who calls me regularly and another close local friend who has brought me dinner and supported me at the wake and funeral. Another old friend gave up his day to be with me during the funeral and I'm extremely grateful. But I'm amazed how few other people I've heard from since.
Two things I know. People are busy with their own lives and although their intentions are good, they forget. And many people just don't know what to do or say, do they do nothing. I remember hearing Nate Berkus on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" talk about how he was coping with the loss of his significant other after the horrendous tsunami in 2004. He thanked people who had sent cards or messages. He said when in doubt, send something - a card, a note, an email. Call...a quick hello. And he was right. It helps to fill the hole that the loss left. Nothing can fill it completely but it's a start.
So if you know someone who lost a friend, a relative, a co-worker - take a minute and reach out. And do it several times over the weeks and months ahead. You will be helping that person to heal more than you can ever imagine.
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