Life today can feel overwhelming. Sometimes we feel irritated, frustrated, disappointed, angry, anxious, depressed, discouraged, lonely, or powerless. For many, it feels like the world is on fire! Writer and creative coach, Amie McNee’s TEDx talk, The case for making art when the world is on fire, is a powerful reminder that “making art isn’t... Continue Reading →
Autumn Mindfulness: Gratitude and Reflection
As we transition into fall, it is the perfect season to slow down and savor life’s little pleasures. Sip a warm cup of tea or pumpkin-spiced coffee while wrapped in a cozy blanket, delight in season treats like maple butter or baked apples, and step outside to take in the beauty of autumn, notice the... Continue Reading →
Boundaries: Building Stronger Relationships and Practicing Self-Care, A Two-Part Guide
Have you ever felt drained after a conversation, pressured into saying “yes” when you wanted to say “no,” or resentful because someone crossed a line? Then you might want to take a look at your boundaries. Boundaries are the guidelines that protect your well-being while helping you build healthier, more balanced connections. In this two-part... Continue Reading →
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Blog Series: Habit Six- SYNERGIZE
Habit Six: Synergize: This habit is all about creating something better together than we ever could alone. It emphasizes combining strengths, communicating effectively, and valuing differences. Synergy invites us to embrace our differences and use them as a source of strength rather than allowing them to separate us. At the heart of synergyis creativity. Creativity... Continue Reading →
The Healing Power of Play: Understanding Play Therapy
When we think of therapy, we often imagine quiet offices and serious conversations. But for children, especially those too young to express themselves fully in words, therapy often looks quite different. Play therapy researcher and author Garry Landreth explains, “In the play therapy experience, toys are like the child’s words, and play is the child’s... Continue Reading →
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Blog Series: Habit Five- Seek First to Understand then to be Understood
Habit Five: Seek First to Understand then to be Understood is the foundation of healthy, lasting relationships. If you truly want to connect with others, habit five is where it begins. But how do we practice this habit in real life? According to Stephen Covey, most of us rush into conversations eager to respond, fix,... Continue Reading →
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Blog Series: Habit Four- Think Win Win
Habit Four is my personal favorite of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People because it shifts the focus from a competitive mindset to a collaborative mindset, reminding us that success does not have to come at the expense someone else’s success especially in today’s fast paced competitive society. Stephen Covey’s Habit 4: Think Win... Continue Reading →
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Blog Series: Habit Two- Begin with the End in Mind
In the first blog series about Stephen Covey’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, I discussed habit one, Be Proactive. Habit two is about evaluating your values, what is important to you and what you want to achieve as you visualize yourself living the life you want and meeting your goals. According to... Continue Reading →
The Benefits of Chess for Kids
As parents and family of young people, we want to help our children have experiences that support their development in ways that will prepare them to become successful, satisfied, independent adults. There are many ways we do this. We encourage them to do their best academically. We urge them to participate in sports, join clubs,... Continue Reading →
