A New Ending

Posted on by Shari Swanson

ANewEnding

School is starting up again. If you could go back in time to elementary school with the current you in your little body, how would you do things differently? What might you notice that you hadn’t even seen? What might you savor now that  was precious and too soon over? How might you speak out when you were afraid? Who might you befriend that you realize now was lonely?

How do these insights inform the choices you are making right now today?

As we prepare our  little ones for school, we can take these insights into consideration. How can we help them to see more clearly? In this gripping letter to her eldest that urges him above all else to be brave and kind, Glennon Doyle Merton says all the right things.

The most important thing

Posted on by Shari Swanson

Themostimportantwork

Jaqueline Kennedy once said that, “If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much.” Our children are our highest priority. Through our love and attention, they can grow up believing in themselves and their ability to make a difference. For a fascinating discussion on how simple changes in the ways we speak to them and affirm their efforts can make profound differences in their future lives, go here. It’s not about an A; it’s about engagement. It’s not about learning one skill; it’s about curiosity. It’s not about talent; it’s about effort. Simple shifts, profound results!

Color your world.

Posted on by Shari Swanson

actsofkindness

Normally, we don’t see the ripples spreading from the kind acts we do. But what if we could? What if kindness literally colored the world? For an adorable and uplifting video on just that, go here.  It will start your day off with a smile!

Hang on.

Posted on by Shari Swanson

Dearheart

Dr. Brene Brown explains, “Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds.” For her powerful TED talk on courage, vulnerability, and the importance of telling your story, go here.

What can you offer?

Posted on by Shari Swanson

AnybodycanserveMartin Luther King, Jr. continues, “You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” What would this world look like if everyone was considering what they could offer rather than what they could take? For an inspiring video on this point by Nipun Mehta, the founder of the organization I work with, ServiceSpace, go here.  Very much worth the watch!!