Curating Your Positive Self-Talk Playlist: A Guide for Educators and Student

Laura McDonellBlog, Connect Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Curate a positive self-talk playlist to shift your mindset, much like Rachel changes the car radio station. Use affirmations, achievements, and visual inspiration to create an uplifting “station” to turn to when negativity strikes. Teach students and educators how to model positivity and build resilience through this powerful habit. Whenever I drive my daughter, Rachel one thing never changes: … Read More

How Do You Feel TODAY?

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: December is a busy month, and matching your energy with your tasks can help you stay present and productive. Use Kendra Adachi’s TODAY acronym to plan tasks based on high- or low-energy days. Honor your capacity to prevent burnout and maintain balance during the holiday season. It’s December. The final month of the year and the month that is … Read More

Get Caught Off Guard

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Connect Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Being “caught off guard” can invite unexpected joy instead of disruption. Embracing small moments helps us stay present and find happiness in daily life. Letting joy surprise us can make life richer and more fulfilling. When you hear the phrase, “get caught off guard” do you think of being suddenly startled negatively? Like something goes left and it takes … Read More

Work Happier: 5 Things Research Tells Us

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Learn 5 research-backed strategies to boost happiness at work, applicable both in and out of the classroom. Embrace negative emotions as signals, rethink productivity, and practice self-compassion to reduce stress. Craft your job to align with your strengths and nurture belonging for a greater sense of purpose. We made it to October! First Days of School, Back to School … Read More

Sweet Beginnings: A Recipe for Success

Laura McDonellBlog, Connect Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Baking cookies is a metaphor for the diverse ways educators prepare for a new school year. Some teachers meticulously plan every detail, while others adapt based on their time and resources. The key is to keep showing up and bringing your best to the classroom, just as bakers continue to bring their cookies to the table. How Baking Cookies … Read More