It’s not real people! Yet, every so often this concept escapes me. I have the privilege of doing a training at a large conference next week. I know my content; I have done this before…so why am I freaking out? Plain old fear. Fear of what may or may not happen. Fear that people won’t like me. Fear that it will be a waste of time for folks. Silly yet very real. So as I approach this week and prepare for my workshop, I will do so with the mindset that no matter what happens it is a learning experience. I will remember that as long as I prepare as best I can and stay with the moment while presenting that I am EXACTLY where I need to be in THAT moment. It is also helpful to remember you can please all of the people 100% of the time.
Book recommendations
As part of my efforts to keep you going, I will be inspiring you with books that inspire me. In June, I will begin posting books weekly on Instagram, so be sure to follow me there. Until then here are 5 books that I highly recommend.
Mindfulness in Plain English
A wonderful, easy to understand book that will answer many questions around mindfulness. I use this frequently and go back for clarification and inspiration.
The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser Greenland
There are some simple practices in here that you can do with children even as young as 3 or 4.
The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary
This book is transformational. It brings parenting to a new level and it is another book I reference frequently for little doses of inspiration. Be prepared to shift your perspective and see what unfolds when you do.
Less by Marc Lesser
This is a wonderful resource for work and life. Carving space out for life is only up to us. This books supports doing less in a world consistently asking for more. Transform your lifestyle and lead a more meaningful life.
The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students by Daniel Rechtschaffen
A fantastic resource for educators and beyond. From the importance of your own practice to practical application with students, this book provides great information. Another book I reference often. I love the resources Daniel provides especially the list of various programs to help bring mindfulness to schools.
Do you allow vulnerability into your life or work?
One of the greatest influencers in my life and at the root of my philosophy is the work by Dr. Brene Brown. She is a grounded theory researcher studying worthiness, vulnerability and shame. She has some fabulous books out and has been one of the people that I have been dying to see speak. Her TED talk on vulnerability was the catalyst that brought my preschool, The Cove, vision together and her research is a fundamental concept in our curriculum. Her work is also integrated into my work with schools, parents and business.
Back in February or March I caught wind that she was going to be in town and there were a limited amount of tickets available. I had already missed the boat. Her appearance ended up being rescheduled to April 9th. I emailed them right away to see if they thought there would be tickets available. They thought there might be, but many people were interested so they would email me. Fast forward to a couple weeks before the show…no email, so I emailed them. They said they would know more last week…still no email. So on Monday the week of the show I emailed again…no email. Then on Tuesday…email with the news I had been waiting for and couldn’t believe I had received – I was in! A small, live audience and a front row seat. This is that persistence in me. Sometimes I just can’t help myself.
If you ever get a chance to see her in person, do it! She has a warmth and energy that is so inviting and authentic. Until then enjoy her interview from Wednesday with Chase Jarvis (another brilliant creative!). Disclaimer: Video contains mild language
On Being Perfectly Imperfect
I am a recovering perfectionist. I spent many weeks hemming and hawing on what to write on this blog. Of course the perfectionist in me says “You can’t launch until you have content and it has to be good content. Not only good content, but it has to flow and all make sense together 6 months from now.” So here I sit in front of my computer contemplating in which order to write things.
It’s a good thing I remind myself often of my own intentions. That very first post stated I would be writing about being perfectly imperfect so I will start with a story. The doors of my preschool open in 3 days and at times it feels like the calm before the storm. My husband reminds me every year (especially since he is my maintenance man) that it doesn’t have to be perfect. So this year I heed his advice and you know what, I see it is still going to be fantastic.
“Perfect” is subjective, right? Many of my ventures and adventures have been best without a perfectly executed plan. At the very least, they make for good stories. So, with prepared and positive facilitators, materials on the shelves and a warm and nurturing environment, I will open my doors. Stay tuned to see how it went!
