Please feel free to check it out, and I would love to hear your thoughts :)
GirlSpire Book at Barnes & Noble
Apr 13, 2011
Just a quick note to let you know after 10 months of work, GirlSpire is now available on www.bn.com!
Please feel free to check it out, and I would love to hear your thoughts :)
Please feel free to check it out, and I would love to hear your thoughts :)
The book is Now on BN.com!
9 yr old throws holiday party! Are you crazy?
Dec 15, 2010
If you're looking to do something unique and fun with your girls this holiday, have them design, host and plan their very first holiday gathering. Give them a budget!
By doing this, not only w
ill your girls feel independent, but they will also learn some valuable lessons in a fun way:
Time management: Planning an event can be stressful when you start to plan activities, coordinate friends, and find venues etc. This is a great opportunity for your daughter to learn this skill- in a fun way and what seems like on her own terms!
Money management: Giving her a budget teaches her how to manage money and also gives her the freedom to be creative and learn boundaries. Give her cash and let her know that's the budget she has, so use it wisely!
Creativity: This is a great way to get the creative juices flowing! She can plan what kind of holiday theme she wants. And most likely she will pull in her closest buds to help.
Leadership and team building: In planning a party, we always seek out our closest friends and contacts for help. This is a great opportunity for your daughter to do the same! But in doing this she also learns how to LEAD this group... this is priceless!
So do something different this year and give your daughter the gift of confidence, creativity, leadership, time management and money management!
Happy and safe holidays to you all.
By doing this, not only w
ill your girls feel independent, but they will also learn some valuable lessons in a fun way:Time management: Planning an event can be stressful when you start to plan activities, coordinate friends, and find venues etc. This is a great opportunity for your daughter to learn this skill- in a fun way and what seems like on her own terms!
Money management: Giving her a budget teaches her how to manage money and also gives her the freedom to be creative and learn boundaries. Give her cash and let her know that's the budget she has, so use it wisely!
Creativity: This is a great way to get the creative juices flowing! She can plan what kind of holiday theme she wants. And most likely she will pull in her closest buds to help.
Leadership and team building: In planning a party, we always seek out our closest friends and contacts for help. This is a great opportunity for your daughter to do the same! But in doing this she also learns how to LEAD this group... this is priceless!
So do something different this year and give your daughter the gift of confidence, creativity, leadership, time management and money management!
Happy and safe holidays to you all.
What is Inspiration?
Nov 17, 2010
I was recently asked a question that got me thinking... What is Inspiration?
Well when you try to break it down, you realize just how big this question is. Scholars, religion, philosophers, parents, kids, teachers, everyone for that matter has a different definition of inspiration depending on what it means to them.
The dictionary defines it as "Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity." A very interesting but broad interpretation - is that all there is to it?
Why do some become more inspired than others? Why do some act on their inspiration and some don't? Could it be as simple as taking a moment to realize you've been inspired?
Take this situation for
example: A few months back I was in line at Starbucks, and in front of me was a gentleman and his wife. He began to order, and at the end of his order he said "And add whatever she is having to my tab as well" he was gesturing to me.
WHAT? That's crazy I thought. Wow! I smiled and was very thankful - it put a smile on my face and brightened my entire day.
I could have just held on to that feeling I had and moved on, but I didn't. The next week I found myself back in Starbucks, but this time I felt inspired... inspired to pass that feeling I had the week before on to someone else hoping it might make them feel the same way. So I proceeded to order and at the end of my order I said "And I'll pay for whatever she is having" and I gestured to the woman behind me.
Her face lit up and she smiled. Was she inspired, will she pass it on? I don't know, but at least I was able to stop and recognize an inspiring situation and ACT on it. If I had been too consumed with other things in my life like work, school, etc and not been in the "Starbucks moment" the week before would I have had the same experience?
Maybe not.
So to answer the question What is Inspiration? Well to me it is the ability to recognize it in all things, take it in, act on it, and try to inspire others to do the same. I guess there is no hard definition to inspiration because it lies in the eyes of the beholder. But only if your eyes are open and you are ready to see it.
Well when you try to break it down, you realize just how big this question is. Scholars, religion, philosophers, parents, kids, teachers, everyone for that matter has a different definition of inspiration depending on what it means to them.
The dictionary defines it as "Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity." A very interesting but broad interpretation - is that all there is to it?
Why do some become more inspired than others? Why do some act on their inspiration and some don't? Could it be as simple as taking a moment to realize you've been inspired?
Take this situation for
example: A few months back I was in line at Starbucks, and in front of me was a gentleman and his wife. He began to order, and at the end of his order he said "And add whatever she is having to my tab as well" he was gesturing to me.WHAT? That's crazy I thought. Wow! I smiled and was very thankful - it put a smile on my face and brightened my entire day.
I could have just held on to that feeling I had and moved on, but I didn't. The next week I found myself back in Starbucks, but this time I felt inspired... inspired to pass that feeling I had the week before on to someone else hoping it might make them feel the same way. So I proceeded to order and at the end of my order I said "And I'll pay for whatever she is having" and I gestured to the woman behind me.
Her face lit up and she smiled. Was she inspired, will she pass it on? I don't know, but at least I was able to stop and recognize an inspiring situation and ACT on it. If I had been too consumed with other things in my life like work, school, etc and not been in the "Starbucks moment" the week before would I have had the same experience?
Maybe not.
So to answer the question What is Inspiration? Well to me it is the ability to recognize it in all things, take it in, act on it, and try to inspire others to do the same. I guess there is no hard definition to inspiration because it lies in the eyes of the beholder. But only if your eyes are open and you are ready to see it.
Scan with a Plan...
Oct 21, 2010
I wrote a blog post a few months back about stranger safety, and one of the tools I teach to both girls and women of all ages is how to "scan with a plan".
Scan with a Plan arose from teaching hundreds of self defense classes over a 16 year period, and helps teach us how to be more aware. Here is a classic example:
When you go outside during the day or at night do you take the time to look around and assess your surroundings before you jump into your daily routine?
Be honest.
I can't tell y
ou how many girls I see leaving a store or their homes or even on a walk and they are texting or listing to their ipod. It happens ALL the time. That is never safe. Let me say that again... IT IS NEVER SAFE.
Now there is a difference between being paranoid and Polly Anna. There is no need to walk around feeling scared, but there is a need to walk around being aware. So how exactly do you do that?
Well... here are some great tips:
1. When you go outside take your surroundings in "pie clicks". When you scan your surroundings you should be taking a slice of the environment and then moving to the next small slice. If you just go outside and look left to right and glance around, the only thing you'll notice is a BIG ELEPHANT! It's next to impossible to detect something subtle this way. So take your environment in pie clicks or slices. When analyzing your first slice start from left to right and then within that slice look high, look low, look near and look far. Then move on to the next slice. Once you've gone completely from left to right, start over again.
2. Look for things that don't belong. It sounds simple, but its not. It's a learned skill. For example, an attacker isn't most likely going to be standing outside with a big flashing sign that says I'm coming to attack you.... right? So why would we classify what we look for in that way? Instead of JUST looking for "full" people, we search in body parts as well. A sly attacker will try to hide himself (perhaps you'll see a shoe behind a tire, or a shadow, or a finger etc.) so be on the look out for the little stuff too!
3. Listen to your 2nd Brain! Yep you heard right... you have 2 brains! One that is very old and one that is fairly new. One is INSTINCT and the other is our ability to rationalize, communicate, educate and think. Your older brain feels more like a built in alarm system and IS NOT RATIONAL! For example: Have you ever felt the hair on the back of your neck stand up? Or felt your palms start to sweat? Or even felt nervous knots in your belly? That is your 2nd brain talking! When you are in an environment where you do not feel 100% safe, listen to this 2nd brain... ALWAYS, because we have a nasty habit of letting our cognitive brain talk us out of feeling the warning signs our instinct sends.
So when you feel your 2nd brain alarm blaring... what do you do? remove yourself IMMEDIATELY from the situation no matter what, even if you have to run... no negotiating and no rationalizing.
When we interview women who are attacked, 99% of them felt their 2nd Brain alarm go off, and they didn't listen to it.
You can find more information in the GirlSpire workbook, and the full program covers safety more in depth.
Scan with a Plan arose from teaching hundreds of self defense classes over a 16 year period, and helps teach us how to be more aware. Here is a classic example:
When you go outside during the day or at night do you take the time to look around and assess your surroundings before you jump into your daily routine?
Be honest.
I can't tell y
ou how many girls I see leaving a store or their homes or even on a walk and they are texting or listing to their ipod. It happens ALL the time. That is never safe. Let me say that again... IT IS NEVER SAFE.Now there is a difference between being paranoid and Polly Anna. There is no need to walk around feeling scared, but there is a need to walk around being aware. So how exactly do you do that?
Well... here are some great tips:
1. When you go outside take your surroundings in "pie clicks". When you scan your surroundings you should be taking a slice of the environment and then moving to the next small slice. If you just go outside and look left to right and glance around, the only thing you'll notice is a BIG ELEPHANT! It's next to impossible to detect something subtle this way. So take your environment in pie clicks or slices. When analyzing your first slice start from left to right and then within that slice look high, look low, look near and look far. Then move on to the next slice. Once you've gone completely from left to right, start over again.
2. Look for things that don't belong. It sounds simple, but its not. It's a learned skill. For example, an attacker isn't most likely going to be standing outside with a big flashing sign that says I'm coming to attack you.... right? So why would we classify what we look for in that way? Instead of JUST looking for "full" people, we search in body parts as well. A sly attacker will try to hide himself (perhaps you'll see a shoe behind a tire, or a shadow, or a finger etc.) so be on the look out for the little stuff too!
3. Listen to your 2nd Brain! Yep you heard right... you have 2 brains! One that is very old and one that is fairly new. One is INSTINCT and the other is our ability to rationalize, communicate, educate and think. Your older brain feels more like a built in alarm system and IS NOT RATIONAL! For example: Have you ever felt the hair on the back of your neck stand up? Or felt your palms start to sweat? Or even felt nervous knots in your belly? That is your 2nd brain talking! When you are in an environment where you do not feel 100% safe, listen to this 2nd brain... ALWAYS, because we have a nasty habit of letting our cognitive brain talk us out of feeling the warning signs our instinct sends.
So when you feel your 2nd brain alarm blaring... what do you do? remove yourself IMMEDIATELY from the situation no matter what, even if you have to run... no negotiating and no rationalizing.
When we interview women who are attacked, 99% of them felt their 2nd Brain alarm go off, and they didn't listen to it.
You can find more information in the GirlSpire workbook, and the full program covers safety more in depth.
History 101
Oct 12, 2010
Have you ever noticed that in history class, we rarely ever learn about women’s history? Sure we hear about Paul Revere and George Washington, but what about Eleanor Roosevelt?Why is that? We learn all about the men who influenced how we live today.. but how come we got left out?
That’s soooo not fair!
What we teach our daughters matters! We must teach them that they are in control of their own destiny!
So if they come home from school and something in class doesn't sit well with them, then show them how to SPEAK UP! It's up to us to say "You can make a difference, and all you need to do is take control and make it happen."
Back to history...
When it comes to the lack of women’s history... I bet you’re thinking what can I do? Tell your girls to start by saying what they feel... teach them to SHOUT IT OUT. Or in this particular case...WRITE IT OUT!!!
A great way for girls to get their thoughts across on the matter?...Write a letter!
1. Have them write one to their teacher
2. To their principle
3. To the school board (this requires a bit of research)
4. AND...have them send this same letter to the publisher & author of their history book.
I give a great example of a form letter in the GirlSpire workbook that all girls can follow. The main message here is that we must empower our girls... and teach them that they CAN make a difference no matter what their age.
Why are kids so mean to each other?
Sep 18, 2010
This is a question I have asked myself since the 3rd grade. I began to notice being picked on was like a game... and everyone wanted to play. The only problem was that the game was called who can make Teresa cry.
What makes kids this way? I think it has something to do with the way they are raised, the way they communicate and how they interact with others at a very young age. Having said that... I'm not insinuating that kids who pick on others have bad parents, more so I'm saying there is a communication breakdown.
For instance, my son has had friends in school make him cry and say mean things, yet he has learned to be gentle and kind. He has a gentle soul, loves animals, plants, bugs and the "water ball" (which we call earth). To him - you treat the things you love with respect, and he is only 4!
So why is this? Call us hippies, but we have always believed in treating all living things with love, respect and caution. So naturally we pass this on to our kids. Not just through demonstration but through long talks, examples, explanations and when he does pick up something mean from others and repeats it, we teach him right there on the spot that we don't treat others that way!
Consistency is key.
If I had had a dollar for every time I've said things like, be gentle, that's not how we talk to each other, say please and thank you, how does that make you feel, how do you think he/she feels, etc. etc. I would be a billionaire 10 times over. Some days are harder than others and sometimes I feel like I should let somethings slide...but consistency is key! Kids learn through repetition, and that includes how to treat others. So don't ignore the "you're not my friend anymore" comments - it's not an age thing and it's not "a normal thing that passes on its own" you have to nip that in the bud!
I can only hope that my kids will treat others how they want to be treated, and so far they've been great... but it IS AN UPHILL BATTLE that you have to be prepared to fight every step of the way.
Now all we have to do is teach our kids how to respond to those other kids who are mean, and that is an entirely different blog post :)
What makes kids this way? I think it has something to do with the way they are raised, the way they communicate and how they interact with others at a very young age. Having said that... I'm not insinuating that kids who pick on others have bad parents, more so I'm saying there is a communication breakdown.
For instance, my son has had friends in school make him cry and say mean things, yet he has learned to be gentle and kind. He has a gentle soul, loves animals, plants, bugs and the "water ball" (which we call earth). To him - you treat the things you love with respect, and he is only 4!
So why is this? Call us hippies, but we have always believed in treating all living things with love, respect and caution. So naturally we pass this on to our kids. Not just through demonstration but through long talks, examples, explanations and when he does pick up something mean from others and repeats it, we teach him right there on the spot that we don't treat others that way!
Consistency is key.
If I had had a dollar for every time I've said things like, be gentle, that's not how we talk to each other, say please and thank you, how does that make you feel, how do you think he/she feels, etc. etc. I would be a billionaire 10 times over. Some days are harder than others and sometimes I feel like I should let somethings slide...but consistency is key! Kids learn through repetition, and that includes how to treat others. So don't ignore the "you're not my friend anymore" comments - it's not an age thing and it's not "a normal thing that passes on its own" you have to nip that in the bud!
I can only hope that my kids will treat others how they want to be treated, and so far they've been great... but it IS AN UPHILL BATTLE that you have to be prepared to fight every step of the way.
Now all we have to do is teach our kids how to respond to those other kids who are mean, and that is an entirely different blog post :)
5 Ways to Sneak Fitness into Family Time
Aug 3, 2010
By Suzy Buglewicz
After spending several hours a day at a desk job or sitting in traffic while shuttling over scheduled kids from one activity to the next, it's tempting for families to want to spend their downtime plopped on the couch. The next time you find yourself with an hour or so of unscheduled free time, grab the kids and get moving. Research shows that families that work out together are more likely to stick with it, since they can motivate and encourage each other. And exercising as a family has multiple benefits, from being able to spend quality time with those you love and committing to an active lifestyle, to reducing stress and increasing energy levels. But you don't have to call it exercise. Here are six activities that let families play together, and promote fit and healthy lifestyles.
1. Play in the park. Grab an assortment of balls and equipment from the garage (soccer ball, football, basketball, and baseball and gloves), along with a Frisbee® and the family dog. Pack a cooler with some water and snacks, and head to your local park with the family for an afternoon of fresh air and playtime. You'll all have so much fun that you won't even realize you're getting a workout.
2. Go swimming. Swimming is a great way to stay in shape. It's an excellent workout for people of all ages. Depending on the time of year and where you live, you can head to your local indoor or outdoor pool for fun and affordable family playtime. Swimming helps improve balance, endurance, and posture, and it's one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise.
Swimming regularly can also increase self-esteem in kids as they become more comfortable in the water and learn to master their strokes. Get some rings and diving sticks, and take turns diving for them. If your kids are young, sign them up for swimming lessons—they can get their lessons while you work out in the lap lanes. Be sure young kids are never left unattended, and remember the sunscreen if you're outside!
3. Take a hike. A family hike involves a little more planning than other activities, but the benefits are well worth it. Plan the trail level and hike length around the group's abilities and experience. If it's your first family hike, start with a mostly flat trail that's no more than 1 mile round-trip (you don't want to start carrying your kids halfway through the hike). Gradually increase the length and trail difficulty with each hike.
Bring a few light weight backpacks with healthy snacks and water bottles. Keep the kids interested by letting them carry the trail map, and having them look for specific items, like interesting wildflowers or rock formations. Most metropolitan towns have family friendly trails offering easy to moderately difficult hiking trails. To find a trail near you, visit LocalHikes.com.
4. Go for a bike ride. A family bike ride is a great way to get out of the house and get a workout at the same time. Cycling is also one of the best ways to tone and strengthen the upper leg and calf muscles. Turn a family bike ride into an outing by biking to a specific destination (maybe the corner ice cream shop for frozen yogurt?). Make sure everyone wears a helmet and the appropriate gear. And follow the rules of the road!
5. Jump rope. Rope jumping dates back to 1,600 AD, when the Egyptians used vines for jumping. Nowadays, it's a great way to burn off energy, reduce stress, improve coordination and endurance, and sing your favorite rhyming songs. Jumping rope at a moderate pace can burn up to 800 calories an hour. For variety, try double Dutch, which is when a person jumps through two jump ropes at the same time. Or invite the neighbors over and have a jump-roping contest, and follow up with an assortment of healthy snacks. You just might start a new tradition.
After spending several hours a day at a desk job or sitting in traffic while shuttling over scheduled kids from one activity to the next, it's tempting for families to want to spend their downtime plopped on the couch. The next time you find yourself with an hour or so of unscheduled free time, grab the kids and get moving. Research shows that families that work out together are more likely to stick with it, since they can motivate and encourage each other. And exercising as a family has multiple benefits, from being able to spend quality time with those you love and committing to an active lifestyle, to reducing stress and increasing energy levels. But you don't have to call it exercise. Here are six activities that let families play together, and promote fit and healthy lifestyles.
1. Play in the park. Grab an assortment of balls and equipment from the garage (soccer ball, football, basketball, and baseball and gloves), along with a Frisbee® and the family dog. Pack a cooler with some water and snacks, and head to your local park with the family for an afternoon of fresh air and playtime. You'll all have so much fun that you won't even realize you're getting a workout.
2. Go swimming. Swimming is a great way to stay in shape. It's an excellent workout for people of all ages. Depending on the time of year and where you live, you can head to your local indoor or outdoor pool for fun and affordable family playtime. Swimming helps improve balance, endurance, and posture, and it's one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise.
Swimming regularly can also increase self-esteem in kids as they become more comfortable in the water and learn to master their strokes. Get some rings and diving sticks, and take turns diving for them. If your kids are young, sign them up for swimming lessons—they can get their lessons while you work out in the lap lanes. Be sure young kids are never left unattended, and remember the sunscreen if you're outside!
3. Take a hike. A family hike involves a little more planning than other activities, but the benefits are well worth it. Plan the trail level and hike length around the group's abilities and experience. If it's your first family hike, start with a mostly flat trail that's no more than 1 mile round-trip (you don't want to start carrying your kids halfway through the hike). Gradually increase the length and trail difficulty with each hike.
Bring a few light weight backpacks with healthy snacks and water bottles. Keep the kids interested by letting them carry the trail map, and having them look for specific items, like interesting wildflowers or rock formations. Most metropolitan towns have family friendly trails offering easy to moderately difficult hiking trails. To find a trail near you, visit LocalHikes.com.
4. Go for a bike ride. A family bike ride is a great way to get out of the house and get a workout at the same time. Cycling is also one of the best ways to tone and strengthen the upper leg and calf muscles. Turn a family bike ride into an outing by biking to a specific destination (maybe the corner ice cream shop for frozen yogurt?). Make sure everyone wears a helmet and the appropriate gear. And follow the rules of the road!
5. Jump rope. Rope jumping dates back to 1,600 AD, when the Egyptians used vines for jumping. Nowadays, it's a great way to burn off energy, reduce stress, improve coordination and endurance, and sing your favorite rhyming songs. Jumping rope at a moderate pace can burn up to 800 calories an hour. For variety, try double Dutch, which is when a person jumps through two jump ropes at the same time. Or invite the neighbors over and have a jump-roping contest, and follow up with an assortment of healthy snacks. You just might start a new tradition.
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