Sue's newest endeavor - A book!

You know how much I adore, (life) coach Sue.   She literally is one of the top five most impactful people in my life.  And, just when I thought she couldn't inject more awesome into the world, she has. Sue wrote a book and there's a Kickstarter campaign to go with it.  Here, I'll let her tell you about it....

Take it away, Sue....

Curiosity is the engine that drives all connection, relationships, and innovation. And if we all show up in a curious way in our lives, we will be happier, and so will those around us.  Curiosity moves us.

What compelled me to action.

A few years ago I read a book by Margaret Wheatley that reached down into me and spoke to my core, to my most primal self. It is called “Turning to One Another” and it is all about thinking together in conversation. This line changed my life and inspired me to run with that idea and eventually create the Curiosity Project and this book, “That’s a Really Good Question”. We can change the world if we start being curious again. 

What’s in this book.

This book explores how being curious will help us build relationships, create safer communities, allows us to become more engaged, be more personally invested in our world, and possibly most important, curiosity motivates us to learn.  And this book isn't just about conversation. It's about all the ways that curiosity weaves itself into our lives and our world. How it makes us better leaders, better friends, better educators, and better partners. How it makes us happier and healthier. 

Why I wrote it.

I believe in this because I've experienced it, and I've lived it. Our world is in a place of disconnection but I believe it wants to change. And we want it to change. Help make that happen.  Be a part of the movement. Start your curiosity revolution by supporting this project. 

What’s in it for you.

There are many ideas in this book, some you will connect with and some you may not. If you find one thing in this book that makes your life better then that’s enough for me because that one thing could lead to many other things. My only hope is that you get curious.

Sue, YES to curiosity!  I personally think curiosity and the willingness to be open to it might single-handedly change the world.

So proud of you, Sue!  Now, who wants to support her Kickstarter campaign with me?

Yay!

Jen

Yep. Right now.

After catching up with Sue and thinking more and more about Dr. Carol Dweck's work on mindset, I think this quote (from Sue) sums up how I will behave this fall.

Either let it go or do something about it.

This kicking-a-dead-horse thing doesn't serve me anymore.  And really?  When did it ever serve anyone?

Join me,
Jen

Favorites for back-to-school

It's that time of year again.  And for the record, that was an incredible summer.

Colorado (and North Carolina), I adore you.  I mean really.  Look at that scenery below.

I am refueled and ready to meet my new college students.  I have some fun keynotes to deliver over the next few weeks, too, plus I need to get my trip to Portland squared away.  In the meantime, these are my very favorite back-to-school activities and resources:

• Professor KP's textbook gems.  How awesome are those?
• I love easy tech tools. Recite this helps make quotes more engaging.
• My all time favorite tech tool, though, is still PicMonkey.  I used it to make the graphic above. (Tip:  If you follow PicMonkey on Instagram, you can see their cool effects in action)
• If you need new classroom props, I would purchase anything from the "other" Jennifer.  I still have a crush on her miniature metaphor kit.
• Speaking of props, have you bought Sue's Curiosity Cards?  She's been using them all over North America with her newest endeavor, 1Conversation.
• And, if you are like me and have cobwebs growing on your dreams, hire Sue!  She's doing a 100 conversations in 100 days challenge.  Which means, you literally pay her what you think the session is worth.  Contact her here (and remember, all the coaching is done by phone which makes it soooo easy to do).  You don't have to drive anywhere.

Off I go - Happy semester!

Jen

Getting Stuff Done

I am often asked how I get so much stuff done.  I've got to tell you.  If you were to spend a normal day with me, you wouldn't be asking that question.  Super hero powers, for me, do not exist.  I hung up my cape a long time ago when Perfect passed away.  I'm just a girl with a mad to-do list and dreams.  Sure I get stuff done, but, there isn't a whole lot of magic involved. However, no surprise, I do have a few thoughts about this, which might help others get stuff done or GSD, too.

My non-secrets to getting stuff done (by the way, the real queen of getting stuff done, Dr. I, will be guest blogging here soon.  She is a master of GSD):

GSD Non-secret #1:  Set a goal or a few of them.  Following the advice of entrepreneur and author, Tim Ferriss, before I get out of bed in the morning, I ask myself, "What is the one task or item that must be accomplished today?"  I then make sure that item or task is tackled first when my work day begins, which is usually after dropping off Miss O and trail running with Jedi.

GSD Non-secret #2:  Use a to-do list.  If an entire book can be dedicated to using checklists and lists in general, you need one in your life. I am totally digging the to-do list I shared here.  Go print one for yourself and use it for a few weeks.  Let me know what impact it has on your GSDing.

GSD Non-secret #3:  Honor your passions.  Part of why I GSD is that I like or love what I'm doing. What a difference it makes to work on something that resonates with you.  It doesn't feel like work, it feels like you are feeding your soul.  Remember this Dear Abby quote?  

GSD Non-secret #4:  Learn how to say no and yes - in that order.  When you are decent at GSDing, others want you to GSD with them.  Invites to do so can be overwhelming.  Knowing your passions (and core values) provides the compass and confidence you need to say no when a project or task doesn't align with what makes you tick.  The more I say no, the more I can say yes to the right projects and invitations.  

GSD Non-secret #5:  Counterbalance work + play.  Did you notice in non-secret #1, I make sure my must do task happens after I trail run with Jedi? I think most USAmericans have it all wrong. They do not allow enough time for play and joy.  This deficiency shows up in negative ways affecting their health, mental health, stress levels, fitness, and overall happiness. In the popular hackschooling TED Talk, 13-year old Logan LaPlante sums this up nicely, "We are taught to make a living, not make a life."

I'm all about making a life and getting stuff done.

Jen

PS - If you are confused about your passion(s) and core values either hire me to lead a workshop or deliver a keynote at your organization or hire life coach, Sue, for one-on-one coaching.  Life changes when you align with your passions and core values.  Remember this blog post?  Man, my world was rocked in the best way.

Curiosity Cards

I don't know if I shared it with you or not, but Sue is writing a book.  In case, you are new to Upcycled Education, Sue is my coach and also my friend, collaborator, and workshop co-facilitator. In fact, we are scheming what and where our next workshop will be.  We may even begin offering an online workshop related to coaching.  Sue is not only a dreamer like me, but she is a complete doer! Hence, Sue's newest offering - Curiosity Cards.

Sue's book and passion are both related to curiosity.  I won't speak for Sue (you can check out her blog post here), but she's pretty set on the fact that if humans were more curious and asked more curious questions, we would naturally connect more.  That connection would lead to all sorts of awesomeness within our families, schools, communities, and workplaces.  To nurture asking curious questions, Sue developed Curiosity Cards ($9.95).  She sent me a pack to use.

I immediately had Miss O choose a card and read the question aloud.  We discussed the question for a couple of minutes.  Then, I chose a card and we discussed and each answered that question, too.  I liked the dialogue with Miss O, but to be honest, I wanted more.  Miss O was too concise that day and our conversation was short.  I knew I could get more juice out of the cards.

I decided to leave the cards on our kitchen table.  Miss O had friends over the next day.  I knew her friends - since they are big thinkers - would love the cards.  Sure enough, they saw them and asked what they were.  We immediately each chose a card and all took turns answering.  The dialogue was fantastic.  I had no idea where the questions would take us.  One question we answered was related to how we wanted to treat and relate to the earth.  Another question was about what we wanted to change in ourselves.  Oh man, that question was deep for these elementary-aged gals.  It led us to a discussion about fear.  These girls were talking about how fear keeps you from changing what you know you want to change within yourself.

What?  Self, change, fear, awareness!  Are you kidding me?  It was like a parent, coach, and educator's dream.  Youth talking about facing fear and recognizing how fear can impede moving forward in life.

I haven't used the Curiosity Cards with my college students, yet, but I will.   They are tiny enough to throw in my backpack and use them on the fly with students, colleagues, strangers, on a road trip, in a cafe, etc.  They would make a great gift for a parent, educator, or coach, too (plus, they are so affordable, too, at under $10).  I'm giving a keynote this month and I'm thinking it would be fun to giveaway a few packs to engaged audience members - you know, those audience members who nod their heads, laugh at your jokes, and beam a smile at you the entire time.

Sue, thank you for sending me the cards.   I dig them and know others will, too.

Here's to curiosity!

Jen

The Email that Changed my Life

Almost two years ago, an old friend from teaching in Ecuador, Sue, sent out one of those mass emails.  You know the kind.  When you email your entire contact list.  Her email announced her new career - life coaching - and she asked for volunteers to practice her skills on.  Doing her a favor, I said, sure.  And we scheduled a (free) 30-minute appointment by phone for Sue to coach me.  I had zero idea what life coaching was at the time.

When I hung up from my 30-minute appointment, I remember saying to Mr. UpCyclist.  I don't know what Sue costs, but I need her.  Thankfully, Mr. UpCyclist takes me seriously most of the time and said, hire her.

I did, bought a package of 12 coaching sessions, and the deluge of life changes ensued.

If you read this blog on a regular basis, you know I not only adore Sue and her skills, but I went to coaching training myself to acquire those skills, too.  Like a said way back in the fall, every molecule of me has changed as a result of that training.

But, it's bigger than that.  Since working with Sue, I know there are several things in my life that came as a direct result of her coaching, my openness to change, my own coach training, and endless support from my village.  I'm pretty certain, I would have not pursued....

• The cycling team
• Stamp Shop (which just closed last Wednesday for the summer)
• Keynote speaking
• Taking on coaching clients
• This blog on such a regular basis
• This podcast with Elise
• My new website
• My upcoming sabbatical in the fall to write a book (I announced this in the podcast)

So many amazing things have happened as a result of that one mass email.  I thought about that over the weekend as I spent time in person with Sue.  That one mass email totally changed my life.  My confidence has risen, my life purpose is more clear, my parenting has become more spacious and open, and my connection to what's truly important to me (my husband, family, dear friends, Jedi, my students, time in nature, being creative, following my passions - all of my values) is where I place my energy.

Grateful isn't a strong enough word for how I feel. 

Jen

Life Updated: Early June Edition

This May into June has been so good that I actually asked my acupuncturist (who is a good friend of mine) to take some of the bliss away during my last acupuncture treatment.  Yep!  I'm too excited lately. Here's what's going on......

• Sue!  Sue's here in the States from Canada.  We are sooooo excited to see each other face-to-face.  I think the last time I saw Sue in person was in Canada about six years ago;  She helped teach Lil O how to ski.  One day I'll dig up those old ski videos and share them with you.  They make me smile.
• June 7th workshop - Are you coming?  Sue and I are over-the-moon about that day.
• Remember how I told you Jedi is my favorite airport greeter?  See that photo above?  Sue's getting the deluxe, full-face greeting.
• It is strawberry season in our neck of the woods.  Is there anything more to say than yum?!
• Lil O and I are on a mission to visit every Smithsonian museum in DC.  Last week, we visited the US Botanical Gardens (hence the adorable pineapple photo above).  Technically, the US Botanical Gardens is not a Smithsonian, but since it is on the mall in Washington and feels like one, we've included it in our list.  It did not disappoint.  I highly recommend it.  Reportedly, around Christmas, the gardens get even lovelier for the holidays.
• I can't believe I just mentioned Christmas when all I do lately when I walk outside is sweat. Jedi, on every hike these days, goes for a full, all-out swim.  Apparently, the weather in Maryland has caught up with us.  Ugh. #ineedcolorado
• Color makes me smile (and forget about how sweaty-sticky I am), which is why I needed to make a fabric, rainbow garland for our deck. To make this style garland, I used Ashley Ann's tutorial here.
• Did you get a chance to listen to the podcast I did with Elise Cripe on creativity (episode #11)?  Chatting with her was too fun.  Plus, I reveal my fall plans.  Woot, woot!

Have a fantastic weekend!  See you on the other side.

Jen

June 7th Workshop - Join me and Sue!

Let's meet each other in person, ok?

June 7th, 2014, Sue and I are hosting a workshop.  This four-hour, interactive workshop, Expand your Growth Mindset, is aimed at helping participants - you! - embrace a growth mindset, identify your core values, discuss ways to live in alignment with your core values, and connect that knowledge to live a more fulfilled life.

Here's all you need to know to join us that day.  We'd love to meet you in person.

• Place:  AACC outside of Annapolis, MD (the Arnold Campus).  CADE Building, Room 219. Here's a map in case you need it.
• Date:  Saturday, June 7th, 2014
• Time:  8:30am - 12:30pm; please arrive by 8:15am
• Bring:  Water bottle, coffee cup, journal or paper, pen/pencil, plus your lovely self (and your friends, family members or favorite neighbors)
• Wear:  Something comfortable; we'll be moving around a bit
• Refreshments:  Light snacks and coffee provided
• Cost:  $55-$75 (depends on if you live in county or not, or in state or not)

How to register by June 4th:  Fill out this form and fax to the number at the top of the form.  You can also send in the form with your payment to the address provided or email the completed form to iscenter (at) aacc.edu.  The form, you will notice, has a different workshop name on it, however, the workshop actually has two names (one public, one for the college), so use the form provided, ok?

I know it seems pretty low tech to not be able to register online.  Forgive my college.

If you have any questions about this workshop and deciding if it is right for you, please email me at jenglara (at) gmail.com.  I would love to answer your questions.   Registration deadline is best by June 4th.

Sue and I are ecstatic to share this workshop with you and meet you in person.

Best,

Jen

Save the Date - June 7th!

Save the date!  Saturday, June 7th from 8:30am - 12:30pm.  Sue and I are leading our first workshop together.  Yep, you heard me.  Together!  Sue is flying in from Calgary.

This four-hour workshop will be hosted by my college outside Annapolis, Maryland.  More details will be announced here on the blog soon - including pricing, registration, exact room number, etc.

Let's do life enhancing work!  You deserve it!

Pinch me.

Jen

PS - Big thank you to Cousin A for making the Save the Date artwork above.

Crowdfunding I Can Get Behind

I am blessed with the super creative people in my life.  Sometimes, my local friends and college students will ask me, how do you get so much done?  Me?  You should see the people I surround myself with - near and far.

Two of my creative friends have launched crowdfunding campaigns.  I couldn't resist and supported both of them.

Campaign #1:  A dear friend from Denver, Leigh and her partner have launched a lifestyle company called Be Hippy. The spirit of Be Hippy encapsulates everything I adore about Colorado and the amazing energy of that state and its people.  Besides designing the softest tees, fun trucker hats, stickers, totes and jewelry, they are using IndieGogo to crowdfund for a VW bus to promote Be Hippy even more.  I had to give to that campaign.  Passion deserves support.

Campaign #2:   Sue's newest endeavor!  Writing children's books.  I mean really?  Could life get any better?  She will take all that good coaching energy & spirit, plus her two awesome dogs (as the main characters) and voila, she will be a published author.  She is just $1500 shy of her goal.  If you'd like to give to her Kickstarter campaign, please do.  I know she will be grateful.

No donation to either campaign is too small; every single dollar you give means these creative, amazing, courageous women will move forward with their dreams and turn them into reality.

Happy Weekend,

Jen

What Would Jedi Do?

Sometimes when I am stuck on something in life and Sue, the {life} coach, is coaching me, she'll ask....

What would Jedi do?

The answer is like magic, right?  You know what Jedi would do.  He would go with the flow, be in the moment, not fret or worry or try to predict the future.  He would shake things off and then go about his day.

Life lessons from Mr. Furry Pants.

I'll be at a {life} coaching training for the next few days.  Catch up with you soon!

Jen

One My Favorites with Sue

I mentioned in this blog post I had one of my favorite coaching sessions with Sue recently.  If you are confused about the coaching part, do a search for "coaching" in this blog's search window and you'll find the entire back story, plus a bunch of posts on the topic and Sue.

This particular coaching session I had with Sue was the first of 2014 and Sue asked a ton of curious questions about 2013 - high, lows, lessons learned, etc. - and then delved right into 2014.  Two of my favorite parts of that session were these:

One:  Sue asked me if I wanted to set some early 2014 goals.  Why, yes!  I love a good goal - it keeps me focused and aligned with my values.  I set three early 2014 goals for myself:

1. Teaching a parenting class that infuses coaching and teaching strategies (that are well-suited for parenting) and collaborate with a new entity to do so.  I have the class all set and I will blog about the class tomorrow in case you are semi-local and can attend.
2. Having coffee dates with friends whom I have neglected.  My goal is ten. I am currently up to eight coffee dates!  Woot!  I will share some pics of those later in the week.  To reach my goal (and surpass it), I have coffee dates (hikes, lunches, etc.) all set up for the next few weeks with Carey, Shannon, Erin, and Courtney. Plus, fingers crossed, a coffee date with Amy - a fabulous former student of mine turned amazing educator.
3. Taking on a handful of coaching clients.  My time is slightly limited to take on too many clients.  Between offering coaching at my college (to my students & brave colleagues), my "real" job, my family, this blog and my love of downtime, I have to keep this goal in check.  Though, I think every human on the planet could benefit from a coach, I will only be able to coach so many on my own.  I will share more about this goal & opportunity towards the end of the week in case you are interested in becoming a coachee (please :).

Two:  My second favorite part of that coaching session with Sue was a question.  Sue asked me something to this effect:  What will keep you from your goals?  But, it was the follow-up question that got me:  What advice would 80-year old Jen give you?

You know what 80-year old Jen said?  Grandma Jen said, "Why are you so afraid?  You have a mad skill set.  You have people rooting for you.  If you fail, you can just tweak and try again.  You can do this."

And with that, I smiled and knew Grandma Jen was right.  Quit thinking so much about not reaching your goals and start making progress towards them.

I'm curious.  Do you set goals and hold yourself accountable for them?

Yours bravely,

Jen

PS - I've said this a hundred times to Sue.  She will forever be one of the top five people in my life that has changed the course of it for the better.  Every human needs a Sue.

Joy of Appreciative Living

Photo: Lil O and Mr. UpCyclist hiking in Colorado

I am a big fan of public libraries especially good ones.  At our local library in Colorado - a superb library for such a small town - I checked out 21 books.  Yep, you heard me.  Twenty-one.  Books for me, Mr. UpCyclist, Lil O and even Jedi (well, books about dogs and how smart they are).

Anyway, some of the books I chose.  Other books chose me.

This book, The Joy of Appreciative Living, was one of the books that chose me (affiliate link).  I'm glad it did.  I've been practicing the daily exercises for two weeks now.  I even did the big weekly activity - visualizing the life you want to lead.  There is something about this book that resonates with me.

I think it reminds me of life coaching with Sue and reframing everyday situations - especially the sticky ones.

If you have space in your summer reading queue, I highly recommend The Joy of Appreciative Living.  Plus, page 47 has the best, reflective questions.  I have become a big fan of good, curious questions.

xoxo,

Jen

Unforgotten, Newtown.

I don't easily forgot some life things.  I remember when I found out my first boyfriend passed away when we both would have been in our 20s.  I remember when a family member rolled their eyes at me when I was ten years old and how the message sent with their eye roll made me feel.  I remember my favorite teacher, Mr. Sparkman, and how each and every day in his class I felt valued and cared for.  I remember how cool Lil O smelled the day she was born - strange, I know.

When 60 minutes a few weeks ago interviewed several of the families from the Newtown, CT shooting, I knew I wanted to watch the segments to help me process that event.  I am the slowest processor in the world.  It takes me sometimes years to make sense out of things.  Plus, you know how much I adore Lil O and my amazing colleges students.  How does life continue after such tragedy? A question that was actually asked of the families in the interviews below.

There are so many take-aways from watching both the segments 60 minutes aired for Part I and Part II.

Again, being the slowest processor in the world means new take-aways will come to me hours, days, weeks and years later from this blog post.

Quote credit

Four take-aways immediately resonate with me.....

You are not alone.

In the US, there is often-times a negative stigma attached with getting mental health help.  I think that is why I openly talk about my life coaching with Sue.  I want whomever is reading this post (or older posts) to know, you are not alone for even a minute.  There are trained people in the world who can help get life in order, make sense of ugly things, and provide much needed life support.  Every community in the US offers free and paid for mental health help.  We just need to help each other connect with those services without judgment.

It really takes a village.

Asking for help from others is not a sign of weakness, but a sign you understand this cliche and you understand that, "Many hands make light work."  There is such strength in numbers and I wish more collaboration, not less, would take place in our communities.  It is not me, mine, or my family's.  But, instead we and ours & us collectively.

Look in a mirror.  Make change.

One of the dads, who lost a child in the Newtown shootings, eloquently said in the 60 minute segment (Part I, I believe), "Look in mirror and say to yourself, this will never happen to me. If you think for even the slightest shadow of a doubt that it [the shooting] could happen to you or your school or your community, what will you do to change your home, school, community or country now?"  I don't think there is a human on earth who could look in the mirror and know with certainty they, their families, their communities, or their country is 100% out of harm's way.  The latest incident in Boston attests to this uncertainty.  Sadly.

Evolve.

There is another quote, from a different dad from the Part II segment,  that speaks to me "....we [victims of Newtown] use tragedy to evolve society."  I am forever looking for what lessons a tragedy or life's events can teach me.  Thankfully, when I can't find them, Sue or friends & family help.  For me, personally, Newtown immediately changed my energy level with Lil O.  When I am tired and cranky, do not feel like playing and Lil O obviously wants to play, I find myself thinking, "A parent from Newtown would give anything to be in my shoes right now.  I get to be with my daughter.  I get to enjoy her company."  Just that small mind shift reminds me how grateful I am to have Lil O in my life and I immediately embrace the opportunity to interact with her. 

Life is never perfect.  Which is a good thing as I said good-bye to perfect in the fall.  My goal now is to learn, evolve, embrace and hold hands to make that moment better than it was seconds before.

Jen

PS - If I can point you to Sue or another person (or service) in your community to help you make sense of the world, please email me.  I'd love to help.  Find me at jen at upcyclededucation.com

Call me a Prius

Photo from here.  PicMonkeyed by Jen

Yesterday morning, I had a coaching session with Sue.  I know I haven't blogged about all of our coaching sessions lately like I did in the beginning; I've been consistently enjoying the sessions since the first time I blogged about them here in September.  I've realized I need many days/weeks to process what Sue and I discuss and also, some of the topics are personal and not blog-shareable.

Sue was asking me about the new stamp shop and some of the other happenings in my life.  I told her I feel like a Prius lately.  The more I create and do, the more energy I have.  Just like the more you drive a Prius, the more the battery recharges.  My battery gets recharged every time I do something new and challenging like launch a cycling team, open a stamp shop, design business cards, understand Photoshop Elements 5% more, try a new strategy in class, or parent Lil O in a new way.

Oddly, all of those things are enticing me to take another look at how I parent.  I pride myself on being a thoughtful, nurturing parent.  Who knew my recent successes (the cycling team, the stamp shop, etc.) could help me improve my parenting?

I must confess, without Sue, I do not think I would have connected the dots.  That woman is worth her weight in gold.

Vroom, vroom,

Jen, the Prius

PS - Sue is offering an amazing coaching package right now for 12 sessions, plus the discovery session - you pay half now, and half later.  I am soooo hooked on coaching that I am signing up for the full package.  Yay!   If you want to just 'try' coaching, do take up Sue on her sample session.  It literally doesn't cost you a thing, there is absolutely no pressure to sign up for more, and Sue is just such a good person to wrap-out with....trust me.  #lifechanging

You can email Sue here.

Beep, beep :)

Bicycle Analogy

As you already know, Team Upcycled Education - the cycling team - is due to roll out late spring.  Sue, my life coach (have I mentioned how much I adore having a life coach?) is partnering with the team as a sponsor.  Yay!

Sue wrote a lovely blog post about coming full circle, getting involved with the team, and comparing a bicycle to life.  Yep, a bicycle analogy.  Does it get any better?

See for yourself here.

Best,

Jen

Orbiting the Giant Hairball

After my recent coaching session with Sue, I remembered how much I love the book, Orbiting the Giant Hairball, and how I could really stand to reread it again.

Have you read it?  It is soooo good.  And so true if you every feel like you are caught up in someone else's agenda, yet you want to stay true to yourself.

See what you think.

Jen

UPDATE:  My four-pack of coaching sessions with Sue is just about to end.  Mr. UpCyclist and I just chatted today about the benefits of coaching and how I love it and need it.  Guess what?  I am going to extend.  Sue, you haven't seen the last of me!

PS -  Confused about me & life coaching?  If yes, read here.