March Is Reading Month!

If you read this blog often-you know my mantra is read something great. This month you don't have a choice. It is reading month. Please get involved by taking your literacy to the next level. Make a goal to skip a tv show and watch a book in that same time slot or volunteer at a local library and read to kids. Let's get excited about books! This month if you buy any of my books from my website-you are eligible for a special surprise with each purchase. Let's make this month magnificent! -Read something great

Passing down the legacy of Literacy

Readers! We have spent many years discussing the importance of reading and writing. My love of writing began by being read to first. I can easily recall being a small child and snuggling under covers as my parents read to me. There was nothing better than being cross-legged on the floor of my classroom while my teacher shared a story with us. Do you remember who read to you the most as a child? Have you ever thanked them? Those who read to us when we are small plant incredible seeds of hope in our life. This brings me to the special person that I am reading to currently...my own baby. Yes-I am expecting my first child. I read to my child everyday and although my baby has not been born yet this is setting a lasting precedent. Do you have any favorite books that you think I should read to my belly? Let me know. Share your memories, your ideas and and your hearts-I am listening and am just as excited to hear your story as I was to hear stories as a child. Read Something Great!

My Elite Blessing

This month I have been blessed to be able to be honored with 39 amazing professionals who are making a difference in Michigan. I have been named one of the L. Brooks Patterson Elite 40 under 40 in Oakland County. To be included in such a great group of doers is a true honor. This recognition is not only a gift to me but you, my community. Without your loyalty to the cause of anti-bullying, literacy and self-esteem I would not be able to do what I love. So I am saying thank you to you-because you make me a better me! -Read something great!

February Friendship Challenge

I know. Everywhere you go-you see hearts. Candy sentiments. Balloon bouquets. Reminders of relationships and valentines day consumes your tv, computer pop-ups and your inbox. Let's start a new trend. Let's make February the month that we focus on friendship. Who has been by your side all year? Who has sat with you at the hardest times in your life? Who could use your support right now? Let's do some reinventing. I propose that we make over February. I am not saying that we completely do away with recognizing our significant others (I mean, I still want stuff from my hubistrator). I am proposing that we include friends and even a few strangers in our kindness efforts this month. Can we make cupcakes for the office? Bring candy bars to the classroom? A small gesture like a handwritten note can make someone smile in a beautiful way. If you want to take the February Friendship challenge. Please tell us how it went. We want to know! -Read something great

January Dreams!

How has this year been for you so far? Are you watching your goal list closely? For me it has somewhat of a whirlwind. A few of my favorite moments from this year are worth sharing. Last year I won an award called "Keeper of The Dream" this award salutes people who exhibit principles, character and contributions that follow in the footsteps of Dr. King's vision. This year I was able to be a guest and meet the new winners of the award. They all had amazing accomplishments, stories and hope for the future. I also was able to meet a business person that calls me higher and inspires me to grow and continue to reach for the best.

Daymond Jon, Sharktank Star, author and entrepreneur gave an incredible speech to remind us of the dream keepers that we see everyday and to celebrate each step and contribution respectfully. The other amazing opportunity that I had this year was to present for a group of parents of preschoolers on the importance of prosocial development. It seems small to always remind a child to say please and thank you but this is the seeds we plant when we want to create the next dream keeper. Have any of your January dreams come true? Are you still working on them? The month is not over yet. -Read something great

The Miracle of me...appreciating and acknowledging your path.

Have you ever heard of the description "modern day miracle"? What exactly do you think about when you picture a miracle? Is it a check with lots of 0's at the end of it? Is it a cure for a rare disease that will save millions of people? Those examples are both accurate. Think about this for a second though: You are a miracle. You are able to live and breath. Your efforts make a difference (whether good or bad) in the lives of others. You have outstanding potential and possibility. So...yeah, I'd call you a miracle. Acknowledge the things that you do on a regular basis. They may seem big or small but they have impact. They count. Once we acknowledge the depths of our own potential-we must have sober judgement about others potential as well. Is there someone in your life that you are having a hard time with? Someone who you have given up on? Keep in mind-this life is full or miracles and they might be the miracle in your life. People that exude behavior that is questionable also exude the ability to surprise us with a new outlook and respect for their own behaviors. Take a look around today and think about the many miracles that surround you. -Read something great

TGIM

TGIF is very familiar to us. Friday comes and people cheer...they welcome the day before Saturday signaling a break from the week. I love Friday too. I have a proposal though...think about Monday. Monday is met with doom and gloom. People typically call Monday the day that they least appreciate. How man phrases have you heard that put down Monday as dreaded and dismal? Okay...I know you are waiting on my proposal. So...let's make today mindful. Instead of running away from the fact that Monday is another day that we have been given as a gift-let's celebrate it. If we put our best foot forward and think about the fact that Monday gives us a fresh start-I think our week will benefit from it. When the new year rolls around people get excited. They are ready to be done with the old and embrace the new. Let's do the same with Monday. Let's make it our new week celebration. You can do a countdown, have a special coffee and/or make resolutions/goals for your week. What do you say? Are you with me on a mindful Monday makeover? Let me know your plans! -Read something great