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

Take a risk...Smile at a stranger!

This year is fresh and new! We all have traditions when the month of January rolls around. Some people decide to exercise more, try a new hairstyle or embark on a new adventure. I have a suggestion to add to your goal list...give unbridled kindness to those who come across your path. Life is not always easy and some people smile through incredibly hard circumstances. I propose that we add our own smiles to the mix and share them freely with those we don't know. Now I am not saying that we have to restrict free smiles only to strangers-everyone could use uplifting. I have found myself waiting in a line at a coffee shop or driving in heavy traffic and when I give a simple smile at a person who makes eye contact with me something special happens...they smile too. It is contagious, heart-warming and can change your day and the days of those that you don't even know. Do you want to be a difference maker? Smile! -Read something great.

Pre-school, Pro-social behaviors and prevention

How early is too early to talk to kids about bullying? This is a question that I am asked often by parents. This year I am honored to share that I have been asked to address parents of pre-schoolers in exploring prevention strategies and pro-social behavior seminars. The first one will be at the Lowry Center at Oakland University this month. Bullying is a hot topic amongst elementary through high school populations. My goal is to make sure that dialogue is not exclusive and that education on relational aggression can be a safe topic to discuss in any age group. The first time that I recall being bullied was when I was four years old. Many people can attest to earlier signs of relational aggression. Pro-social strategies can help children embrace behaviors that focus on kindness and fairness. Is your school or organization interested in having a Pro-social prevention seminar? Please feel free to email us for more information at info@taramichener.com

-Read Something great