Jefferson Commencement

TEDxFlint 2011 - Tara Michener - Professionals against Bullying

Pondering Pretty...

As a child it became very clear to me that girls were supposed to be pretty. I was given frilly socks, pretty dresses and told to be sweet and that would make me beautiful. I remember entering grade school and realizing the goal of "pretty" could be hard for someone like me who had crooked teeth and very dark skin. Pretty can sometimes be a mystery. Maya Angelou said it best in her poem Phenomenal Woman. What do you think pretty is? Does it require the best clothes, hair or is it something deeper? As a grown-up I believe that pretty is kindness. Pretty is compassion. Pretty is caring about more than our looks and keeping our minds fixed on those in need. I am still striving for pretty-but changing the definition everyday. Join me in defining pretty. Read something great!

Summer Reading Contest

Summer is almost here and so is my newest book: Teen Life Crisis! Teen Life Crisis introduces the Braylee, a young girl who is known for being a great kid until she is faced with some tough situations that change her outlook on life. My work in anti-bullying has allowed me to meet people who have been bullied and who are accused of being bullies. What is your definition of a bully? Send your description of what you think a bully truly is to my email at info@taramichener.com and share your thoughts on the topic in 200 words minimum for a chance to win our newest book signed. -Read something great!

From Good...to Great!

Dr. King had a birthday yesterday.
Millions of people celebrated the day that he was born for a reason...he was great.
What is the difference between good and great-you may ask?
Good means not saying bad things about others...great means making sure you help others to use their words for a deeper meaning.
Good means not causing any problems...great means putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation to see others succeed.
Good can sometimes mean being quiet...Great means standing up for what you believe in-even if it makes you seem a bit loud.
Today I was honored with an award as a Keeper of the Dream from Oakland University. I was able to listen to the beautiful life story of Common and to interact with incredible individuals who believe in something bigger than themselves.

The people that I interacted with today are not good people. They are great people. They see bad things happen and they put themselves right in the middle of it to see change happen. They celebrate others and put themselves last. They care about their communities, schools and the future of the citizens that inhabit them.
I was good when I worked in a corporate office and clocked in. I am no longer good. I am striving to be great. When I visit children who need a reminder of their own potential-this gets me closer.
What gets you closer?
Let me know.
This dream that Dr. King had is still in need of those who choose to be great...which means we still need to choose to serve.
-Read something great!

Creating a spark...

Have you ever wondered how major things happen?
Big things like the Civil rights movement-or ending apartheid?
I can tell you.
It isn't by starting a Huge movement...
it is by igniting small sparks with focused thinking followed by action.
My career path began by jotting down a few notes in a journal-I coupled those thoughts with musings from my heart about self-esteem, anti-bullying and diversity.
My love of literacy intertwined with my love of people and my desire to see people cease judgement of one another and embrace strengths of common strangers.
This is what started my current career.

What will it take to start something big for you?
Thoughts?
journaling?
A deep conversation?
hurt?

Allow every encounter to be the bread crumb that builds tomorrows bridge to your destiny.

It's a new year and we have to begin to allow new ideas to pave the way to new adventures!

-Read something great!

Kindness Chronicles

What brings out the holiday spirit in you?
What makes you smile and feel as though this season is magical?
Write down 5 things that make you grateful for December.
What did you think about?
For me...it's simple
1.)People giving me cards/tokens because they thought of me
2.)Strangers greeting me just because they feel cheerful
3.)Christmas songs
4.)Times of reflection and gratitude
5.)Being surprised

Soooo...I have a challenge for you to keep others cheerful and bright during this season. Grant a wish everyday. It does not have to be extravagant. It can be small. Write a nice note to someone that you are grateful for; Be a secret santa and drop off treats for those in need; Drop a $1 on the ground and realize the person that needs it the most-will probably need it. You can get creative and come up with your own. If you plan on doing this everyday of December-please let me know and share what you learned. It helps all of us to keep the season bright. :)
Read something great
Tara
-Tara