Tag: awareness

compassion, Health / Wellness, Kindness, Mindfulness, Mindset, self care

Self-Talk: Why What We Say to Ourselves Matters

Cassandra Troughton

When was the last time YOU took inventory of your thoughts?

Specifically – The thoughts you have about YOURSELF…

Our Internal Dialogue

Self-talk is the voice inside our heads that commentates our life.

This internal commentator shares its thoughts on our actions, on our decisions, on our personality and even, our looks… It always seems to have an opinion…

And I’m going to be honest with you here… It’s not always the kindest opinion – It’s often a judgemental opinion. 

Our self-talk develops and changes based on our past experiences, and the people we spent the most time with. It develops based on how the people around us, especially those closest to us, spoke about themselves. 

Over time, this self-talk becomes deeply ingrained in us.  

We don’t always think about its implications, because of it being deeply ingrained into our system. We tend to dismiss the impact our self-talk has on our lives. 

In reality: The things that we say to ourselves matter. 

It matters because these things manifest our reality… They way we talk to ourselves shows up in our mental and physical wellbeing…

Negative Self-Talk: An Unhealthy Pattern

Negative self-talk pops into our heads in the form of self-criticism, doubt, and negativity. 

All too commonly, we tell ourselves: 

  • “I’m not good enough.” 
  • “I always mess things up.”  
  • “I’ll never be able to do it.” 

We set ourselves up for failure with such unkindness about ourselves.

By continually engaging in negative self-talk, we create a self-fulfilling prophecy that reinforces our negative beliefs and behaviours. 

We reinforce the cycle of negative self-talk. 

Escaping the Cycle

What about positive self-talk, then? 

It is an optimistic and encouraging internal dialogue that promotes self-confidence and self-esteem.

Positive self-talk sounds like this:

  • “I can do this.” 
  • “I am capable.” 
  • “I am worthy of love and respect.” 

This kind of self-talk helps us overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and maintain a positive outlook on life. Most importantly, it helps us to love and accept ourselves for who we are.

We can harness the power of positive-self talk to reverse the cycle.

Change is Hard… But NOT Impossible.

Trust me, I get it… Growing up in this day and age, in this world, poses a real challenge to unleash our confidence. To be vulnerable. An to accept ourselves for who we are.

It’s much easier to revert back to our deeply ingrained patterns of negative self-talk.

Our subconscious holds onto this pattern tightly – It doesn’t want to let the negative self-talk go. It’s all it knows after all… 

This negative pattern becomes our default mode. 

Here’s the thing: We CAN reverse this pattern. We CAN rewire our brains with a NEW default mode.

To rewire our brain and get ourselves out of this negative self-talk pattern, we need to do some serious brain training.

It’s time we become intentional about our positive self-talk!

We can interrupt self-defeating thoughts by redirecting to positive ones. 

Look, I’m not saying we’ve got to be perfect all. the. time.

We are human after all. Flaw is a part of our design.

But –

If we can begin to be conscious of these thoughts and redirect ourselves to choosing new thoughts, this is the start of a beautiful new life…

It’s as simple as catching yourself the next time you tell yourself: “Ugh, I’m so stupid…”, taking a pause (maybe a deep breath) and then re-telling yourself:

“Okay, I’m not stupid, it was only just a mistake. I’m actually a smart human who makes great choices. We’re all entitled to mistakes.” 

Manageable, right?

And the more we can get into the habit of catching ourselves, and redirecting ourselves, our brain will begin to change… And a new default mode takes over the subconscious mind!

I Used To Tell My Students

“Would you say those things to your best friend?”

The answer is almost always no. 

It’s easy to show compassion to our friends, why is it so hard to show compassion to ourselves?

I’m going to let you in on one last secret: You will be the best and longest friend YOU will ever have. 

You will always be there for you.

So, nurture the friendship you have with yourself well. It’s the most important friendship you’ll ever have. 

With love,

Miss T.

Mindfulness, Mindset

The Power of the Mind: Understanding How Beliefs Shape Our Reality

Cassandra Troughton

What if I told you that your reality was a lie?

Okay, not an actual lie –

But what might seem true to you, isn’t necessarily true for everyone. 

You only perceive it as true, because that’s all you know. It’s the only reality you’ve been exposed to.

Here’s the thing:

Over the course of our lives, our subconscious mind ingests everything around us. It ingests every experience, it ingests rules set by your parents growing up, it ingests rules imposed by society, it ingests the things we hear on the news, and the things we’ve read. 

The list goes on and on…

Now these external factors influence our perception and our beliefs. These perceptions and beliefs become established and engrained in our subconscious mind – To the point that we accept them as our true reality. 

Our subconscious mind accepts these beliefs as our reality.  

The Mind Can Be Programmed

In fact, it already has been programmed! 

From the moment we are born, our minds are programmed with certain beliefs and perspectives based on the information and experiences that are fed to us. 

And it continues to be programmed and reprogrammed based on the information and experiences you take in on the daily!

Our minds are easily influenced by the world around us. 

The thing is, our minds are incredibly powerful tools that have the ability to shape our reality. They shape our perceptions of reality and the beliefs systems we carry with us throughout our life.

Society Conditions Us from the Moment We Are Born

Society is one of the biggest influencers of our belief systems. 

The minute we take our first breath on this Earth, we are conditioned to believe certain things about the world and about ourselves. Society teaches us what is acceptable and what is not, what is possible and what is impossible, and what is true and what is false. 

Societal conditioning poses its limits on us…

We believe we are limited beings with limited potential. But this is far from true.

We have the power to rise above these self-imposed limits. 

The mind can be re-programmed just as easily as it was programmed. 

With awareness, we can rewire our minds to new possibilities and reach our full potential as human beings.

Reprogramming The Subconscious Mind 

It takes a conscious mind to reprogram the subconscious mind. 

A consistent and unrelenting conscious mind. 

Reprogramming requires a conscious effort and a willingness to let go of old beliefs that no longer serve us.

Instead, we can focus on new beliefs, take in new information, experience new experiences  and completely change reality for ourselves.

By thinking new thoughts and shifting into new experiences, we can literally change the way our brain works. 

Simply by being conscious of our thoughts and the information we feed our mind, and by making a conscious effort to shift it – To experience new things, read new books, and turn off the dang news…

We build new neural connections in our brains. We form new neural patterns. We form a whole new belief system.

We completely reprogram our subconscious mind…

Understanding The Power of Belief Systems

The takeaway is this: Our beliefs shape our perceived reality – They can limit us, or enhance us.

Our beliefs are like a lens through which we view the world, and what we see is a reflection of those beliefs. 

If we believe that the world is a place of scarcity, we will see scarcity everywhere. 

But if we believe that the world is abundant, we will see abundance everywhere. 

Our beliefs have a direct impact on what we attract into our lives, so it’s important to be mindful of the beliefs that we hold.

And even more important than simply being mindful of the beliefs we hold, to be mindful of the fact that we are capable of CHOOSING what beliefs we hold.

You are not powerless. 

You have the ability to shape your reality. YOU can shape and filter your beliefs. One conscious thought at a time..

You are The Creator of Your Own Reality

You are the creator of your own reality and hold the power to shape your beliefs and perspectives. 

You can reprogram your subconscious mind. 

You can create the reality you wish for yourself and free yourself from the confined restraints society had pre-imposed on you. You can expand your thinking. 

So, embrace your inner power.

Be conscious. 

And make the conscious choice to change your reality if it’s no longer serving you.

Because, now you know, it is completely possible! 🙂 

With love,

Miss T.

Mindfulness, Mindset, self-development

Life Is A Classroom: Why Learning is Necessary Beyond the Classroom Walls

Cassandra Troughton

Earlier this month, we chatted about intentions…

And seeing that it’s still January, let’s elaborate a little more about starting the New Year off with intentions!

Why Intentions and NOT Resolutions?

I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m not a big fan of resolutions…

I find the idea of a new year’s resolution tends to be overwhelming. And more often than not, they set us up for failure. 

We build up this idea in our mind of all the goals we’ll crush and all the things we’ll accomplish, and when we fall short (even just a tad), we get down on ourselves. We give up.

For myself, I prefer to focus on setting intentions. For the year ahead. As well as for the day ahead.

An intention is a guiding principle or mindset that you want to adopt, rather than a specific goal. It can be a feeling you want to feel. Or the energy you want to bring with you into the year ahead.

There are many different ways to set an intention (and a whole lot less rules than setting goals or resolutions 😉)

Last week, I shared my intention setting with the help of the Dan Sullivan Question. This particular intention was geared towards the next three years of my life.

But for 2023… 

I Decided on Setting an Intention with my ‘Word of the Year’

This year, I’ve chosen my intentional word as “growth.” 

I’ve finally hit a point in my life where I’ve come to realize that we are always growing and always learning.

That we are meant to always grow and learn.

And that comfort and stagnation are not a part of our journey. There never will be a final comfortable destination in this beautiful human experience…

There will never be a point reached where we’ll say: “Okay, that’s it, I’ve learned all there is to learn in this life. I’m complete.”

It’s just not going to happen.

So instead, I’ll embrace the forever growth.

(Side note: Growth is not always linear… It’s more like a cycle… Like nature moving through seasons, our growth changes. Sometimes we grow up towards the sky. Other times we take a step back and shed our leaves. But even during those step backs, we grow from them. It is all part of the growth process.)

So this year, to follow through with my intentional word, I plan to say yes to the things I’ve always wanted to learn and try.

To start saying yes to the things I’ve always said:

“One day, I’d like to learn this…”

“One day, I’d like to try that…”

And we all know that “one day” just keeps slipping further away.

Until it never happens at all.

And let me tell you, I’m done putting off growth.

In the last quarter of 2022, I read the book “The 12 Week Year” by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. This book shed some light on the fact that I have more time than I ever thought. That we all have more time than we think. 

And we are always capable of learning and growing – especially if it is something we prioritize because we truly desire it for ourselves.

I Desire Growth 

And I will do what it takes to keep this intentional promise I made with myself…

This year, I’ll be trying a whole lot of new things.

And learning a LOT more of the things I’ve always wanted to learn.

I hope that by sharing my intention of growth, it will inspire you to set your own intentions for the year. And to embrace the idea of forever growing.

Life Really Is One Big Giant Classroom.

Embrace each opportunity to learn and grow! Or MAKE your own opportunities!

I’m ready to make this year one of growth, one of trial and error, and one of learning from mistakes.

And perhaps, you’ll join me! 😉

With love,

Miss T.

Mental health, Mindset, Stress / Anxiety

Traumatic Wisdom: How To Use Setbacks As Fuel to Your Fire

Cassandra Troughton

We are all one.

Although we are all one, it doesn’t mean we’re all the same.

As we grow up, it becomes apparent that we all come from different walks of life.

We have different life experiences.

Some very privileged experiences – Some of us were born with opportunities others could never have dreamed of.

Some very disadvantaged experiences – Some of us have been carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders since day 1.

Some of this heavy weight becomes trauma. Trauma that’s become embedded in us. 

These life experiences – whether advantaged, disadvantaged or somewhere in between – shape us. They change us and mold us into the beings that we are today. 

Sometimes these life events set us back. 

Sometimes they hold us back.

Sometimes they become the reason for not living up to our full potential. 

But what we don’t always know – and what I wish someone would have told ME when I was growing up – is that these events, these struggles, these traumas…

… Don’t HAVE to hold us back. 

Yes, these experiences shape us, a part of them is ingrained in us forever. 

And yes, they have a drastic impact on who we are and the people we become. 

BUT –

They do not limit you. 

Or limit the person you can become.

Traumatic Wisdom

I was first introduced to this term by Dr. Gabor Mate, a renowned speaker, and bestselling author who specializes in addiction, stress, trauma and childhood development.

“Trauma cannot always be conquered, fixed, or resolved, but it can be heard, held and loved.”

Dr. Gabor Mate

Dr. Gabor Mate opened my eyes. He reminded me that we cannot change or always resolve our traumas. But we can choose to understand them and use them as fuel towards a better future for ourselves.

His words helped me in my own personal life, but also helped me in my work with my students – many of which came from traumatic backgrounds that I never dreamed of imaginable. 

I could help my students make sense of their traumas. 

To help them understand all of us carry trauma – although it may look different. 

That trauma comes in different forms and manifests differently for everyone.

And to remind them (and myself)…

That they have the power to change their course. 

That they don’t have to remain a victim of their circumstances.

The Power of Choice

The thing is, we always have a choice.

We have a choice in perspective.

A choice in how we see our circumstances.

A choice to use our circumstances and life experiences as setbacks or opportunities.

Choice is the most powerful thing in the world. And can be used in the most powerful of ways. 

As long as we can be conscious of the fact that we ALWAYS have a choice.

We can ALWAYS alter our course.

And with that, I’ll leave you with one final quote:

“I am not a product of my circumstances, I am a product of my decisions.”

– Stephen R. Covey

With love,

Miss T.

Mindfulness, Mindset

The Ultimate Happiness Equation: Is Happiness Really Something We Can Attain?

Cassandra Troughton

Humans work hard every day to reach their goals.

Sometimes we think if we work and work and work, we’ll get to this ultimate point in our lives. The high point of true happiness…

We think:

“I’ll be happy when I’m rich…”

“I’ll be happy when I’m retired…”

“When I finally have freedom, I’ll be happy…”

But, It Doesn’t Work This Way…

We will never get to this point of completion. Because the reality is, we are always growing. Always changing. Always reaching towards new goals.

There is no point waiting for happiness to reach this point.

This point will never come…

Learn To See Happiness In Growth.

It really is a simple equation to happiness.

Happiness = Growth

There is no happiness in stagnancy.

In fact, I’d say the equation would look something like this…

Stagnancy = Madness.

Because when we are stagnant… when we remain the same… When we are waiting to reach a certain point in our lives that will never come, we become depressed. The opposite of happiness.

This is true madness.

“Happiness is neither this thing nor that…. It is simply growth. We are happy when we are growing.”

-William Butler Yeats

We Are Happy When We Are Growing.

When we stretch our minds and learn new things. When we open our minds to different viewpoints and challenge our existing beliefs.

When we continuously set new goals and when we are accepting of the fact that we will ALWAYS be setting goals.

That we will ALWAYS be growing…

Be Happy Now.

Happiness is a choice.

You can choose to see it as something you attain, or you can choose to see it as something you experience everyday.

That you experience while you Grow. Learn. Change.

Remember, you will never reach a point of completion. You will never reach ultimate happiness.

But, you can choose to see it in the growth of each day.

With love,

Miss T.

Mindfulness

The Science Behind Circles: What’s So Special About Circles And Why YOU Should Take Advantage Of Their Power

Cassandra Troughton

5 years ago, in my little Grade 1 & 2 opportunity classroom*, we began our days the same way each day…  

The pitter patter of little feet shuffled in the door and across the classroom to our “cozy carpet corner.” Here, my partner teacher would greet each one of them, inviting them to sit down. 

Each little bum would find a spot on the carpet, making a circle with their peers and the classroom teacher. You can bet that I joined them too… 😉

Our morning circle on the cozy carpet was our opportunity to come together and connect before we began the rest of our day. We’d say good morning to all of our classroom friends and everyone would have the opportunity to share what was on their mind or how they were feeling that day.

Even my most anxious students eagerly awaited their turn to speak at morning circle.

Gathering in a circle on the carpet became a ritual in our little classroom.

But, it’s not an uncommon one…

Gathering in circles has been a common occurrence throughout history. From King Arthur’s knights at the round table to our Indigenous peoples celebrating and storytelling around a fire.

Coming together in a circle is a part of our primitive roots. 

Human beings have been doing so for as long as we can remember – Or, as long as we can find records of.

But Why? What’s So Special About Circles?

Circles are repeatedly found all throughout nature. 

Just think about it for a moment… What greets us in the morning sky each waking day? And what lights up the darkness at night? 

Yes, I’m well aware that the moon isn’t ALWAYS out at night. It’s on a different cycle and makes its appearance during the day sometimes too. In fact, one morning I was greeted by BOTH the sun and moon! – How magical!

Moving on…

We too, are a part of nature. It’s part of who we are and why we have this internal longing to connect through circles.

But, I Wonder… Is There Something More To It? Is There Science Behind The Power Of Circles?

Researchers have been busy studying the circle…

And they’ve started to learn more and more about why the circle is so apparent in our history and why we are drawn to gathering in them – Why it’s in our nature to gather in them.

Circles, unlike other rigid shapes, provide a sense of security. A safety net.

When we form a circle, all ranks of authority seem to disappear…

No one is sitting up higher than another. No one is in front of another.

We are all the same distance apart.

It’s because of this that we feel a sense of security and unity in our circles.

We feel a part of a community.

We feel like we belong to something bigger than ourselves.

And we KNOW that belonging and connection is a human need. We have a NEED to belong.

When We Gather In A Circle Of A Group We Belong To, We Can Let Our Guards Down. 

We can open up. 

It is in circles where we feel most safe and can openly express ourselves authentically – without fear.

I was attending a Professional Development session led by some Psychologist (Wish I would have remembered to take their name down…) where I was first exposed to the science behind circles…

After that, I began noticing ALL the circles in my life and my past experiences where the safety net of a circle rang true.  

Not just from when I was a kid… But even more recent experiences too!

At the time, I had just started going to a new CrossFit gym. Being new to the area (and new to CrossFit in general), I found myself a little intimidated…

Typically, when I’m nervous…. I don’t say too much. But…

This CrossFit gym must have understood the power of circles too and helped me (and many others) open up.

At the beginning of each group class, we’d gather in a circle for a quick introduction and a little icebreaker “Question of the Day”. 

It was in this circle, I could authentically be me. And others could authentically be them.

(You would have never been able to tell who the introverts at the gym were!)

Because in that circle, everyone, if only for a moment, was an extrovert. 

Everyone was equal.

This CrossFit gym was KNOWN for its community. It had one of the tightest and welcoming communities thanks to its amazing coaches and their understanding and utilization of circles.

(I swear I’m not just saying that because one of the coaches is my boyfriend now… 😉)

I saw first hand why the circle represents unity…

And WHY we should continue to follow in our primitive roots. 

Especially in a time of high anxieties and worries. 

I hope this blog post inspires you to be on the lookout for circles in your own life and maybe even lead a few circles of your own.

With love,

Miss T.

*Opportunity Classroom – One of many special needs program, specifically for cognitive delays

Need Some Ideas?

Here are 6 Tips to Get You Started:

Whether you have your own classroom, manage a company, or have a family at home, you can apply these suggestions to your life and adapt them to fit your lifestyle and/or career.

  1. Hold Weekly/Monthly Sharing Circles

    I used to hold sharing circles with my students. Sometimes we just need to get something off our chest in order to move on with our days. Be respectful of one another. Have rules in place that prevent people from interrupting one another. With young children, a talking stick works magic here! If you’re unfamiliar with talking sticks, the rule is simply whoever holds the stick is the speaker at the moment while everyone else is listening compassionately. The speaker passes along the stick to the next person when they’re done. (Tip: For children, a sand timer is a wonderful cue to help children get out their thoughts but also be respectful of the next person’s time to speak… Come to think of it, I know some adults who could use a sand timer too… 😉)
  1. Icebreaker ‘Question of the Day’ Circles

    This is similar to what my Crossfit gym would do at the beginning of each group class. This is fun to try with a new group of people to get them to open up, but it could also be done among peers. In the classroom to start off your day or a certain block, in staff meetings to get a meeting started with some lightness, or even around the dinner table! The question could be ANYTHING! From more serious questions like “What are you grateful for?” to something silly like “If you had to pick between eating a donut from the garbage or going to work with stained clothes, what would you choose?”
  1. Mindfulness or Meditation Circles

    Collectively meditating, chanting or simply breathing together is POWERFUL. Doing so in a circle… even MORE powerful! Whether you have a classroom or club (like I used to), or work in an office with a team, everyone can benefit from a collective breath before proceeding with their day. Even consider doing this at home with your family! Take a deep breath before your meal. Or gather in a quick circle for a deep collective family breath before leaving your home to take your children to school.
  1. Circles around the Campfire (Storytelling, Singing, Dancing or just Having Fun!)

    This is probably something you do anyway but didn’t realize how powerful and unifying it is! Keep doing it, just be intentional about it. Get together with friends or family and spend time together. If someone knows how to play guitar, great! Get them to bring it along and sing a few songs together (Singing holds a powerful vibration of its own – more on that in another blog post). Or tell stories – real life or spooky ghost stories. Whatever floats your boat! 
  1. Arrange Your Furniture in a Circle

    I’ve only ever seen this done once in a classroom, but it would be cool if your students could go to class each day and really feel a part of the community you created! How about during staff meetings? Scrap the typical seating and move your chairs in a circle! I bet more people would start speaking up… What about at home? Can you rearrange your couches in a circular shape or sit at a round dining table more often?
  2. Hold Celebratory Circles

    Celebrating a birthday or someone special? What about when someone hits their targets at work or gets a promotion? I challenge YOU to find a quick minute to come together in a circle and celebrate! Celebrating others makes them and us feel great. And sadly, it’s not done enough… We don’t always “have the time” to celebrate others. Or, at least we think we don’t have the time… That celebration could be as quick and a congratulations and a group cheer or sing happy birthday! Look for those quick moments! You won’t regret it!
Mindfulness, Mindset

Mindfulness Myths: Is Mindfulness For You?

Cassandra Troughton

When we think of Mindfulness, we often picture someone sitting cross-legged, eyes closed in a deep meditation, with a single goal of emptying the mind…

And while meditation CAN be a practice of Mindfulness, Mindfulness is not solely Meditation.

Unfortunately, people disregard Mindfulness because they think

“I can’t sit still for THAT long.”

Or…

“It’s impossible to NOT think!”

But Mindfulness is so much more than that!

Let’s Bust Our Preconceived Notions of Mindfulness.

Mindfulness is defined as being consciously aware of something…

… and this something can be ANYTHING!

Mindfulness is:

  • Taking a walk out in nature and fully immersing yourself in your surroundings
  • Mindfully eating a meal and using all 5 senses to heighten your food experience
  • Having a deep conversation and participating in active listening – this means not pulling out your phone mid-convo to answer a text…

All of these activities, as simple as they are, are a form of mindfulness.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complex. It just needs your presence.

Let’s Reframe Our View of Mindfulness.

It doesn’t have to be something we “add” into our day.

I want you to take a look at your schedule, right now. What do you have planned for the day? Can you do any of those activities mindfully?

Can you be fully present and engaged in your meetings?

Can you put your phone away at the dining table?

Can you limit your desire to multi-task and focus on one task at a time?

Mindfulness is a habit that can be built into our days. All it takes is a little creative thinking.

What do we get in return for living mindfully?

Mindfulness gives us back our lives. It allows us to get out of our own heads and into the “now.”

No more missing out on the life that is right in front of you.

It is time to experience every moment as it comes.

And I mean, REALLY experience it. All of it.

With love,

Miss T.

Health / Wellness, Mental health

Does Mindset Actually Matter? A Group of Hotel Maids and The Harvard Research Team Have The Answer!

Cassandra Troughton

We say we understand the importance of mindset.

But, we undervalue it. We downplay it.

It doesn’t often make it to the top of our priority list…

We put other things ahead of it.

And we don’t realize they go hand-in-hand.

Mindset plays a role in everything we do!

But why?

And how?

The Science of Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of how perception shapes our reality by affecting the way our genes work.

And no… I’m not talking about altering your genes!

Epigenetics explains how parts of our lives – like our environment, situations, our thoughts and behaviors (what we input) – can change the expression of our genes.

It doesn’t alter our genes. Our genes are still our genes.

But our perception can turn genes on and off – almost like a switch.

Perception Shapes Our Biology!

The things you tell yourself and what you perceive about yourself matter!

Thoughts and experiences shape you.

Who you are, who you become…

Your whole reality is manifested by your thoughts. Your perceptions.

I want to share an example of how powerful our thoughts are.

There are many studies out there that prove this point, but here is one you’ll never forget…

Here is how we can harness the power of Epigenetics…

Case Study: Hotel Maids and Harvard.

Harvard Researchers took mindset to the test by monitoring a group of hotel maids.

The group was split into two:

  • An Informed Group
  • An Uniformed Group

The group of ‘informed’ individuals were shown that the work they do is considered good exercise. They gave multiple examples to point out all of the exercise they were getting on a daily basis.

All of the walking – up and down stairs. All of the vacuuming and toting around of heavy cleaning materials. All of the movement they did all day long.

The ‘uninformed’ group was told none of this. They proceeded to work as usual.

At the end of the study, SIGNIFICANT differences emerged between the two groups!

Nothing changed for the ‘uninformed’ group.

But for the ‘informed’ maids…

They became fitter AND healthier!

Their Daily Work Tasks and Behaviours Did NOT Change…

What Did Change Was HOW
They Viewed Their Work…

The ‘informed’ maids saw measurable improvements!

  • Decrease in Body Weight
  • Lowered Blood Pressure
  • Less body fat
  • Smaller BMI.

All of these changes came about, solely through how they perceived their work!

True Epigenetics at work!

Via the placebo effect…

This study showcases that the mindset we have about ourselves (or our work) can affect our reality. Right down to our biology!

How we see the world affects our life.

How we see ourselves affects our life.

With love,

Miss T.

Kids, Mindfulness, Uncategorized

Ground-Breaking News For Parents: How To Get Your Child To Listen!

Cassandra Troughton

How many times do you find yourself saying things like:

“Don’t forget to use your manners…”

“Please clean up your mess…”

“Don’t forget to wash your hands…”

Only to have a response like:

“NO!” Or, “BUT I DON’T WANT TO!”

It’s True… Sometimes We Struggle To Get Our Kids To Listen.

We repeat ourselves over and over again…

And, to no avail.

It’s a tiring battle…

It’s as if our kids are PURPOSELY doing the opposite!

So we try to beat them at their own game…

We pull out some ‘reverse psychology’ on them…

But, even that doesn’t work!

Because kids are smarter than that…

Kids Are Observant.

They can tell when you’re fooling. They can read your body language and they can tell by your tone.

They know you well.

Maybe even TOO well…

At the End of the Day, it Doesn’t Matter What you Say,

It Only Matters What you DO!

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders,
but they have never failed to imitate them.”

-James Baldwin

Model It!

Modeling the behavior you want to see in your child is a MUST.

If you want your kids to use their manners, they must see YOU use your manners.

If you want your kids to clean up after themselves, they must see YOU cleaning up after yourself!

If you want your kids to practice hygiene, they need to see YOU practice good hygiene.

And no, you can’t just do it ONCE and call it a day… They NEED to see you repeat your ideal behaviour!

Why Do Kids Copy What They See?

Kids notice the actions of others through their Mirror Neurons.

Mirror Neurons are types of brain cells that pick up what others are doing around us.

When kids see others performing an action, their Mirror Neurons observe it and signal for our body to do the same.

Kids Learn Best Through Imitation.

They imitate what they see in order to learn new things and new skills.

And because you as parents spend the most time with your kids, what you DO, what they SEE you DO, matters the most!

This is a blessing and a curse.

A blessing because through our actions, we are able to mold our kids brains and shape them the way we desire.

A curse if we are not modelling the behaviour that we expect of our kids.

But I choose to see it as a blessing! An OPPORTUNITY even!

An opportunity because YOU as the parent have the power to choose your actions and words!

To inspire your children through your actions and words.

And what a power that is to have…

With love,

Miss T.

Education, Mindset

Out With The Old! Why My Last 7 Years of Teaching Taught Me It’s Time To Ditch Our Current Education System…

Cassandra Troughton

Warning: This topic might be a little controversial for some..

But, and important topic nonetheless!

After my time working in our traditional education system, I cant help but wonder…

Would you send your kids off to factory assembly-line training?

You wouldn’t.

Well, why do you send them off to school each day?

Newsflash: It’s the SAME thing!

Our School System is Outdated.

It was crafted in the time of the Industrial Revolution.

The Education System was simply training grounds for assembly-line work.

Times Have Changed.

People are no longer working in factories the same way they did during the 1800’s.

We have advanced so far in technology.

We have machines that do that work for us.

So… why hasn’t our Education System advanced?

Working in the classroom opened my eyes up to the shocking realities of our current system.

Our System Teaches Kids WHAT to Think Instead of HOW to Think!

It does not encourage kids to be critical, free-thinkers.

It teaches kids to believe what they are told.

Everything they’re told…

But we need kids to question things!

We need curious kids who can problem solve with out-side-of-the-box thinking!

This current system limits their thinking.

Our System Focuses on Weaknesses Instead of Capitalizing on Strengths!

All day, we mark and grade things. All with the purpose of improving our student’s weaknesses.

Yes, learning and improving are important…

… But focusing solely on weaknesses doesn’t give our students the chance to develop their strengths.

We need to show our students how to exploit their strengths.

For their future!

Our System Focuses on ONE Particular Standard… For ALL!

It assumes all of our students are the same…

We expect the same things from each one:

  • We expect all A’s.
  • We expect all to listen.
  • We expect all to sit still.

The reality is… all our kids are different! We need to embrace their individuality!

We need to model the importance of standing out!

It’s miserable, for both students and teachers, to focus on expectations that are near impossible to meet.

Do We Really Want to Live in a World Where Everyone Does and Thinks the Same?

A world where everyone is training for the assembly-line?

To live each day without thinking their own thoughts?

Don’t we want – scratch that – NEED a system that encourages individuality, capitalizes on strengths and promotes critical and creative thinking?

It’s time to decide if our current Education System is really doing anything for our kids’ future.

I can see that it isn’t…

And my hopes, for our student and our future, is that you see it too…

It’s time for a change!

With love,

Miss T.