I think I can, I think I can . . .

Hey All--

So I am in the process of finishing organizing my writing--feels a bit clunky and new, and, to be honest, scary.
The good news is, I am telling myself that I CAN DO THIS, even though it may take a little bit of time and patience.

Anyway, like I was writing this past week, I'm not letting my fearful thoughts get in the way of taking baby steps toward my goals; and when I think about it (thoughts . . . ) I am reminded that fearful thoughts are usually about the future, and they take me away from being present and engaged in chiseling away at the task or moment in front of me.

 I am also reminded of one of my favorite childhood stories called "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper. The little engine had a powerful mantra: I think I can--that served him well and led him to conquer what others believed was insurmountable. 

The power of positive thoughts can serve us in a similar way. What is your power mantra? As usual, leave us a comment and share your power!

Lots of love,

Dana

wOrdS to LivE by . . .

Go(o)d dAy, aMaZiNg yOU!

Have you thought a little bit about your mantras? You may have even written them down! When I was teaching 8th grade last year, we were talking about cool sayings that have been passed down in our families. SO many of my students told awesome and amazing stories about where they had first heard their special words to live by.

First, I showed them this amazing 

SoulPancake (OprahWinfreyNetwork)

video called Big Think:

Check it out!

Then, I had each of my kids write down a mantra or special saying that speaks to their heart

or that they try to live by.

Here's what it ended up looking like by the end of the day!

Here's a couple of close ups . . . 

By the end of the day, look at what we had--over 200 !! 

Even teachers came to add their special sayings to our board!

Some words to live by from my fAbuliscious 8th grade kiddos!

• Chocolate makes you happy!
• Everyone smiles in the same language.
• Be the person you want to be.
• Freedom is not free.
• Let your wings soar to the sky!
• Be yourself; don’t change for anyone. 
• Live life strong, or when you are old you will regret it.
• Breathe!
• Choose the life you want to live.
• The only responsibility you have is to be the fullest expression of yourself.
• Immature love is I love you cause I need you; mature love is I love you cause I love you.
• Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, be a trail. If you can't be the sun, be a star. For it is not by size you win or fail; be the best at whatever you are.
• Yesterday was the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a gift--that’s why they call it the present.
• Keep calm and carry on.
• There are 7 billion people in the world why are you letting one ruin your life?
• Working hard is smart in the end.
• Pick flowers instead of fights!

Do you have a favorite inspiring phrase? Would love to hear it below in our comments!

So mUcH LoVe!

;) dana