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National Religious Freedom Day

Jaclyn Baker
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National Religious Freedom Day on January 16th is a time to commemorate the signing of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom drafted by Thomas Jefferson on January 16th, 1786. 

This statute became the basis for the establishment clause and led to the freedom of religion in America. It meant that people of different faiths could freely express their own religious beliefs. Giving everyone the right to believe in a religion, change their religion, or choose not to follow any religion. 

Today, we can remember and celebrate this day by recognizing the diversity in our communities and in the world. We all have a right to practice our religions but must also remember to mutually respect each other’s beliefs, even if they are different from ours. There is no one right way to experience and express religion, so this day is a reminder to respect all of the different ways that people express their beliefs, as long as they are not harming another person or group.

Religion is often an important part of people’s culture and a way that they can experience a connection to their community, family and ancestors. ​​Religion can be a key factor in the cultural identity of many people, influencing their behavior and traditions. Prayer, rituals and art are some of the ways people show their involvement in a particular religion. 

We can learn about the rich history of religions that have helped to shape humanity by reading relevant books or watching videos about these topics. 

Understanding and empathy are two key concepts to focus on National Religious Freedom Day. 

For more information, visit the resources below: 

Religious Freedom Day | Guidebook

Religious Freedom Day Resources For Educators 

Religious Freedom Day Resources For Parents

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Walk Your Dog Month

Jaclyn Baker
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The month of January is Walk Your Dog Month, making it the perfect time to get moving in the new year.

Walking your dog often ensures that both of you are getting more fresh air and exercise. It’s a great daily activity to do with your beloved pet, and it allows for more bonding time.

You can also include the whole family to make it a fun outing that incorporates exercise and healthy behaviors for everyone.

When days get busy, it’s normal to want to relax, but even getting in a few minutes of walking time can make a difference for both you and your dog. 

Here are some benefits of and ideas for your walks: 

Motivation And Health

Furry friends require exercise to live their happiest lives. Taking your dog out for a walk can be a great way to combat anxiety, keep their joints active, and help them stay healthy.

But the health benefits don’t stop with your pets. Joining them on walks can also help increase your activity and give you some daily cardio. Exercise also has a positive impact on our mental health. It can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and can improve your mood and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. And walking with your dog can help you interact with others as many people love to stop and pet your dog and chat with you.

New Locations

You can incorporate some fun into your walks by trying out new routes. A predictable route can get tiresome, especially if you walk down the same path every single day. 

Having a change of scenery can be fun for your dog and for you. Do a different route each day, try walking through the park, walk to a friend’s house, walk on the trails, or try walking to the dog park and back. It’s okay to switch it up. You might even meet new friends and find new adventures along the way.

Prepare For Weather

The cold winter weather doesn’t have to slow down your walks. You can be ready for any weather with the right gear.  A raincoat and rainboots or a winter coat and hat can help you stay comfortable despite the conditions.  You can take more frequent, but shorter walks when the weather is especially nasty.  Or make it fun by embracing the weather–splash in puddles with your pup or run around in the snow and throw snowballs for your dog to chase.

You can also make sure your pets are in proper attire. If your dog has short hair, you can consider putting a coat or sweater on them to keep them cozy. Boots also help protect their paws from ice, snow, or slush they might step in.

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Emancipation Proclamation And Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jaclyn Baker
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January 1st is a time to remember an important day in history. More than 100 years ago, on January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation amid the Civil War. 

This document ensured that all enslaved people in the states of the Confederacy “shall be the, thenceforwards, and forever free.” It became a significant step forward in our history, and it made a time of freedom. 

It’s also inspired the fight for freedom and equality from many great leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr. He was an influential American civil rights leader who protested against the injustice of racism in his time. He led peaceful marches and spoke numerous times, with his memorable “I Have A Dream” speech. He was the youngest man to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, and his actions paved the way for essential discussions about race. 

On January 17th, we can also celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. After his assassination in 1968, this day was created to honor his legacy. It usually falls on the third Monday of the month, around his birthday on January 15th. 

Here are some ideas for ways to commemorate this day and honor the important contributions that he made:

  • Continue to educate yourself and your children about our country’s rich history as well as the factors in our history that have led to systemic racism.
  • Learn about pacifism and non-violent resistance.
  • Have open talks with your children about racism.
  • Attend events to honor his memory and contributions.
  • Promote equality for everyone through your actions, both in the workplace or at school, and with friends and family members.  Learn ways we can all help to deconstruct systemic racism.
  •  Learn about and honor the lives of those who have been oppressed. 
  • Participate in activities of service to your communities..  For example, volunteering, cleaning up trash, helping a neighbor or community member.  Here are some ideas for ways for kids to get involved through volunteering.

These important dates are a reminder of how far our nation has come as well as the work we still need to do. 

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed – we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”  Martin Luther King Jr. 

Check out these additional resources below: 

U.S History | Emancipation Proclamation 

Classroom Resources For Martin Luther King Jr. Day

MLK Day | Events

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The Importance of Positive Self Talk

Jaclyn Baker
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What do you tell your loved ones when they make a mistake?

You did the best you could, or everything will be just fine.

Now, what do you tell yourself when you make a mistake?

Do you give yourself the same level of care and compassion – or are you a little hard on yourself?

It’s so common to be our own worst critics and get stuck in a spiral of negative self-talk.

Learning how to embrace mistakes can change the way we deal with them.

Here’s how…

Reflect On The Scenario 

Once we have made a mistake, there is nothing we can do to change what happened. 

All we can do is alter our mindset at the moment and seek the silver lining.

Every single event that happens to us is part of our story and can teach us something. 

Access Our Strengths 

You have so much strength within you.

You can do anything you set your mind to! 

You have recovered from old mistakes in the past, and you will again. 

Acknowledging that you are human and will face challenges again can help you feel more prepared for them! 

Practice Positive Affirmations 

Setting aside even a few minutes a day to practice positive affirmations can help us feel better about ourselves and help change negative thought patterns into positive ones. 

You can say your positive affirmations out loud, write them down, or do a bit of both.

When it comes to affirmations, there are no set in stone rules – however, you will want to ensure that they spotlight you in a positive light.

Here are a few examples that can help you get started:

1) I am confident.

2) I am proud of myself and all of my accomplishments.

3) Today is going to be an amazing day.

4) I am excellent at what I do and am grateful for all of my opportunities.

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How To Adjust To A New Year And New Transitions

Jaclyn Baker
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There are quite a handful of things in life we can’t control. Change and time are two of those things.

The start of a new year can often feel like a time of transition.

We may not know exactly what lies ahead but can control our attitude and outlook towards it. 

Develop a Sense of Agency

Do you ever feel a little lost going through the motions?

It’s so easy to feel like life is happening to us. But that is not the case.

You have a say in where you want to go in life.

You can make your own changes, both big and small.

Seek Gratitude

Practicing gratitue on a regular basis can help put several situations into perspective.

There is always something to be grateful for. You just have to know where to look. Practice noticing small events of appreciation once in a while.

Before you know it, it will become a habit. 

Be Present

There is no time like the present! Change and transition are inevitable.

Nothing we say or do will change what happened yesterday.

The only moment that matters right now is this very moment.

Time flies so fast – exactly why it is so important to appreciate every moment for what it is. 

“Your life is a story of transition. You are always leaving one chapter behind while moving on to the next.” – Anonymous

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How To Better Understand And Manage Holiday Season Stress

Jaclyn Baker
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The holiday season is typically known as “the most wonderful time of the year.” 

Spending time with family, attending dinners and picking out gifts can be a lot of fun – but can also be stressful and tiring. 

Practicing self care is essential 365 days a year. 

However – it is much more important during busy and/or stressful events such as the holidays. 

If you feel like you are taking on too much or need a break, it’s okay to respect your body’s limits. 

Not sure how or where to begin? Keep on reading. 

Accept Your Needs

It’s so important to carve out time for self care.

We are all human and can only go so long without taking a break. 

If a friend or family member asks you to do something, it’s okay to say no if you don’t think you can handle it.

Regularly check in with yourself and think about your needs and wants. 

If a certain activity brings you joy, keep on doing it.

And if a certain activity brings on stress, it may be time to walk away or at least cutback. 

Taking Shortcuts

Believe it or not, shortcuts are absolutely okay and even encouraged in certain situations.

If you feel like you have too much on your plate, you can certainly ask for help or scale back on commitments.

Focus on Your Breathing

Whether you’re feeling relaxed, overwhelmed or an emotion in between, taking slow deep breaths regularly is key. 

Carving out a few minutes a day to sit down and do nothing other than focus on your breathing can help reduce stress and bring on a new sense of calm.

You can practice deep breathing anytime and anywhere. 

The more you practice, the sooner it will become a habit. 

“There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper.” —James Carroll

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International Human Rights Day

Jaclyn Baker
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December 10 marks International Human Rights Day. It is a time to familiarize ourselves with and recognize the rights that everyone is entitled to as a human, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or social status.

This day was created after the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. It was the first legal document that advocated for fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The United Nations website indicates that the themes of this year are Equality and Article 1 of the UDHR that states “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

Additionally, they promote the idea that the path to a more fair society that addresses poverty, inequality and discrimination is by adopting measures that are grounded in human rights. You can find more information on their website International Human Rights Day.  

Explore additional resources below:

Human Rights Day Information & Resources For Kids 

Universal Declaration Of Human Rights Timeline 

11 Books To Read For Human Rights Day

What Are The Universal Human Rights? – Benedetta Berti | YouTube

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Jaclyn Baker
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Nearly 15 percent of the world’s population has some kind of disability according to the World Health Organization. And yet, this population is underrepresented in the media and in our communities.  

December 3, is an annual day of observance started in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly to “promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.” 

The United Nations indicates that “Even under normal circumstances, persons with disabilities are less likely to access health care, education, employment and to participate in the community. An integrated approach is required to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind.”

Here are some ways for us all to help recognize this day and work towards inclusion for people of all abilities:

  • Only boost disabled creators content on social media platforms like TikTok, 
  • Educate yourself on our history and civil rights movements in regards to people with disabilities
  • Think about the ways in which the things you do can be more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities, at work, in your personal life, and online.

You can learn more with the resources below:

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities 

How We Can All Celebrate The International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Stories | International Day Of People With Disability 

See The Ability In Disability | YouTube

15 Best Books About Disability To Add To Your TBR List

Building Bridges

Jaclyn Baker
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We live in a world that has become quite polarized. 

Despite the frustration that can come from interactions, there are positive things to learn from differing perspectives. Have you ever noticed that when you meet someone with a different viewpoint in person, rather than online, you have more empathy for their point of view? Taking the anonymity out of an interaction can help the other side seem more real.

Some guidelines for embracing diversity:

Have an open mind: If someone has a different outlook than you, take the time to hear them out and try to understand where they are coming from.

Show empathy: Try to get to know the person better without judgement.

Challenge stereotypes: Become more aware of the language you use to describe others. Is it accurate?

Share your beliefs: Try to share in a way that is non-judgemental to those with different beliefs.  Help people understand where you are coming from.

Accepting others as they are:

  • Increases your own personal growth.
  • Decreases resentments as you can focus on what is positive instead of what is negative.
  • Brings about closeness with others
  • Allows you to let go of control of the situation

Embracing the diversity in our society is how we can learn and grow. By accepting each other regardless of our differences, we can find ways to connect genuinely.

Embracing differences might mean trying to understand different opinions without judgement.  And it can be challenging as others might not be as dedicated to making changes as you are. 

At the end of the day, we are all human. We all experience fears, joys, and laughter in our own way. 

We may not all be the same, but that’s why it’s even more important to acknowledge and embrace these differences. They are what makes everyone special. 

You can explore these resources to learn more: 

Empathy – Accept Other For Who They Are

6 Steps For Building An Inclusive Workplace

11 Books To Read If You Want To Be A More Inclusive Leader

Teaching Kindness And Acceptance Toward Differences | For Parents 

How To Seek Out And Celebrate Diversity In And Out Of Your Community

Feeling Stuck in Life?

Jaclyn Baker
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Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you worked, you continued to stay stuck in the same spot in life?

It can almost feel like you are stuck living on autopilot.

Routine and consistency don’t have to be perceived in a poor light.

It all comes down to the mindset we have behind our life and actions.  

Regain Your Power

Large goals simply are the outcome of many mini-goals.

Now, when you work towards mini-goals, you may not see significant results on a day-to-day basis. 

That does not mean your hard work isn’t paying off.

It simply means you have to measure your work on a different scale.

Instead of comparing your progress on a weekly basis – you may have to compare your progress on a monthly basis. 

Sometimes the smallest changes can guide us towards a newfound confidence. 

Love What You Do

You can get back in touch with yourself by doing what you love and by being yourself. 

If you’ve been putting something off for far too long – now is the time to jump back in. 

Getting back into the swing of doing things for ourselves can change our outlook on life. 

Keep in mind – it can be just as easy to procrastinate on activities we love as it is to procrastinate on activities we fear. 

The longer we procrastinate on anything in life, the harder it can be to take the plunge.

No matter what we say or do, time is going to pass.

We might as well spend our days doing things that make us happy. 

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