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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

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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The Power Of Bucket Lists

Jaclyn Baker
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Goals come in many forms. 

We have big goals we’d like to accomplish in the next few years, mini-goals we’d like to accomplish every few days and then we have those dream goals we’d like to accomplish “one day.”

You know what? 

That “one day” goal may feel out of reach right now – but you are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. 

Did you know that we are much more likely to accomplish goals that are written down? 

Writing down goals or dreams can help make them feel more tangible and within reach.

Creating a dream list – also known as a bucket list can be a fun way to map out our goals, no matter how big or small they may be. 

There Are No Limits

You can do anything you set your mind to.

You have the power to create a life you love. 

Never stop thinking about and imagining all the endless possibilities.

Joy + Satisfaction 

How great do you feel after crossing something big off your list? 

Pretty great, right?!

Bucket lists are designed to bring joy and satisfaction. 

Every time we cross something off our list, it signifies a new milestone.

A New Sense Of Purpose

Bucket lists are a great way to map out the activities and experiences we want for ourselves. 

Don’t be afraid to dream!

Sitting down and reflecting on what you really want can give you a new sense of purpose. 

The future is bigger and brighter than any of us can imagine. 

You have the power to open your door to opportunities. 

“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.”– Michael Korda

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World Kindness Day – November 13th

Jaclyn Baker
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November 13th is World Kindness Day! 

This international holiday was created to highlight and encourage good deeds in your community and to remind us that simple acts of kindness have great power.  Let your friends, family, and even strangers know that you appreciate them.  Saying thank you for an act of kindness can improve someone’s day. This day was created to help you realize that you can make a difference, one act at a time.

Here are some ideas for acts of kindness that you can try from inspirekindness.com.

  • Smile when you walk by others
  • Write positive messages on post-it notes and leave them for people to find
  • Call a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while 
  • Pick up trash you see on the ground outside and throw it in a garbage can
  • Hold the door open for someone
  • Chat with a stranger and ask them about their day
  • Pay for a stranger’s coffee or meal
  • Compliment someone
  • Send a positive or encouraging text to five people in your contacts
  • Surprise someone with flowers
  • Tell a family member or friend you love them
  • Write a note on the receipt at a restaurant for your server 
  • Offer to help with someone’s errands
  • Give a surprise gift to someone you care about
  • Send a kind card or note to a friend
  • Surprise co-workers with home-baked cookies or treats
  • Plant a tree
  • Spend less time on your phone and more time with people you care about
  • Organize a workplace giving campaign
  • Offer a classmate help with homework
  • Talk to someone new
  • Practice gratitude
  • Volunteer
  • Give someone a hug

 A small act of kindness can go a long way. 

For more information and ideas, check out these websites:

https://nationaltoday.com/world-kindness-day/

https://inspirekindness.com/world-kindness-day

National Stress Awareness Day

Jaclyn Baker
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November 3rd is National Stress Awareness Day. This day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in November.  

Everyone experiences stress at times and it can even be beneficial as it can help you respond better to some situations. But too much stress can interfere with your quality of life and result in physical and mental issues. Learning how to identify and reduce stressors is why National Stress Awareness Day exists.

Here are some ideas for helping you to decrease stress:

You Can Learn More Here

National Stress Awareness Day 

Stress Management Tools And Resources

Stress Management: Breathing Exercises For Relaxation

Your Stress-Busting Checklist

How To Relax | 8 Relaxation Tips For Your Mental Health (YouTube)

Ways to Get Your Energy Back

Jaclyn Baker
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Have you ever had one of those days that left you feeling emotionally and physically exhausted?

If you answered yes – you are not alone. We all have those days. 

We have more control over our energy than we give ourselves credit for. 

Just because you wake up one morning with low energy doesn’t mean that feeling will last the entire day. 

There are several little things you can do, starting from the moment you wake up that can help increase your energy – even if it’s just a little bit.

Remember To Smile

You know that saying fake it till you make it?

Well, smiling (even when you don’t feel like it) is the perfect example of that saying in action. 

Smiling can trick our brains into thinking we are happy and in a great mood. 

The next time you’re feeling drained or not your best, walk on over to your bathroom mirror and smile for 5 minutes. 

It may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but don’t knock until you try it. 

Take Your Time Getting Ready

Our morning routine can significantly impact the rest of our day.

Waking up ten minutes before you have to leave the house can be quite stressful and exhausting in itself.

Taking 30 minutes to an hour to take a long shower, pick out an outfit that makes you feel good and have a nice breakfast can help you walk into the day with a relaxed and upbeat mindset. 

Start Small

Not everything has to be done all at once. 

Knocking items off our list at a steady pace can help those more draining tasks feel simple and even fun.

The act of ticking items off of your list can be very motivating, which in turn can help increase our confidence and overall energy levels. 

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Getting to Know The Real You

Jaclyn Baker
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Whether you realize it or not, you are constantly changing.

You are not the same person you were this time last year.

As time goes on, our values, goals, and ideas tend to evolve. 

You should never force yourself to participate in something that doesn’t feel right. 

But at the same time, you can never know how you feel about something unless you try (sometimes more than once). 

Setting Goals

Setting new goals and diving back into older ones can teach us a lot about ourselves.

Imagining your future self is just as important as discovering your present self.

Where would you like to be five years from now?

What can you start doing today that will help you get there?

We can’t expect great things to magically fall in our laps. 

We have to put the work in to make those dreams a reality. 

Describe Yourself

How would you describe yourself to a complete stranger?

Would you start listing your personality traits, family, goals, job, all of the above?

You are so much more than your job or your hobbies. 

Every single piece of you makes you who you are. 

List Your Values

What do you value in others and yourself? 

Do you care about community, authenticity, generosity?

Take a moment to write down the values you cherish in life. 

Putting these values down on paper can help you look at them in a new way and help them feel more tangible. 

Keep in mind – this list does not have to be a set-in-stone thing.

You can easily add new items to the list or even erase some as time goes on. 

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ADHD Awareness Month

Jaclyn Baker
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Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month in October is an opportunity to share reliable information about ADHD, as well as highlight comprehensive treatment options and available resources to help people live their best life with ADHD.

The most common symptoms of ADHD include 

  • Impulsiveness.
  • Disorganization and problems prioritizing.
  • Poor time management skills.
  • Problems focusing on a task.
  • Trouble multitasking.
  • Excessive activity or restlessness.
  • Poor planning.
  • Low frustration tolerance.

Bringing awareness to ADHD is meant to stop the spread of stereotypes and stigma in our community. 

If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms, you are encouraged to seek assessment, get appropriate treatment, and find support systems that will help you thrive. 

You can also learn more about ADHD by following these resources. 

ADHD Awareness Month

What Is ADHD? Meaning, Symptoms & Tests

The Adult ADHD Starter Kit 

About ADHD: A Guide For Children 

How To ADHD | YouTube Channel

This Is What It’s Really Like To Live With ADHD | TedTalk

Bullying Prevention Month

Jaclyn Baker
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With the increase in technology and social media use by kids and teens, there are many new ways that they may be experiencing bullying, some of which are hard to track. October is Bullying Prevention Month and it aims to spread awareness of the dangers of bullying and show others what you can do to help out.

Bullying is harmful and makes individuals feel powerless due to constant verbal or physical mistreatment. Especially in the digital age, where cyberbullying can follow children home. 

This month, we are called to action by speaking up or encouraging those affected to reach out to someone they trust. When it comes to bullying we all have an important role to play. 

Teachers and parents can create a safe space for children and make sure they know that bullying is unacceptable. By having open communication in schools and at home, you can teach your children to spread empathy and respect their peers. 

You can also show them how to report bullying and why it’s important to help out other people if they see it happening.

Bullying Prevention Month is all about spreading awareness of the dangers of bullying and showing others what you can do to help out. 

We can work together and put an end to bullying. 

You can visit the resources below and learn more about bullying prevention. 

Bullying Prevention Month

Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying Event 

Stop Bullying On The Spot

Resources For Educators and Families

Videos For Kids

Multicultural Diversity Day

Jaclyn Baker
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Annually on the third Monday in October, we are called to honor Multicultural Diversity Day. 

This day was created in 1993 by Cleorah Scruggs, a teacher from Michigan, who wanted to spread awareness of diversity to the people around her, primarily in the school system. 

The National Education Association has suggested some ways for people to explore diversity in the classroom and beyond to your workplace and community:

  • Examine your own beliefs about other people who are different than yourself
  • Learn about people from different cultures and backgrounds as well as about those that have different beliefs and experiences than you
  • Start a conversation at work about diversity or take other positive actions to bring about positive change

Each person has a rich cultural background or story that makes them unique. It’s important to take this time to explore another culture and be inclusive to everyone you meet. By learning to appreciate the many cultures around you, it can promote unity and discourage discrimination.

Surround yourself with a broad range of people and find a moment to look into the history of a different country, culture, or ethnicity. 

You can enhance your knowledge by checking out books or articles about multiculturalism, having discussions with friends and family, or doing activities that increase inclusion.  

Multicultural Diversity Day is all about building connections and getting to understand your peers on a deeper level.

Want to learn more? Check out these resources below.

Multicultural Diversity Day 

NEA Diversity Toolkit

How To Celebrate Multicultural Diversity In Your Classroom

Cultural Diversity Book Suggestions | Goodreads 

How To Get Serious About Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace | TedTalk

National Diversity Week: October 1-7

Jaclyn Baker
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October is a time to celebrate different cultures, races, and ethnicities in our community. With National Diversity Week starting from October 1-7 it’s important to spread awareness and honor the value of what each individual person has to offer. 

Since this national event was founded in 1998, it has helped shine a light on the diverse groups of people in the world around us and highlight their different perspectives.

Diversity is important from several different angles.  From a social justice perspective, it is important to address the barriers that have led to unequal opportunities for people of color, both historically and currently.  From an organizational perspective, businesses that reflect the diversity in the communities they serve will be stronger and more effective.

This week is also a time to have an open discussion about the biases and stereotypes presented in our society so that we can work to break down these barriers. Being open to listen and learn about the diversity that surrounds you every day can give you insight and create mutual respect across cultures. 

When you work to understand someone else in your workplace, classroom, or community, it brings us all closer together. We encourage you to speak to other people with cultures that differ from your own, watch videos about diversity, or read educational books. 

If you want to learn more about National Diversity Week, you can check out some of these helpful resources. 

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Online Resources for Diverse Children’s Literature

How To Be An Ally

From The Inside Out: Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging | TedTalk