Play and Learn

Community service is a power tool for building youth leadership. I believe the sooner we introduce service to a child, the better. I have been asked many times, What can a preschooler do? A lot! I know because I witnessed it. My youngest daughter Emily was invited to visit the…

Three Joyful Moments Challenge Focusing on JOY is a great way to begin the day! What’s a small joy that fills your soul with delight? Gratitude — Feeling grateful for the smallest thing in your life can bring you joy. You are checking out at the grocery store and your bill…

Creativity makes problem solving fun. — Using bubble wrap to create art — is it creative or crazy? It doesn’t matter, as long as I had fun! Yes, I used bubble wrap to create this painting. Creativity requires the courage to let go of the norm and try something new. …

Learn as you go! — The first step, when trying anything new, is to find a teacher or mentor to guide you. I had no knowledge of transcendental meditation. It is still very new to me. But my first attempt was such a beautiful experience, I was hooked immediately. I discovered Raphael Reiter on YouTube…

Everyone has a role in making the world a better place. How you choose to do it is up to you. Volunteering should be something you WANT to do, not something you HAVE to do. “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” The…

Anatomy of Her Acronym — What if your name is more than what people call you? What if it’s what YOU are called to do? Step #1 Acronym Here is the acronym for my name: MARY Youth Rise Above Me. Yes, I did it backwards. I’ve lived my life doing things in a unique fashion. Who: When asked about my leadership style, I…

Rhyme & Reason There was an old woman who lived in a shoe She had so many children, she didn’t know what to do. She gave them some broth, without any bread And spanked them all soundly and sent them to bed. The kids in the shoe awoke the next…