What if there’s nothing wrong with me? Or you (for that matter)?

I recently came across this terrific TEDx Talk by Susan Henkels. And timing is truly everything, isn't it? As I complete an even four-dozen spins around the sun this spring, I find myself struggling (of sorts). Struggling with the physical ailments related to midlife. Embroiling in conflict both in my professional and personal lives. Rejuvenating … Continue reading What if there’s nothing wrong with me? Or you (for that matter)? →

Decision Fatigue: Got Some?

As if educators in the twenty-first century are not already charged with a growing responsibility for our learners that includes supporting the acquisition and utilization of self-regulation skills, current neurological research has concluded that in the early years of learning it appears that the 'how' of learning and teaching immensely influence on brain development. Martha … Continue reading Decision Fatigue: Got Some? →

Powerful Fridays

Life itself is your teacher and you are in a constant state of learning. Bruce Lee TGIF: Another Reason For the greater part of my two-decade-plus teaching career, I, like many of my fellow educators, viewed Fridays at school as either a test day, a movie day and/or a combination of both. I will admit … Continue reading Powerful Fridays →

This Is Not Lying Down, This Is Savasana: Exploring Yoga In My School

Two weeks ago, we initiated our Mindfulness Matters rotation with the middle school students at our school. The three-rotation session consisted of a yoga station, a meditation station (led by a local meditation practitioner and instructor), and an 'hour in nature' station led by a former Outward Bound leader. Admittedly, we began the rotations purely … Continue reading This Is Not Lying Down, This Is Savasana: Exploring Yoga In My School →

So, When Are We Going To Start Learning Something?: A Most Beautiful Conversation

Last week, after what I believed was a well-planned, and engaging discussion and thought-provoking lesson on growth mindset the following dialogue occurred. On the way out the classroom door heading to morning break one of my more 'enthusiastic' learners (Grade 7) triggered this fantastic conversation: Student: Jeff, thanks for sharing that information. Me: My pleasure, … Continue reading So, When Are We Going To Start Learning Something?: A Most Beautiful Conversation →

Being Imperfect Is…Simply Perfect

I recently finished reading, Dr. Brene Brown's The Gifts of Perfection: Let Go of Who You're Suppose To Be and Embrace Who You Are. This succinctly, yet poignant, self-help book holds so many little relevant 'aha' tidbits to support wholehearted living that I needed to possess. After studying shame and shame resilience for years, Brown noticed a … Continue reading Being Imperfect Is…Simply Perfect →

Praising Our Kids: A Guide

I think that it's fair to say that as parents we all praise our kids. It's an essential part of parenting and of raising healthy, emotionally balanced kids. However, misusing praise can have a tremendous effect, too. Under-praising, overpraising or even more frequently, 'mis-praising' our kids and their behaviour can set up for difficulties down … Continue reading Praising Our Kids: A Guide →

Building Better Kids: Big Life Journal

This morning my son and I worked in his Big Life Journal as part of his (and mine) ongoing personal development to be better at being with ourselves and others. The theme today? Courage and intuition. My wife, life-coach, fitness trainer, and facilitator, Cate, came across this fantastic resource as she sought support to help … Continue reading Building Better Kids: Big Life Journal →

Joy on Demand: A Primer (of sorts)

As part of my commitment to working towards the kind of man, father, husband, community member, neighbour, and employee that I want to become I spent the holiday season reading Chade-Meng Tan's Joy on Demand: The Art of Discovering the Happiness Inside. I cannot help but ignore the call of my heart that is luring me … Continue reading Joy on Demand: A Primer (of sorts) →

Vulnerability at Work Here

DISCLAIMER: This week's post isn't really about any specific professional reflection or learned pedagogical insight, but it does have a significant bearing on how I continue to move forward in my professional career as a learner, educator, and leader. And maybe on you, too. I am part of a weekly men's circle. The group consists … Continue reading Vulnerability at Work Here →