Are you someone who thinks classical music is not your cup of tea? As a music teacher and a mama, I encourage you to give those beautiful symphonies and concertos another chance. Here are 10 tips that may help you change your perspective on classical music.
1. Start with Familiar Pieces
Begin with classical pieces that are widely recognized, such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony or Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons." These works often appear in movies and commercials, making them more accessible.
2. Listen Actively
Instead of having classical music as background noise, dedicate time to listen actively. Focus on the different instruments and how they interact within the piece. This can enhance your appreciation of the music's complexity.
3. Explore Different Composers
Don't limit yourself to one composer. Explore a variety of styles and eras, from Baroque (Bach) to Romantic (Tchaikovsky) to Modern (Stravinsky). Not sure where to start? The soon-coming Classical Collective Membership will feature a comprehensive composer list, including top compositions by each composer and a monthly composer study around a new composer each month, helping families dive into learning about these fascinating men and women.
4. Use Online Resources
Platforms like YouTube or Spotify offer playlists and recommendations tailored to newcomers. A great resource is the Classics for Kids podcast, hosted by Naomi Lewin, which introduces children to classical music in a fun and engaging way. This educational outreach program provides a wealth of episodes that explore various composers and pieces, making it an excellent tool for both kids and adults looking to learn more about classical music.
5. Attend Live Performances
Experiencing classical music live can be transformative. The energy of a live orchestra and the atmosphere of a concert hall can make the music feel more engaging and impactful. Unsure about going to a concert hall? Many areas offer Music in the Park during the warmer months for free, providing a relaxed environment to enjoy live performances and a much more realistic place to take young children. My daughter LOVED attending this summer when she was 20 months!
6. Listen Repeatedly
Familiarity breeds enjoyment. Listen to the same piece multiple times; each listen can reveal new layers and details you might have missed initially.
7. Learn About the Music
Understanding the context behind a piece can enhance your listening experience. Research the composer’s life, the historical background of the piece, or its thematic elements.
8. Find Your Angle of Hearing
Approach each piece with a specific focus, such as melody, rhythm, or harmony. If you are unsure how to do this, check out the soon-coming Classical Collective Membership, where I have resources that teach you how to understand some of these terms and listen for them well. This technique allows you to engage with the music on a deeper level and discover what aspects you enjoy most.
9. Engage Through Multiple Mediums
Watch old cartoons like Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse that have classical music as the background music. This will help you engage differently with the music, and your kids will enjoy it too!
10. Be Patient and Open-Minded
Give yourself permission to not enjoy every piece right away. Classical music is vast and varied; it may take time to find what resonates with you. Keep an open mind and allow your preferences to evolve.
By following these tips, you may find yourself developing a greater appreciation for classical music over time! Embrace the journey of discovery, and who knows? You might just find yourself captivated by its beauty!
Transform Your Life & Business with Martha Krejci's "Big Think Revolution": A Music Teacher's Review
As a music teacher, homeschool mom, and entrepreneur, finding a program that addresses all my unique challenges seemed impossible—until I discovered Martha Krejci's "Big Think Revolution." This comprehensive course has been a game-changer for my personal and professional growth, offering practical strategies to rewire my brain and achieve significant progress in both my personal life and business.
Overview of "Big Think Revolution"
Martha Krejci's "Big Think Revolution" is designed to help individuals transform their mindset and achieve their goals. The program covers a wide range of topics, from unearthing your core purpose to leveling up each time your mind needs it for your business growth to also happen. Martha's experience as a business coach and growth strategist shines through in every aspect of the course, making it particularly relevant for those juggling multiple roles in life, be it mom, teacher, employee, business owner, etc.
Why Regular Revisits Are Crucial
One of the standout features of "Big Think Revolution" is its emphasis on regular revisiting and implementation. I've found that returning to the program quarterly has been crucial for my continued growth and success. Each time I revisit the material, I gain new insights and find fresh ways to apply Martha's strategies to my evolving business needs. She gives us access for life, a definite perk! Quarterly reviews of the program have helped me:
- Refocus on my goals and adjust my strategies
- Identify new opportunities for growth in my music teaching business
- Improve my time management skills, balancing homeschooling and entrepreneurship
- Stay motivated and inspired, especially during challenging times
How "Big Think Revolution" Leveled Up My Business
The impact of regularly engaging with "Big Think Revolution" has been profound. My music teaching business has seen significant growth, with an expanded student base and increased revenue. I've also been able to create additional income streams learned through Home Based Revolution, such as online courses and digital products, which have added stability to my finances.
Moreover, the program has helped me become more efficient in my homeschooling efforts, allowing me to provide a high-quality education for my children while still pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams. The mindset shifts I've experienced have been transformative, enabling me to approach challenges with confidence and creativity.
Conclusion
Martha Krejci's "Big Think Revolution" has been an invaluable tool in leveling up my business and personal life. Its comprehensive approach, practical strategies, and emphasis on regular implementation make it a must-have resource for any entrepreneur, especially those juggling multiple roles like myself. By returning to the program quarterly, I've been able to consistently grow, adapt, and thrive in both my music teaching business and homeschooling journey.If you're looking for a program that can help you transform your mindset and achieve your goals, I highly recommend "Big Think Revolution". It has truly been a game-changer for me, and I'm confident it can do the same for you.
Dealing with jaw issues can be quite complex. Many people, including specialists, often struggle to pinpoint the exact causes of TMJ disorders (TMJD), and the underlying factors can differ significantly from one individual to another.
I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of the body. We are holistic beings, and it’s essential to nurture our body, mind, spirit, and heart as a unified whole.
Through a process of trial and error, I’ve made several lifestyle changes and embraced natural solutions that have led me to a place of physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual wellness. While there’s always room for growth, I can confidently say I feel better than ever on this journey of wellness.
5 Key Changes That Improved My TMJ Health
- Revamping My Diet
- We eliminated sugar, caffeine, most dairy (especially for my husband, who has IBS), and processed foods from our diet.
- Our meals now focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, with einkorn as our primary grain.
- We also incorporated supplements that promote joint health and overall wellness, which have surprisingly improved the strength and appearance of my hair and nails.
- Chiropractic Support
- Regular visits to a specialized chiropractor have been beneficial, as they help us maintain proper alignment and use tools that help us keep that alignment longer.
- I wear a custom night splint that allows my jaw to slide rather than clench, primarily protecting my teeth rather than fully preventing clenching.
- Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
- I’ve worked diligently to manage my mindset and emotional responses, as well as to balance my hormones.
- Previously, I was prone to anxiety and often magnified small worries. By focusing on affirmations and embracing positive truths, I’ve made significant strides in my emotional well-being. The Big Think course was key for me in growing my mind to be prepared for new big things!
- Targeted Supplementation
- Addressing deficiencies in the body is vital, particularly concerning joint health, gut function, and detoxification issues like tinnitus.
- In a world where our bodies can sometimes falter, providing high-quality, bioavailable supplements can help us reclaim our health. Remember, healing is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency.
- Prioritizing Sleep
- Quality sleep is foundational to overall health and wellness. Ensuring I get restorative rest has been a game-changer in my journey.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about the specific strategies that have worked for me in these areas, feel free to explore the links above or check out the TMJ Strong course. Health and wellness are not one-size-fits-all, and I’m here to share my experiences and insights. If you’re looking for someone to discuss ideas with or simply need a supportive ear, I’m here for you. I wish I had that kind of support when I first began this journey. I send you my best wishes for wellness, relief, and abundance on your path. Stay blessed!
In our digital age, the promise of work-from-home opportunities has become a beacon of hope for many, especially busy moms juggling the demands of family and needing to help provide. The allure is undeniable: flexible hours, no commute, and the chance to be more present for your children. However, despite the potential benefits, many work-from-home opportunities fall flat for busy moms. The last one is the most important, but let’s explore some of the reasons why this happens and how we might navigate these challenges.
The Myth of Flexibility
One of the main attractions of work-from-home jobs is the promise of flexibility. The idea is that you can work whenever it suits you, fitting tasks around your family’s schedule. However, the reality is often starkly different. Many remote jobs require set hours or availability during typical business hours, which can be difficult to manage with school runs, meal preparations, and other household responsibilities. Even roles that claim to offer flexibility might still have deadlines and expectations that clash with the unpredictable nature of family life. And let's face it, if the job is flexible but we lack discipline, we may neglect it and struggle to get the job done or business off the ground.
The Struggle for Focus
Working from home requires a significant amount of self-discipline and the ability to focus amidst distractions. For busy moms, finding a quiet, uninterrupted space can be nearly impossible. Children may need attention at any moment, household chores are constant, and the boundaries between work and home life blur. This can lead to fragmented work periods, decreased productivity, and a sense of never fully accomplishing either work or parenting duties.
The Lack of Professional Support
In a traditional office setting, employees have access to various forms of support: from IT help desks to administrative assistance, and the camaraderie of colleagues. Working from home can be isolating, leaving busy moms without immediate access to professional help or peer support. This isolation can hinder professional development and make problem-solving more time-consuming and stressful. (I have found an amazing solution to this lack of support -- Home Based Revolution course has been a game changer for me in finding both professional support in my business as well as community to bounce ideas off of.)
The Unseen Emotional Labor
Managing a household is a full-time job in itself. The mental load of keeping track of schedules, groceries, appointments, and the myriad of other responsibilities can be overwhelming. Adding a remote job into the mix often means that busy moms are working two full-time jobs simultaneously. This can lead to burnout, where neither the job nor the home life receives the full attention and energy it deserves.
The Technology Trap
While technology enables remote work, it also introduces a new set of challenges. Reliable internet, functioning hardware, and familiarity with various software tools are prerequisites that are often taken for granted. Busy moms may find themselves troubleshooting technical issues more often than they would like, which can add to their stress and reduce the time available for actual work.
The Solution: Finding Balance
Despite these challenges, it is possible for work-from-home opportunities to succeed for busy moms. Here are a few strategies to help navigate the complexities:
1. Set Clear Boundaries: Designate specific work hours for the week and communicate them to your family. Use this time exclusively for professional tasks and avoid household chores during these periods.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Establish a specific area for work to help create a physical and mental boundary between job and home responsibilities. If this is a challenge, even putting up a specific sign on the table while you are working or a specific folder for tasks next to your computer can remind you and others in your home that it is now mom's work time.
3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's hiring a babysitter for a few hours a day or seeking flexible arrangements with employers, support is crucial.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Regularly take time for yourself to recharge. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity to prevent burnout and maintain productivity.
5. Leverage Technology: Use tools and apps designed to improve productivity and organization. Calendar apps, task managers, and project management tools can help streamline work processes and manage time more effectively.
The Most Important Factor: Mindset Shift
While all the above strategies are essential, the most important factor is a mindset shift. Busy moms need to adopt a mindset that empowers them to take control of their time and boundaries and trajectory in life. This is where concepts from Big Think come into play, encouraging moms to think expansively about their capabilities and potential and goals.
Adopting a growth mindset and putting it to use practically can lead to breakthroughs. This involves seeing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles, and understanding that seeking help or taking time for personal development is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and wisdom.
By reimagining their roles and embracing a mindset that prioritizes both personal and professional growth, busy moms can create a fulfilling and balanced work-from-home experience. This mental shift is the key to transforming the way they approach both work and family life, leading to greater satisfaction and success in both areas.
Playing a musical instrument isn't just about mastering melodies and rhythms; it's a transformative journey that nurtures a diverse range of non-musical skills crucial for personal growth and success. From fostering discipline to enhancing problem-solving abilities, here's how homeschoolers can develop essential life skills through their musical pursuits.
Patience: Learning to play an instrument requires patience. Whether it's practicing scales or perfecting challenging pieces, progress often unfolds gradually. By embracing the process and persisting through difficulties, homeschoolers cultivate patience—a skill that proves invaluable in various aspects of life.
Discipline: Consistent practice and dedication are essential for musical proficiency. Homeschoolers who learn to prioritize their practice sessions and adhere to a routine develop discipline, a trait that extends beyond the realm of music, positively impacting their academic performance and extracurricular endeavors.
Concentration: Playing music demands focused attention. Whether deciphering sheet music or refining technique, homeschoolers learn to immerse themselves fully in the task at hand. Strengthening their ability to concentrate not only enhances their musical performance but also improves their overall cognitive function.
Problem-Solving Skills: Music presents a myriad of challenges that require creative problem-solving. Whether tackling a complex passage or improvising during a performance, homeschoolers learn to think critically and find solutions—a skill set that prepares them for the complexities of the real world.
Time Management: Balancing practice sessions with homeschool assignments and other activities teaches children the importance of effective time management. By learning to allocate their time wisely, homeschoolers develop a valuable skill that empowers them to achieve their goals efficiently.
Confidence: Performing in front of an audience can be daunting, but through music, homeschoolers gradually build confidence in their abilities. As they conquer new pieces and showcase their talent, they gain a sense of self-assurance that extends beyond the stage, positively impacting their interactions and pursuits.
Persistence: The journey of learning a musical instrument is filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Homeschoolers who persist through challenges develop resilience—a quality that enables them to bounce back stronger when faced with obstacles in the future.
Playing a musical instrument offers far-reaching benefits beyond musical proficiency. By nurturing patience, discipline, concentration, problem-solving abilities, time management, confidence, and persistence through musical pursuits, homeschoolers are equipped to thrive not only in music but in all aspects of their lives. So, let's encourage every child to embrace the transformative power of music and embark on a journey of personal and musical growth that will last a lifetime.
Want your child to grow in some of these areas before taking on learning a new musical instrument? It is SO helpful to be growing in skills like concentration and patience already before starting to play a brand new instrument. For more about these foundational skills, check out the Classical Collective FB group for practical resources and ideas.
Want your child to grow in some of these areas before taking on learning a new musical instrument? It is SO helpful to be growing in skills like concentration and patience already before starting to play a brand new instrument. For more about these foundational skills, check out the Classical Collective FB group for practical resources and ideas.
In the ever-changing reality of life as a musician (we all know it can ebb and flow... it's crazy!), each season brings its own unique rhythm and challenges. Balancing the demands of teaching, family obligations, and personal musical growth requires adaptability and creativity. Here are a few strategies for navigating the shifting seasons that have worked for me while also staying true to my own musical growth.
- Set Clear Goals: Begin by defining your musical objectives and the milestones you aim to achieve. Whether it's mastering a challenging technique, learning new repertoire or a new instrument, or honing your improvisational skills, clarity in your goals will guide your efforts and help you stay focused amidst the busy-ness.
- Establish Boundaries: While teaching and family commitments come first, it's essential to delineate boundaries to safeguard time for personal musical pursuits so that we don't become musically stagnant. Communicate your needs to your students and loved ones, setting realistic expectations and carving out dedicated time for practice or time with an ensemble.
- Create a Flexible Schedule: Acknowledge that different seasons may afford varying amounts of time for personal musical endeavors. Design a flexible schedule that adapts to the demands of teaching and family life, allocating resources accordingly. During busier periods, focus on maintaining consistency in practice habits, while in quieter seasons, seize the opportunity to delve deeper!
- Practice with Purpose: Maximize the efficiency of your practice sessions by prioritizing quality over quantity. Identify specific areas for improvement and tailor your practice routine accordingly. Embrace focused repetition, targeted exercises, and use your goals to establish priorities that make the most of your available time.
- Embrace the Power of Reflection: Use downtime between teaching engagements and family responsibilities to reflect on your musical skills. Evaluate your progress, identify areas of growth, and strategize ways to overcome challenges. Cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement, seeking opportunities for learning and development in every season.
- Seek Support and Accountability: Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow musicians, mentors, and loved ones who understand and respect your commitments. Lean on them for encouragement, advice, and accountability as you navigate the complexities of balancing teaching, family life, and personal musical growth.
Navigating the seasons as a musician requires a delicate balance between fulfilling professional obligations, nurturing familial relationships, and prioritizing personal musical growth. By setting clear goals, establishing boundaries, creating a flexible schedule, practicing with purpose, embracing reflection, and seeking support and accountability, we can navigate the ebb and flow of time while staying true to our musical aspirations as busy music teacher moms. Remember, each season offers its own opportunities for growth and discovery -- embrace it!
Embarking on the self-employed journey is like setting sail in the vast sea of creativity. To navigate the waves, a resilient and growth-oriented mindset is your anchor. Here are some down-to-earth mindset tips for the creative souls embracing the unpredictable path of self-employment (like I did!) -- things I wish I knew sooner!
- Embrace Growth Mindset: Think of setbacks as plot twists in your creative story. Roll with the punches a bit—see challenges not as roadblocks but as detours leading to unexpected inspiration. Let the journey be just as important as the finished masterpiece.
- Sketch Your Goals: Self-employment can get messy, especially for creative people. Jot down clear, achievable goals. Break down your big ideas into actionable steps, infusing variety to keep things lively if that's your thing! Tailor your plan to fit your unique strengths, ensuring that your goals become a playground for your creativity rather than a mundane to-do list that you don't even feel like doing.
- Take Creative Breathers: Creativity thrives in a well-rested mind. Take breaks to recharge and let ideas percolate -- it's great to use a notebook or the notes app on your phone to keep track of these ideas! Balance work and life like a pro—your best work often emerges from a rested and rejuvenated mind. Remember, you can't force creativity; sometimes, stepping away allows it to flow back naturally.
- Bounce Back Like a Champ: Resilience is your secret weapon. Treat setbacks as mere hiccups. Bounce back, adapt, and let each challenge make you stronger. A resilient mindset is your greatest ally in the unpredictable world of self-employment. And if you feel like this is a struggle for you, Big Think transformed my mind around these ideas!
- Learn as You Go: Think of your creative journey as an ongoing workshop. Stay curious, adapt to new trends, and keep learning. The more skills you add to your toolkit, the better equipped you'll be to paint your entrepreneurial canvas. I love that HBR (my business mentor's course) is constantly being updated and added to (which I have access to for life!) so that I can keep learning and growing and adapt to new things happening in the market, social media, and world.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Create a vibe that fuels your creativity. Build a network of fellow creatives and mentors who understand the self-employment world (join us music teacher moms over here doing just that if you'd like!). Positivity is contagious—let it be the background music to your creative process.
As a creative in the world of self-employment, simplicity and practicality are your best tools to allow the creativity to thrive while also getting done what's needed to make income. Sketch your goals with flair, adding variety to keep things exciting while tailoring plans to fit your strengths. Roll with the punches, take creative breathers without forcing creativity, bounce back with resilience, learn as you go, and surround yourself with positivity. Your creative journey is a work in progress—make it uniquely yours!
Teaching music to toddlers is incredibly beneficial for their overall development.
Here are several reasons why (if you're a parent or a music teacher, read on!):
1. Cognitive Development:
- Enhances Memory and Recall: Learning music involves memorizing patterns, melodies, and lyrics, which helps improve memory skills.
- Develops Problem-Solving Skills: Figuring out rhythms, notes, and melodies encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving.
2. Language Development:
- Expands Vocabulary: Through song lyrics, toddlers are exposed to a wider range of words and phrases.
- Improves Pronunciation: Singing helps with speech development, enunciation, and pronunciation.
- There's research that shows that being able to keep a steady beat actually helps with language development and future reading skills!
3. Motor Skills:
- Fine Motor Skills: Playing instruments like drums, xylophones, or even simple hand clapping exercises fine motor skills.
- Gross Motor Skills: Dancing and moving to music helps with coordination and balance. Crossing midline is very important for future motor planning, which clapping and other movements that are musical can help with (like keeping the beat activities I use with my early childhood classes!).
4. Emotional Expression:
- Encourages Emotional Expression: Music provides an outlet for children to express their feelings, which can be particularly helpful for those who may not have the verbal skills to do so.
- Music can help calm a worried or sad child.
5. Social Skills:
- Promotes Cooperation: Group activities like singing in a choir or playing in an ensemble teach children how to work together towards a common goal. It teaches them how to start together with a group and builds teamwork.
- Encourages Communication: Sharing musical experiences encourages interaction and communication among peers.
6. Mathematical Understanding:
- Introduces Basic Math Concepts: Rhythm and beat introduce foundational mathematical concepts like counting, patterns, and divisions of time.
7. Cultural Appreciation:
- Introduces Diversity: Music exposes toddlers to different cultures, traditions, and musical styles from around the world, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding.
8. Creativity and Imagination:
- Fosters Creativity: Music allows for self-expression and encourages creativity as toddlers experiment with sounds and melodies.
- Stimulates Imagination: Singing and playing with instruments can stimulate imaginative play. Arioso (a type of solo singing I use in my classes) is a great place to show this!).
9. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem:
- Positive Reinforcement: Learning and performing music in front of an audience can boost a child's confidence and self-esteem. I have seen SO many students grow in this area in my time with them.
10. Stress Reduction and Relaxation:
- Emotional Regulation: Music can have a calming effect, helping toddlers manage stress and anxiety. They can process sadness or learn to wait through songs too.
11. Foundation for Future Learning:
- Prepares for Formal Education: Early exposure to music can provide a strong foundation for future music education and learning other subjects.
12. Enjoyment and Fun:
- Promotes Happiness: Music is inherently enjoyable and brings joy to children's lives.
It's important to note that the benefits of teaching music to toddlers are maximized when it's approached in a fun, age-appropriate, and engaging way. Activities should be adapted to suit their developmental stage and interests, and should never feel like a chore. Ultimately, music offers a holistic approach to early childhood development, nurturing cognitive, emotional, and social skills in an enjoyable and enriching way.
If you're a parent looking to find classes for your toddler or baby, check out my offerings on my website menu above!
Spring fever got your choir extra squirrely, lacking focus, or just struggling as we near the end of the year?
I can relate; we've had some antsy and not-our-best rehearsals in my groups lately too.
Thankfully I have some strategies for refocusing and recentering a group as we hit this point in the year to invigorate and inspire everyone to finish strong. I talked about them in this video here, and share them below as well:
1) Play a singing game, take a movement break, or try out a folk dance! These methods work really well for my younger choirs (3rd-7th ages) as they get more physically antsy in the spring as the weather gets nicer, and it really helps to refocus us in the middle of a rehearsal. I find that if I can teach them a few of these at the beginning of the year, they are great team building and connecting activities that help students get to know one another, and they are really easy to pull out this time of year as a 5-8 minute break in the middle of rehearsing concert repertoire because they already know how to play/what to do.
2) Keep something motivating or something they are looking forward to as top-of-mind. This could be a concert, event (like taking your students to a sports game to sing the national anthem like I am!), an outing, a tour, or even something like a party they are planning. Remind them that they are working towards that event and how much you are looking forward to seeing them succeed. Take moments during rehearsal to envision together what it will look/feel like to accomplish that, how you all will feel afterwards, and how you want to see it play out. This can really help remind an ensemble why they are here, their collective purpose, and help them look forward to how their hard work will pay off.
3) Re-visit our choirs commitment/values. I wrote about creating these here, and this point in the year is a great time to revisit these if part of your group is struggling to remember the ensemble's goals or why they are all there together.
I hope these tips were helpful. What other ways do you help your choir reset and be inspired this time of year?
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Like this and want to surround yourself with more people on this journey with you? There's great conversation in New & Freelance Music Teacher Community about this topic and more. Come join us!
Just as I put my hands down and they stopped singing, they turned to one another and started chatting, distracted and some disruptive. Some were whispering or talking as I was talking to give them the next feedback I had for them.
I will not talk over them. My vocal health matters too much to do that.
I felt discouraged. We'd wasted at least 10 minutes of our 75-minute rehearsal on these interruptions to the flow of a rehearsal, and I was tired. There had also been some typical teenage drama coming out earlier in rehearsal too, and I don't like feeling like a drill sergeant. I would way rather they learn how to self-manage and work with people they don't prefer, as in real life sometimes we do need to interact with people we don't prefer. But that won't just happen by chance.
So I decided to implement one of my favorite choral management techniques: a Choir Commitment that they write, agree to, and are held to.
My 7th-10th grade students did not disappoint, in fact, their wording was much deeper than I could've imagined or chosen myself.
The discussion that I guided as they came up with these guiding principles by which we would function in rehearsal together was the most important part of this commitment. If they don't know what it looks and sounds like for these to play out in a rehearsal space, how can they follow it? Clarity is key.
The word change from Respect to Honor occurred as a girl raised her hand to say, "Respect is something earned. What if someone is acting in a way that doesn't earn our respect? I think we should change the word to Honor. The Bible calls all to 'honor your father and mother.' There are kids in the world who have parents who do things that are not earning of respect, but they are still called by God to honor them. I think we should all honor each other even if someone does or says something that doesn't deserve respect."
"Wow." I agreed as I wrote in the additional edit, others nodding their heads as they thought about what she said.
There was a perfect teaching moment during the writing process too. When I wrote 'mistakes ar OK' on the board, I accidentally left off the "e." One girl, who can sometimes respond in an immature way, raised her hand and politely said, "Umm, Mrs. Orem, I think you made a mistake when you were writing."
"You're right, I did!" as I went to correct it. "Thank you for correcting my mistake in a respectful, kind way. I don't mind you calling out my mistakes or each others' at all, as long as you do it in a way that is honoring to the person who made the mistake. We all can keep learning."
We even had a conversation about changing voices in this context too, since that is a reason some do not give Maximum Effort -- fear of teasing when their voice does something they didn't want. It was SO good, and really shifted the atmosphere of the room from a space where there are things to hide or be embarrassed by to a sense of safety or transparency.
We even had a conversation about changing voices in this context too, since that is a reason some do not give Maximum Effort -- fear of teasing when their voice does something they didn't want. It was SO good, and really shifted the atmosphere of the room from a space where there are things to hide or be embarrassed by to a sense of safety or transparency.
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"Now that you have created this commitment, you can hold me to my word that I will follow it. Do I have your word?"
*Nods of heads, looking around at each other seriously.
"Good. I'm here to develop you musically, of course, but my calling is greater than that. I know I have a responsibility to develop your character and speak into your life spiritually as well. I will hold you to these principles you put up here today. I will do it with ultimate honor and kindness, but I care about each of you too much to allow you to break your commitment on my watch. I am here to help you develop the character to keep your word. Alright, take out 'Praise His Holy Name' from your folder. Let's do this!"
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The most important part of choir rehearsal? It's the little things, the small moments where we get to shape minds and hearts and build character.
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Like this and want to learn more? There's a training coming in New Teacher Support & Community about this very topic (and the replay will be available if you're reading this in the future). Come join us!
I sat there nervously twirling my hair, my thoughts trying to convince me I shouldn't.
"What are you thinking, hon? Are you thinking you shouldn't do it even though you told me a few minutes ago how excited you were?"
I nodded at my husband and sighed.
Two days later: I just took a big leap of faith this weekend. And I know that it was a decision I was supposed to make, but there were a few moments when I wasn't so sure. Yesterday, I applied and got accepted for something really cool, which I'll share more about as time goes on. But I had a lot of limiting beliefs & second-guessing myself.
"What are you thinking, hon? Are you thinking you shouldn't do it even though you told me a few minutes ago how excited you were?"
I nodded at my husband and sighed.
Two days later: I just took a big leap of faith this weekend. And I know that it was a decision I was supposed to make, but there were a few moments when I wasn't so sure. Yesterday, I applied and got accepted for something really cool, which I'll share more about as time goes on. But I had a lot of limiting beliefs & second-guessing myself.
I wanted to share with you some wisdom from my husband that also it really helped me clarify the thoughts that were racing through my head as I was trying to decide about doing this, taking this big step. The power of Should is what we tell ourselves, especially when our mind is racing. We have so many thoughts that go through our head each day. We tell ourselves so many different things throughout the day. And honestly, we are the ones who speak to ourselves the most out of anybody, anyone, even our, our close family and friends. We talk to ourselves more than anybody else talks to us. And sometimes we tell ourselves a lot of unhelpful things: "I should or should not think this, I should have done this, I should not have done that, I really should go do this, but I don't feel like it."
Does that sound familiar to anybody else? We tell ourselves so many different things throughout the day. And oftentimes we kind of guilt ourselves into doing things. We say, "Oh, I really should do the laundry, or I really should go do dishes," implying, "I don't want to go do that. But I should, because I it's just my duty, right rather than an obligation instead of something that I actually want to do."
Does that sound familiar to anybody else? We tell ourselves so many different things throughout the day. And oftentimes we kind of guilt ourselves into doing things. We say, "Oh, I really should do the laundry, or I really should go do dishes," implying, "I don't want to go do that. But I should, because I it's just my duty, right rather than an obligation instead of something that I actually want to do."
I realized that instead of saying "I should do this," I am choosing to focus more now on "I want to do this, I am doing this, I will do this, I or I will not do this," rather than using the word 'should' so much. Because 'should' just puts my mind in a mindset or a frame of guilt and shaming myself. And that's not necessary. I don't need that, any you don't either!
How can you choose to think and speak to yourself differently today about habits you desire to change or mistakes you have made? How can I support you in that?
One of the ladies I am coaching asked me to send her spontaneous texts that say something like, "I choose to eat _____ today. Remember how amazing you feel when you _____?" To help reminder of 1) what she wants to do, 2) how she wants to feel when she does it, and 3) the way she wants to speak to herself.
Or maybe you just need direction first and practical steps to take on your journey. My TMJ Strong course, if you're dealing with those issues, may be the perfect fit to give you step-by-step applicable action items to get you moving rather than sitting in analysis paralysis.
Or maybe you just need direction first and practical steps to take on your journey. My TMJ Strong course, if you're dealing with those issues, may be the perfect fit to give you step-by-step applicable action items to get you moving rather than sitting in analysis paralysis.
If you need a little kick in the pants or gentle nudge and coaching is for you, reply or reach out with the words "I choose" to get 50% off your first session. I'm here to help you!
Choose your language; it's more powerful than you think.
Choose your language; it's more powerful than you think.
How can I get rid of anxiety?
This is a question I asked myself a LOT when I was hardcore struggling. I mean, I felt like I was powerless over the thoughts and feelings running through my mind and body, and it was very difficult. For a long time, I couldn't believe I had any control over it -- I thought I was just at the mercy of it.
But I realized later how wrong that was... how it didn't at ALL fit into my beliefs.
I believe personally that God lives within me, that I have His power and strength and love residing in my heart and mind and soul and spirit. If that's true (which if you don't believe that's true, replace it with love or the universe or something else... what fits your framework, just hear what I'm saying).
If God lives within me, I 1000% have His power to take control of thoughts and feelings within me. I'm fallible and will make mistakes being human too, but I CAN reclaim that power of God in me through the strength of the Holy Spirit -- "not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind."
Here's one way you can do that, one antidote for fear, anxiety, and worry. Be filled with courage.
