A Child's Life Episode 2018 - 2
​I often find myself thinking, ‘Wow, that child has such a great personality!’ Do those thoughts ever cross your mind? If so, have you ever wondered how we can develop our child’s personality?  Is it something that our children are just born with, or is it something that the adults in their lives help to shape? For this week’s episode of a Child’s Life we are going to discuss developing a child’s personality.
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There are many different theories on personality, but most agree that personality is the consistent combination of behaviors, ideas, thoughts, beliefs, reactions, expressions and emotions that one exhibits and develops as a result of both nature and nurture.

We are so excited to now be stocking journals at Learn and Lead! If you know me, you know that I love a good journal. I am very particular about the books that I use as journals. I used to think maybe a little too particular, but I realize that it is one of those little pleasures in life that put a smile on my face.
Journaling seems to have become more popular these days. Why are so many people journaling? Well, journaling has many benefits. Here are my top five reasons to journal.

1. Journaling evokes mindfulness. Research tells us that there is a strong connection between mindfulness and happiness. For this reason, mindfulness has become a daily goal for so many. Journaling brings you into a state of mindfulness. It provides a place to leave past frustrations, to reduce anxieties of the future and to focus on the present. It provides you with a place to have an active and consistent practice of gratitude.
2. Journaling increases your emotional awareness. Journaling provides an avenue to process your emotions. By processing and managing your emotions, you are increasing your self-awareness
   
3.  Journaling helps you to achieve your goals. Journals can be used to write your goals down and create your roadmap to the future. We are more successful at achieving our goals if we write them down. Writing your goals in your journal and taking the time to chart your way to achieving your goals is extremely motivating and increases your likelihood of success.
   
4.  Journaling sparks creativity. Journaling provides an avenue for exercising your creative self. Whether it is answering journal prompts, brainstorming ideas or simply doodling, that creativity is sparked!
   
5.  Journaling improves your memory. There is a unique relationship between writing by hand and the brain. Whether it is writing down your thoughts on a topic, summarizing a talk you have listened to, or an article you have read, by writing it down you are more likely to remember the key points.

If you are new to journaling and not sure where to start, start with gratitude and intentions. Everyday, list ten items of gratitude. They can be as big or small as you want. Mine range from watching my children move through developmental milestones, to a really good cup of coffee. Then write your intentions for the day. Starting with daily gratitude and intentions are a great way to begin the rewarding practice of daily journaling.
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The following journals are in stock at Learn and Lead. Please feel free to give me a call ( 232 3398) or email me if you would like to stop by to arrange a time to purchase yours!

Happy New Year! It is great to be back on the air with new episodes of a Child’s Life. 2017 is behind us. What a year that was! I am not a dog person, but if I ever get pit bulls, I will name one Ike and the other Irma, because those are two of the fiercest names in my books. The 2017 hurricane season was a major challenge for just about everyone, and I know that Irma and Maria have left us with many after effects. With the coming of the new year, despite the challenges that are still lingering for so many, I encourage you to embrace the new beginning and press forward with as positive an attitude as possible.
As parents, it is up to you to set the tone for the year. Although you do not have the power to control things such as the economy, politics, or many other hot topic items, you do have control over your attitudes and a very large influence on the attitudes of your children. So this is the time to reflect a little and set a positive tone for the New Year.