When is the last time you took a risk? How did it work out? When I was teaching yesterday, my students and I talked about how growth can feel uncomfortable at times. If we don't take the risk, have perseverance and gently push ourselves at times, we won't realize the amazing things we can accomplish. …
What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness? I had a conversation with a girl today. It went something like this. You can choose to focus on what you don't have or make the most of this moment. She chose to be sad, which is ok too! But as we were leaving, she was …
When I was in high school, I had a poster/poem on my wall in my room. I don't remember the author of the poem but it stated: Happiness is like a Butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you but if you turn your attention to other things, it comes and …
How would you improve your community? When someone says "be a leader" it usually makes me cringe. Like maybe I don't want to be a leader but a follower. I've realized, however, that everyone can be a leader in whatever role they choose. Being a leader doesn't mean telling others what to do. Instead, it …
What’s something most people don’t understand? A lot of people feel they just can't help it. They "fall in love"and they are powerless to their emotions and how they feel. It works the other way too. How many times have you heard that someone "fell out of love" and moved on? I offer another …
What's a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had? For me, I have always been very sensitive. I have felt things very strongly, whether it was positive or negative. This included my surroundings and other people. Hyper Aware. Certain places and buildings would make me feel a certain way. Very old buildings …
What is your favorite type of weather? When I was growing up, every winter I fell into a dark hole. It started when I was about 11 or so. I don't really know what came first. Was it obsessive compulsive disorder or depression? I remember the first time I experienced depression. I didn't understand what …
Who was your most influential teacher? Why? I have had several influential teachers. Let's start with Kay and Jan Shinol! Kay would tell me "you can't do it wrong." Basically, we are all just making it up as we go along. It's a reminder to go easy on ourselves. Every decision we made was because …
What tattoo do you want and where would you put it? To tattoo or not to tattoo, that is the question. I got my first tiny tattoo after my son was born. Simply, the tattoo symbolized "blessing " About five years later, I got my next one. This one was channeled just for me. I …
Daily writing promptWhat strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?View all responses Depression can hit me hard. I often find that when I am in a negative space, I look at what I have been thinking and saying to myself. I will usually find that my inner critic has taken a hold of …
Kim Hiles, Author | Educator 