💬 Let’s Be Honest… This Time of Year Feels Heavy The deadlines are stacking up. Your to-do list is endless. Your motivation? Barely hanging on. You’re tired. You’re behind. You still care—but your brain is already slipping into summer mode. This isn’t just you, and it’s not a personal flaw. As Dr. Devon Price shares in You Are Not Lazy , what we often call “laziness” is usually something deeper: exhaustion, burnout, or a nervous system trying to protect you. It’s not about lacking motivation. It’s about running on empty, and your brain is doing its best to keep you going. 🌊 When Everything Catches Up Late April through May is when everything seems to crash in all at once— 📚 Assignments you meant to finish weeks ago 📝 Exams that suddenly feel way too close 💭 Emotions that have been quietly building for months You’re not just juggling tasks—you’re carrying months of pressure, expectations, and fatigue. And when your brain is this overloaded, it’s not a sign of weakness if you can’t focus—it’s a sign of overwhelm. Laziness isn’t the problem—overload is. As Devon Price explains, this kind of shutdown is your body’s emergency brake, not a moral failing. So if your instinct is to shut down, to scroll, to avoid... you're not broken. You're responding to too much for too long. This isn’t a moment to push harder. It’s a moment to pause—to acknowledge the weight you’re carrying and to reset gently with tools that work with your energy, not against it. Because, as the book reminds us: "You don't have to earn rest. You just need it." ⚠️ Why You Might Feel Stuck (And Why It’s Not Your Fault) 🧠 Mental Fatigue You’ve been running a marathon since January. Your brain’s not broken—it’s just tired. 🌀 Procrastination As You Are Not Lazy explains, procrastination isn’t a character flaw—it’s a response to overwhelm, fear, or unclear goals. 📊 Decision Fatigue Too many choices. Not enough clarity. Your brain shuts down when there’s too much noise. 😞 Identity Spiral “I’m so behind.” “I can’t focus.” “Maybe I’m just not trying hard enough.” This inner narrative lies. You don’t need shame—you need a small spark of clarity. 🔧 The 3-3-1 Reset: A Compassionate Way to Refocus You don’t need a perfect plan. Just a doable next step. Try this: ✅ Step 1: Pick Your Big 3 When everything feels urgent, it helps to zoom in on what truly matters this week . Think of it as choosing your “Top 3 Focus Zones.” Ask yourself: Where am I slipping and need to catch up? What class feels the most high-stakes right now? What subject would feel good to finish strong in? 💡 Tip: Don’t overthink it. This is a reset, not a rescue mission. ➡️ Example combo: AP US History (exam coming up) Pre-Calc (missed assignments) English (want to raise my grade) ✏️ Step 2: Choose Your 3 Study Moves Now that you’ve picked your 3 focus subjects, choose one small action for each . That gives you three total study moves—just enough to create momentum without overwhelm. This isn’t about finishing everything. It’s about doing just enough to get unstuck. Need ideas? Try this energy-based menu: 🍃 Low energy? Rewatch class notes or slides Highlight key terms Listen to a short podcast or video. ⚙️ Medium energy? Make a one-page review sheet Draft a rough intro paragraph Try five practice questions 🚀 Feeling focused? Teach the concept to a friend or sibling Quiz yourself with flashcards Write out a full explanation in your own words 💡 Three subjects. One action each. That’s your 3. 💬 Step 3: Reach Out—You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to go silent and try to figure it out yourself. But support isn’t a last resort—it’s part of the strategy. This week, choose just one person to check in with. It could make everything feel lighter. Here are a few ways to reach out: 📧 Email a teacher: “Can I get feedback on my draft?” “Could I have a short extension?” 🗣️ Ask a tutor or classmate: “Want to review this topic together?” “Any tips for this unit?” 📆 Book office hours or a check-in: Even 10 minutes of clarity can save you hours of spiraling. 💡 Asking for help isn’t falling behind. It’s moving forward—with support. 🔁 Why This Works ✅ You don’t have to do everything—just something. Three subjects give your brain focus instead of overwhelm. ✅ You get out of your head and into motion. Small, specific actions create clarity and reduce paralysis. ✅ You make progress without needing perfect motivation. A tiny win builds momentum, even when you're not feeling it. ✅ You’re reminded that help is allowed. Support isn't failure. It's a smart strategy. ✅ It matches your energy—not an ideal schedule. As " You Are Not Lazy" book says: You're not wired for nonstop output. This approach honors that. 🌱 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Behind—You’re Restarting You don’t need to be “on top of everything.” You just need a place to begin. These tools won’t fix everything, but they can give you clarity, traction, and a sense of progress when everything feels messy. And if this reset sparks a different idea in your brain? Follow it. Your version counts. Your path back to focus doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. ✨ Pick your three. Take your next step. You’re not lazy—you’re human. You’re doing your best with a lot on your plate. And that’s more than enough. 🌱 As a certified Executive Function and Tiny Habits Coach, I help students create small, sustainable changes that lead to real momentum. If you're ready to build habits that work with your brain—not against it—I’d love to support you.

🌟 Introduction: Why We Need a New Lens on Parenting Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but it has come with a slew of labels— Helicopter parent. Lawnmower parent. Tiger parent. While these labels were meant to describe certain patterns, they’ve ended up boxing parents in. They flatten something deeply human—a relationship that grows, stretches, and stumbles—into a fixed stereotype. These labels tend to center only on the child, overlooking the truth that parenting is also a journey of growth for the parent. Parenting is fluid. It shifts with seasons, emotions, stress levels, and life circumstances. One moment can be filled with grace, and the next with guilt. One day brings connection, another confusion. It's not just about actions, but about the energy behind those actions—the mindset, intention, and consciousness that parents bring into their daily interactions. Have you ever wondered why you keep reacting the same way during tough parenting moments—even when you want to do it differently? Why is it so easy to lose your calm, even when you’ve promised yourself you wouldn’t? That’s why we need a new lens—one that isn’t focused on what kind of parent someone is, but how they are showing up. Not to critique, but to notice, reflect, and grow. That’s where the 7 Levels of Energy framework comes in. It was first introduced by Bruce D. Schneider in his book Energy Leadership and is the foundation of the work taught at iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching). Its core idea—that the energy behind our actions shapes every outcome—applies beautifully to how parents show up for their children and for themselves. As a certified coach trained in Energy Leadership, I’ve found this framework to be a powerful mirror—one that helps parents move from reacting to responding, from judgment to awareness, and from pressure to possibility. ✨ How am I showing up right now? ✨ What’s the energy behind my words, my silence, my expectations? ✨ What would shift if I brought more presence and curiosity into this moment? Actual growth in parenting doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from being more present. More attuned. More intentional. When parents begin to notice their energy, they move with more clarity, confidence, and care, not just for their children, but for themselves too. Let’s explore what it means to parent with awareness—where energy becomes the guide, and growth becomes the gift. 🔮 The 7 Energy Levels in Parenting: A Fresh Take The 7 Levels of Energy offer a powerful way to understand how parents show up—not just in what they do, but in the energy that drives their choices, tone, and presence. This framework applies whether you're parenting a toddler, a teenager, or a young adult living at home. No matter your child’s age, your energy matters. Parents move between these levels throughout the day—sometimes even in a single moment. There’s no “right” level, but there are growth opportunities in each. Think of it not as a ladder to climb, but as a mirror to reflect where you are—and where you want to go. Let’s explore how each level may show up in parenting: 🌑 Level 1 – Fearful & Overwhelmed Style : The Withdrawn Parent. Mantra : “I’m not good enough. I just hope I don’t mess this up.” Impact : May avoid making decisions or let anxiety take over. Shift : Begin with self-compassion. One small act of connection can open the door to confidence. 🔥 Level 2 – Controlling & Reactive Style : The Power Struggler. Mantra : “Why don’t you just listen?” Impact : Parenting becomes a tug-of-war for control. Shift : Pause and ask—what’s underneath this moment? Fear, frustration, or fatigue? 🌿 Level 3 – Coping & People-Pleasing Style : The Peacemaker Mantra : “Let’s just keep things calm.” Impact : Conflict is avoided, but deeper needs may go unmet. Shift : Practice setting boundaries that support both you and your child of any age. 💛 Level 4 – Supportive & Empathetic Style : The Heart-Centered Guide Mantra : “How can I support your journey?” Impact : Creates a connection through empathy and deep listening. Growth Tip : Your well-being matters too. When parents feel supported from within, empathy becomes a more natural response, not a forced one. 🌟 Level 5 – Curious & Empowering Style : The Possibility Parent Mantra : “Every challenge is a growth opportunity.” Impact : Fosters independence, creativity, and resilience. Power Move : Trust your child’s path, even when it looks different from yours. 🌊 Level 6 – Intuitive & Flowing Style : The Soulful Connector Mantra : “We’re co-creating something beautiful.” Impact : Parenting becomes a shared journey of mutual growth. Invitation : Make space for spontaneity, play, and intuitive connection. ✨ Level 7 – Transcendent & Non-Attached Style : The Visionary Parent Mantra : “There is no right or wrong—only learning.” Impact : Brings full presence and trust to the journey. Note : We rarely stay here, but even brief moments at this level can bring powerful shifts in connection and presence. 💡 Why Your Parenting Energy Matters More Than Your Style You’re not locked into one level of energy. Parents naturally move in and out of these levels throughout the day—sometimes even within a single moment. The goal isn’t to stay “high” or perfect. It’s simply to notice where you are, without judgment, and gently choose how you want to show up. Because the more conscious the energy, the more intentional—and connected—your parenting becomes. 🔁 Try This: A Quick Energy Check-In Let’s say your child talks back to you—maybe it’s a snappy tone, an eye roll, or a blunt “You don’t get it.” It’s frustrating. It can feel disrespectful. But your energy in that moment shapes what comes next. Here’s how backtalk might show up through different energy levels—and a Shifting Moment to help you reflect and re-center: 🌑 Level 1 – Fearful & Overwhelmed “They don’t respect me. Maybe I’ve lost control as a parent.” 💭 Shifting Moment : What story am I telling myself about this moment—and is it helping or hurting? 🔥 Level 2 – Controlling & Reactive “That’s disrespectful. I need to shut this down now.” 💭 Shifting Moment : What emotion is fueling my need to respond right now? 🌿 Level 3 – Coping & People-Pleasing “They’re probably tired. I’ll let it go to avoid a bigger argument.” 💭 Shifting Moment : Am I avoiding conflict—or an opportunity for growth? 💛 Level 4 – Supportive & Empathetic “They’re trying to express something—what’s behind their tone?” 💭 Shifting Moment : How can I stay curious instead of taking this personally? 🌟 Level 5 – Curious & Empowering “Interesting. What can we both learn from this tension?” 💭 Shifting Moment : What’s the long-term lesson I want to nurture here? 🌊 Level 6 – Intuitive & Flowing “There’s something deeper trying to surface—for both of us. Let me meet this with openness.” 💭 Shifting Moment : Can I slow down and listen beyond the words? ✨ Level 7 – Transcendent & Non-Attached “This is simply a moment. I can stay present without needing to fix or label it.” 💭 Shifting Moment : What happens when I drop the story and just be here? Next time you're in a moment like this, pause and ask: 🔸 “What level am I parenting from right now?” 🔸 “What would a Level 5 or 6 version of me do here?” 🌈 Final Thought You are not your parenting style. You are your energy in motion. And that energy can shift—with awareness, support, and grace. ✨ What energy are you bringing into your parenting today? And what might shift if you gave yourself permission to pause and choose?

April isn’t just about tests and college decisions—it’s a turning point. You can feel it in the air. The pace quickens. Expectations rise. Emotions deepen. Students are pulled in different directions—trying to finish strong, make major decisions, and keep up with it all. Somewhere in the middle of it, one thing often gets lost: their voice . This is where self-advocacy comes in. Not as something loud or forceful. Not as something dramatic. But as a quiet, steady practice of speaking up with clarity and respect—even when it’s hard. Maybe it looks like walking up to a teacher after class to ask for help, emailing a college rep with questions about financial aid before committing, telling a parent, “I need some time to think before we make this decision.” For many students today, especially Gen Zers and Alphas, speaking up face-to-face can feel more challenging than searching for answers online. It’s easy to assume that if they really needed something, they’d just say it. But in reality, advocacy isn’t always natural. And sometimes, it gets a bad rap. ❌ Speaking up = talking back ❌ If you ask for something, you’re being difficult ❌ Just push through it quietly The truth is, real self-advocacy is none of those myths above. Let’s flip the script: ✅ Speaking up = owning your experience ✅ Asking for help = showing strength ✅ Self-advocacy = growing into who you are becoming It’s not about control—it’s about connecting. With yourself. With others. It’s about knowing what you need and saying it with confidence and care. 🌿 What Does Self-Advocacy Look Like? It’s not always a big, dramatic moment. In fact, it often shows up in small, everyday choices: Asking a teacher to explain something again because you didn’t get it the first time Telling a group project partner you need clearer communication Letting a parent know you need 30 quiet minutes before diving into homework Saying “no” to a social plan because you’re drained out. Emailing a college rep to double-check what financial aid actually covers before committing These are not just conversations—they’re practice. They build the confidence and communication skills that prepare you for life’s bigger decisions. 📖 A Tool That Helps: The STATE Framework I read the book called Crucial Conversations , which is often used in corporate and leadership training. While reading, I kept thinking about families and teens navigating high-stakes decisions and emotionally loaded moments every single day. The core tool from the book, the STATE framework, is a game-changer for students who want to speak up. 🗣️ The STATE Framework: A Student’s Guide to Speaking Up Clearly and Kindly S – Share your facts Start with what’s true—not what you assume “I noticed I haven’t gotten feedback on my last two essays.” T – Tell your story Say how it’s making you feel or what you’re starting to think “I’m starting to feel unsure about where I stand in class.” A – Ask for their perspective Open the door to dialogue “Could you help me understand what I might be missing?” T – Talk tentatively Use gentle language. You’re not blaming—you’re opening up “It seems like…” or “I wonder if…” E – Encourage testing Show you’re open to other perspectives “I really want to hear your thoughts—I want this to work for both of us.” 💡 Think of STATE as a way to stay steady when a conversation feels shaky. You’re not trying to win. You’re trying to connect. 🕊️ When Self-Advocacy Matters Most (Right Now) Let’s name a few real-life situations where teens need this skill—especially in April: 🧠 Stress with Teachers Assignments are piling up. You’re doing your best. “Could I get some clarity on what’s most important to focus on this week?” “Would it be possible to have one more day on this assignment?” 🏠 Pressure at Home You love your family—and still, this is your college journey. “Can we talk about what matters most to me in this decision?” “I’d like some quiet time to reflect before we decide together.” 💬 Tension with Friends You’re stretched thin, and it’s okay to ask for space. “I care about you, and I just need a little time to recharge.” “Can we talk later when I’ve had a chance to reset?” 🔄 Burnout and Mental Health Sometimes, the biggest act of advocacy is simply saying: “I’m not okay, and I think I need help.” “Can we talk? I’ve been carrying a lot lately.” 🌱 The Quiet Moments We Overlook Even these small moments are acts of self-advocacy:  Asking a question in class, even if your heart’s racing Saying no to “one more thing” when your plate is already full Letting someone know you’re not ready to talk Emailing a teacher instead of guessing and hoping for the best 💛 One Final Word—From Me to You To every student reading this: Your voice matters. It’s not too small. It’s not too much. It’s just right. Self-advocacy isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. Every time you speak up for yourself with kindness and clarity, you become more grounded in who you are.

February is here, and students from incoming freshmen to soon-to-be seniors share common questions about course selection for the upcoming year. Which courses should I choose? Which will benefit me the most? How can I demonstrate course rigor effectively? What classes actually interest me? Here are five essential tips to navigate these questions to focus more on the overall high school experience. 1. Understand Graduation Requirements Start by familiarizing yourself with the graduation requirements of your high school. Know the necessary number of credits, the minimum years required for English, Math, and Science, elective options, and any fine arts requirements. This foundational knowledge is critical for planning your high school journey. 2. Assess Your Time Management Consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to homework, studying, test preparation, and projects, especially when balancing other commitments like sports, music, job, club activities, volunteering, etc. Effective time management is key to maintaining a balanced and successful academic life. 3. Evaluate Your Interests and Strengths Reflect on your interests, strengths, and curiosity about different subjects. This self-assessment can guide you in deciding whether to take on more challenging courses like Honors, AP, or IB programs. The College Board website offers detailed AP curriculum descriptions to help you understand each subject's workload and skill requirements. 4. Explore Outside the Classroom If your curiosity extends beyond what your school offers, look for additional learning opportunities. Community colleges, online courses, and other educational platforms can provide enriching experiences that align with your interests and goals. 5. Pro Tip for Rising Seniors When selecting courses, consider the time you'll need for the college application process, which can be as demanding as an AP course. This consideration is crucial for managing your senior year effectively. Consider taking courses that teach more life skills like personal finance, yoga, culinary classes etc. Bonus Tip: Embrace New Learning Opportunities Don’t hesitate to explore new subjects. Trying something different can broaden your horizons and introduce you to new perspectives. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your high school years while exploring new areas of interest. Enjoy the Journey Balancing core requirements with electives and complementing them with extracurricular or volunteer activities can create a well-rounded and enriching high school experience. By following these tips, you can make informed decisions about your course selection, setting the stage for a well-rounded high school journey.

🎢 Welcome to the Rollercoaster of Parenting Teens! 🎢 Parenting high school teens – a journey filled with "Yay" and "Duh" moments! Having a 16-year-old daughter myself, I understand the complexities involved in being a parent during this crucial phase. As parents, we often find ourselves cycling through different emotions. Let's explore these emotions through the seven levels, with each level offering a unique perspective. ( Inspired by " The Energy Leadership " by Bruce Schneider)  Level 1: Self-Doubt 😟: Moments when we question our parenting skills, leading to feelings of insecurity. Level 2: Conflicts 😠: Dealing with differences of opinion that create tension within the parent-teen relationship. Level 3: Rationalization 🤔: A sense of responsibility prompts adults to cooperate, seeking resolution even through passive acceptance. Level 4: Concern 😓: Worrying about our teens and expressing support for their happiness because of our deep love for them. Level 5: Reconciliation 🤝: Discovering a harmonious space where both parent and teen coexist peacefully, grounded in mutual love. Level 6: Joy 😄: The pinnacle of happiness where parents and teens share complete faith and trust in each other. Level 7: Absolute Passion ❤️‍🔥: A state free from judgment, characterized by dynamic acceptance within the parent-teen relationship. While some emotions may be draining, others bring a sense of refreshment. These emotional dynamics fluctuate based on situations and issues. It's crucial to recognize that there are no inherently good or bad emotions; it's about understanding where you are and where you want to be. Every parenting style is like a unique snowflake formed around the family's core values. However, external influences, such as peer pressure from all over, can loop everyone into a monotonous parenting approach. How can we save our teens from getting entangled in this loop? 🌟 Breaking the Monotony 🌟 Feeling stuck in a parenting loop? Acknowledge the struggle. Let's explore two fantastic resources together: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers" by Dr. Lisa Damour : This book offers practical strategies for parents to support and navigate their teens' emotional well-being. Dr. Damour emphasizes the importance of validating every emotion, helping teens articulate, navigate, and process their feelings, and fostering resilience and emotional robustness. Never Enough" by Jennifer Breheny Wallace : Exploring the social influences on success and their impact on the mental health of younger generations, Wallace emphasizes the "power of mattering." This concept underscores the importance of feeling valued irrespective of a child's achievement status. The author provides practical tips for parents to incorporate this concept into their daily lives. Both books serve as pillars for us as parents, helping us rediscover our unique parenting styles, navigate the spectrum of emotions, prioritize core values over achievements, and nurture authentic connections and joy with our teens.🌈👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Happy reading! 📖 📖

As 2023 comes to a close, let's think about our New Year traditions. Do you meticulously plan with vision boards and resolutions, or do you casually sing "Auld Lang Syne" to welcome the new year? This blog post offers a unique perspective to appreciate and learn from 2023, providing simple strategies to infuse curiosity into your approach to 2024. Step 1: Reflecting on 2023 Adopting Jon Acuff's insights from "All It Takes Is a Goal" 📘 to gather the best moments of 2023: Picture 2023 as a memory portrait in your phone gallery, whether written on paper or typed in Google Docs. Use these prompts to reflect and write: moments where you lost track of time⏳, occasions that brought smiles 😊, adventurous escapades 🌍, quality time spent with loved ones ❤️, and achievements, both big and small 🏆 🎵🎵Take a moment to relive these memories with your favorite music playing (if you have one) or your favorite beverage, expressing gratitude for each precious experience.🎶 🎶 🎶 Step 2: Setting Goals for 2024 Ignite curiosity for 2024 by cataloging your various roles and life aspects. For example, a high school student may have roles like a student, friend, family member, self-care advocate, and participant in extracurricular activities or jobs/internships. Adults can include roles relevant to their lives in 2024. While students may see it as the middle of the school year, taking time for reflection and rejuvenation at the new year's and academic term start can be highly beneficial. Examine your roles and set one goal for each in 2024. When setting these goals, ask yourself two vital questions: Why is this goal important to you? What progress have you already made toward this goal? Answering these questions establishes a firm intention and motivation. Some goals are achievable, while others involve gradually developing habits to become your best self. As part of your weekly review, revisit your goals and identify one action to take each week. Celebrate your wins at the end of each week and outline the next step you intend to focus on the following week. If, after a month, a goal seems irrelevant, replace it with something more fitting. Recognize that goals may fall apart, but approach each challenge one step at a time, living in the present while securing victories for the future.🚀