The blog slacker and the waterfall

Hi Friends, I've been a bit of a blog slacker this week. I have two weeks left to get ready to teach two classes I haven't taught before (one is a class that I am creating from scratch!), so the work is keeping me very busy. I wanted to check in and say hello though. So instead of a long post or link... I'm saying hi and sharing the above photo with you. A few weeks ago we were in Yosemite... this was one of the beautiful waterfalls that we saw. Hope it brings you a moment of calm.

Cheering you on!

More soon,

Harriet

Writing tip -- like vs. as

Hi Friends,

Here is another writing tip:

As and Like

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

Saturday morning video -- piano stairs (rerun!)

Hi,

Saturday morning video is a day early this week!

This video just makes me smile -- I've used it before, and decided to post it again. Hope it brings you a smile too!

Piano Stairs

Good luck with your work!

H

I can do this, you can do this!

Hi All,

Well, I'm dealing with my own experience of feeling a little bit overwhelmed and stressed... I'm getting ready to teach two courses that I haven't taught before (one that I am creating!) and have some personal stuff on my plate. So, feeling like I have big deadlines looming and stressed about "can I get it all done."

Having said all of that, my strategy is to watch my self-talk, and adjust when I find that I am doubting myself or getting into some spiral of anxiety. I remind myself that I'm totally psyched about the two new courses and that the personal stuff is all good -- so relax and enjoy the process.

Whatever you are facing -- you can do it! You can deal with it! If possible, enjoy the process and watch yourself grow. Keep moving!

FYI, I took the above photo in California recently, hope it brings you a sense of calm.

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

Help me improve this blog

Hi Friends,

Please take just a moment and complete the quick poll in the right column..... this will help me learn more about what readers are seeking when they stop by the encouragement lounge.

Be well,

Harriet

Photo by HLS

A colleague's wisdom re: getting "unstuck"

My friend and colleague Melanie Booth has written a thoughtful post on getting unstuck and how frustration can lead to learning and innovation.

Check it out

The "Getting Unstuck" Learning Cycle

All the best!

Harriet

Saturday morning video -- Animal sings "Wild Thing"

Hi All,

Here is your Saturday morning fun!

Wild Thing

Good luck with the work this weekend!

Harriet

Working with intention

We're all working hard, trying to find time to get school work done. When we find that time, we jump right in -- "what is the assignment, what do I need to do?"

I write today to suggest taking a few minutes to ask yourself "what do I want to get from this assignment?" Particularly with papers and projects -- take a minute to focus on what, in the context of the assignment, do you hope to learn, what specific pieces are most relevant and interesting for you?

Work with intention.

All the best!

Harriet

What is challenging? What is stressful?

Hi Friends,

I'm looking for ideas for future blog posts. So please tell me, regarding school... what is stressing you? What is challenging? In what ways can I be helpful?

Please either comment via the button below, or email me at harrietschwartz14@gmail.com

All the best!

Harriet

New perspective?

Hi Folks,

I hope you are having a good week. Here we are, far along in the spring semester. How has your perspective shifted this year? Which of your ideas have been altered and which have been reinforced? How are you challenging your assumptions? Who is helping you grow?

I will probably be offline for a few days, so no new posts until next week. So I leave you, for now, with the questions above.

Cheering you on!

Harriet

photo by HLS

Stress and time management strategy - establishing priorities within a project

Hi Friends,

Here is a quick exercise to help you clarify priorities, even within a project:

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

Saturday morning video -- STOMP basketball

In honor of Final Four weekend... here's something basketball related....

STOMP basketball

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

Positivity 101

I'm reading a new book by Barbara Fredrickson, PhD who is one of the leading thinkers in positive psychology. This statement points to much of my motivation behind this blog:

"The evidence shows that simply imagining a joyful memory or receiving a small kindness can make a difference in the ease with which people locate creative and optimal solutions to the problems they face on a daily basis." (Fredrickson, 2009, p. 59)

My hope is that The Encouragement Lounge gives you a place that is accessible 24-7 where you can find support, a funny video, a pleasing photo -- something to help you get that positive edge while you're doing your work.

Cheering you on!

Harriet

Fredrickson's book is "Positivity: Groundbreaking Research Reveals How to Embrace the Hidden Strength of Positive Emotions, Overcome Negativity, and Thrive."