the encouragement lounge

Saturday, April 17, 2010

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

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

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

Monday, April 12, 2010

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

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

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

Monday, April 5, 2010

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, April 3, 2010

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

Friday, April 2, 2010

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."

Working adult students, on my mind...

I hope this blog will be helpful to friends and others involved in a variety of endeavors. However, I created the blog with students in mind and continue to develop it with that specific group as my focus.

I believe that with the increase in evening, weekend, and low-residency programs, students are working more and more in isolation. If we were all full-time students on campus, we would have the informal support that comes with being able to go down the hall and talk with a colleague, etc. But instead, we are working late nights and weekends at home in front of the laptop.

With that in mind, I hope the encouragement lounge provides brief moments of respite and energizing connection. This does not at all replace valuable face-to-face contact. Many aspects of the academic journey can only be addressed via in-depth conversations with colleagues and teachers. And I would always rather sit down and talk with someone than to communicate online. Nonetheless, my aim is to give you one more channel for quick hits of support.