Practicing Gratitude … Why & How

This year has been incredibly challenging for me … and it’s not even over yet! I could give you a laundry list of what’s happening in my life, but that’s not really the point, we all go through tough times. The point is, that as I reflect back on the year I realize that I still have so many things in my life to be grateful for. The real point is … practicing gratitude.

For starters, what is gratitude?

You Cannot Do a Kindess Too Soon ….

A kind word can really change the direction someone is heading. With all the craziness happening in the world now, remember to be kind.

Bullying – Eject It From The Game

 I am sure you have seen the stories in the news recently about the high school football team in Sayreville New Jersey that has had the rest of their season cancelled due to bullying. This is certainly not the first time a sports team has been in the news for bullying and I am sure that there is bullying happening in locker rooms and on fields all across the country.

What exactly is bullying?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Obviously this definition encompasses a lot of behaviors! What might this look like on a sports team?

• Hazing or initiation of new team members.
• Verbal or physical intimidation.
• Threats of violence or physical harm.
• Spreading rumors.
• Purposely excluding someone from a group activity.
• Physical harm.

Unfortunately, bullying isn’t just limited to team members. Coaches and other adults may also be directly or indirectly involved.

Teens Can Do More Than Just Survive Disappointment

We’ve all been there, playing in the big game, running for student government, trying out for the school play, waiting to be asked to the dance … and it doesn’t happen. You feel crushed, angry, embarrassed and disheartened. As adults who care about young people we hate to see them have difficult experiences, but disappointment is a part of life.

Don’t Stand By, Stand Up

You’re walking down the hall at school, you see a new kid being harassed by some jocks. On Facebook you see a bunch of really mean posts about another girl. You know it’s wrong, but what can you do? If you see bullying, but don’t do anything about it