NOVEMBER LESSONS
"Emotions"
HARVEST THE GOOD
We're exploring our emotions and embracing an attitude of gratitude.
YOUR FREE MONTHLY BOOKLIST IS READY TO DOWNLOAD TODAY! SCROLL DOWN TO GRAB YOUR COPY!
IN THE PRESENCE OF GRATITUDE WORRY, FEAR AND STRESS CAN NOT EXIST
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Our human emotions are one of the most powerful attributes we have when it comes to our daily life experiences. We can use our emotions to help overcome obstacles, express creativity and generate mental and physical well-being. With over 27 varied emotions, they can each look and feel different for each individual.
This month, we'll learn to use positive emotions during challenging times. We will look for the good in others and change our perspective when faced with difficult circumstances. Doing this will ensure that worry, stress and fear no longer get in the way of our happiness.
Gratitude is a feeling and function of the brain that needs to be exercised just like our other muscles. Explore some of the higher levels of gratitude that are harder to harvest, but can shape our relationships, determine our level of success and keep us in good health.
"LIVING IN GRATITUDE STARTS WITH ONE DECISION TO LOOK FOR THE GOOD, AND RELIES ON HUNDREDS OF MICRO DECISIONS THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY."
High School Student
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USE THE TIME YOU WOULD SPEND WORRYING TO HARVEST EMOTIONS THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT WORRIES YOU
COMMUNICATION
FORGIVENESS
TOLERANCE
NON-JUDGEMENT
RESILIENCE
GRATITUDE
teaches
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YOUR LESSONS ON EMOTION START HERE
The "Emotion" lessons include several downloadable activities for kids, tweens, teens and grown-up human beings!
THE SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE
Negativity Bias
Not in the mood for gratitude?
It's not your fault!
Studies show that gratitude is one of the only emotional states that generate a higher level of consciousness and chemical change in your brain. It is responsible for treating a wide range of illnesses from Parkinson’s disease to depression.
If we like the good feelings of love, hope and gratitude, why do we tend to fear, complain and worry more often? Negativity Bias is the tendency to give more weight to negative experiences over neutral or positive experiences. It is so automatic that it can be detected at the earliest stage of the brain's information processing.
Our ancestors made habits of overestimating threats and underestimating positive opportunity as a means for survival. If they heard a strange noise, they instantly shifted to a fight or flight response- hiding or protecting themselves to survive versus feeling a sense of joy and eagerness. Our brains are biologically hard wired to focus on the negative aspects about our lives. Negative thoughts move more quickly into our long-term memory. The good news is that gratitude can change this process!
Gratitude is a feeling and function of the brain. Your brain is in a constant state of reproducing the chemicals that it is use to. If the receptors in your brain are used to complaint and feeling stuck, it continuously produces cortisol (the "stress hormone"). It will CRAVE cortisol and the bad feeling of lack and limitation that comes with it, if that is what it is used to. This is why depression, anxiety and stress are difficult cycles to break.
Gratitude floods the brain with oxytocin (the "tranquil, love hormone"). If you stick with gratitude, especially at the seemingly worst times, you will retrain your brain. Gratitude also produces endorphins. Once your brain is used to a steady stream of gratitude, it will start CRAVE the good feeling more and more. Before you know it, you have retrained your brain and your body will respond with better physical and emotional health.
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TEACH CHILDREN GRATITUDE BY CHANGING THEIR PERCEPTION
Great Day Teaches
"Gratitude"
Accessing gratitude can help determine your child’s success.
Children who grow older without a strong sense of gratitude often get lost once they have achieved a certain level of success. Without gratitude, they thrive on a constant need for more and often form dysfunctional relationships because their desire for more outweighs the appreciation for what they already have.
On the opposite end, children without gratitude who are perceived as underachievers also get lost in shame and resentment for not having or being more. Being grateful is the anchor that keeps them motivated in a healthy way. They have an appreciation for what they have accomplished regardless of societal expectations.
Good grades will open many doors for your children, but learning and practicing dynamic character traits like gratitude is an essential life skill that fosters healthy relationships, and enhances their quality of life both in and out of their career field.
KIDS WHO HARVEST GRATITUDE
HAVE A WINNING ATTITUDE
HOW THESE LESSONS HELPED ME
As teachers and parents, we have to be more conscious of the fact that the children in our lives are also educating us. Even the most challenging ones mirror the personal aspects about ourselves that need the most change and healing. Real growth doesn't happen when you defend your actions, but rather at the point in which you move past the discomfort and into the truth. Complaint cripples gratitude, and as a recovering chronic complainer, I have used gratitude form deeper connections with others. It has allowed me to appreciate the key role each emotion, obstacle and person has in it. Gratitude has became one of the most powerful choices I make during the day to be more patient, present, compassionate and more thirsty for new life experiences.
This too, is my wish for you!
Adrienne Collins
Educator | Founder
MORE RESOURCES
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Here are this month's book recommendations to learn emotional resilience and harvest an attitude of gratitude.
For our Kids:
A Little Thanksgiving Spot - by Diane Alber
Flamingo - by Rachael Urrutia Chu
Fred's Feelings - by Laura Renauld
Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs- Emotional Freedom Technique The Tapping Solution
Meh - by Deborah Malcolm
Monster Emotions - by Anna Llenas
Ruby Finds A Worry - by Tom Percival
Some Days I Flip My Lid - by Kellie Bailey
Thank You Body, Thank You Heart - by Jennifer Cohen Harper
For Adults:
Let Your Fears Make You Fierce - by Koya Webb
Safe Conversation 360 - by Harvel Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt
The Tapping Solution to Create Lasting Change: A Guide to Get Unstuck and Find Your Flow" by - Jessica Ortner
EXTRA CREDIT COMMUNITY
Hi there gang!
This year, we have more reason than ever before to look for the good when challenges get in the way of our great day.
What are you grateful for this year?