Gina McKuen has long created mixed-media art for her own pleasure. She squeezed what was a passionate hobby in between her full-time work as a teacher and her full-time calling as a wife and mother to twin girls, who are heading into fifth grade this fall. A series of big life events nudged her to reprioritize. The trauma of the pandemic, the death of her father, the death of George Fl[...]
I think the key word in this nudge is "Stop." Get off the crazy treadmill, break out of an unhealthy routine, notice, breathe. It's also intended as a treat for my sense of smell, so I hope to be more aware of this as the week progresses. Maybe instead of roses, I'll stop to smell my morning cappuccino, or freshly roasted veggies, or wet dog (a scent that strangely makes me very happy[...]
This Nudge was inspired by transformational coach Kelly Mishell, who has written a couple of guest posts for us (read them here and here). It's a technique she taught me a few years ago when I was up against a huge deadline and feeling all my fears. Here's how it works: Be aware of my "stinkin' thinkin'." Catch myself and take note of what I'm saying. Come up with an affirmation th[...]
This Nudge was inspired by transformational coach Kelly Mishell, who has written a couple of guest posts for us (read them here and here). It's a technique she taught me a few years ago when I was up against a huge deadline and feeling all my fears. Here's how it works: Be aware of my "stinkin' thinkin'." Catch myself and take note of what I'm saying. Come up with an affirmation th[...]
Gosh, this one is fun. It goes back, I think, to our first round of Nudges. The idea is to buy one bouquet for myself (something I don't treat myself to enough) and surprise a friend with the second. Remember to follow the rules and keep this under $20. In fact, if you can share a bouquet from your garden, even better! What Happened: The grocery budget is a little tight this week, a[...]
Gosh, this one is fun. It goes back, I think, to our first round of Nudges. The idea is to buy one bouquet for myself (something I don't treat myself to enough) and surprise a friend with the second. Remember to follow the rules and keep this under $20. In fact, if you can share a bouquet from your garden, even better![...]
Over my life, I've learned to do a few "tricks" when I'm feeling down: Make a gratitude list (just three to five things) Go for a walk Take a nap Cuddle with a dog This week, I'm treating myself to a call with a friend who lifts my spirits every time we're together, even when we're miles apart. Who you gonna call? What Happened: I am blessed with many friends (and two[...]
Over my life, I've learned to do a few "tricks" when I'm feeling down: Make a gratitude list (just three to five things) Go for a walk Take a nap Cuddle with a dog This week, I'm treating myself to a call with a friend who lifts my spirits every time we're together, even when we're miles apart. Who you gonna call?[...]
Life has been more than chaotic lately, causing me to react and pivot and adapt in the moment. So when I chose this new nudge, I almost took a pass. Maybe this isn't the week to try something new, embrace a challenge, embark on an adventure. Maybe this is a week I try to return to normal, reinstate my routine, enjoy the same old boring whatever. But then I remember that this kind of ch[...]
Life has been more than chaotic lately, causing me to react and pivot and adapt in the moment. So when I chose this new nudge, I almost took a pass. Maybe this isn't the week to try something new, embrace a challenge, embark on an adventure. Maybe this is a week I try to return to normal, reinstate my routine, enjoy the same old boring whatever. But then I remember that this kind of ch[...]
