@Emil Moldovan did a post in his own group about this very topic a while back and I thought it would be a neat way to learn more about the individuals in this community :) Names are often the first thing given to us before we have any say in who we are--they're chosen by family, culture, traditions, hope. Sometimes they carry expectation, history, or a meaning that we later grow into. They can reflect lineage, faith, resilience, or values.They can also hold stories that were never ours to choose. Then, we live. And the name ends up being a reflection of our own experiences, how we show up in the world..They can hold a power that we don't anticipate. Some questions: 1. How did you obtain your name--what's the history behind it? 2. Does your name mean something? 3. Do you have a nickname and how did you get it? 4. What do you want your name to stand for? Poll:

A lot of stress can come from putting energy in the wrong places--in places that either don't require our presence or in places that we don't /can't control and not really manage. We think about the future (which isn't here yet, btw) and we try to control it. Controlling something that doesn't yet exist is fascinating. Maybe we can try influencing instead or responding when it's here. What's in your control? Your choices, effort, boundaries, words, and how you respond. (but even these can be influenced by other factors outside of your 'control') Outside your control:Other people’s reactions, past events, timing, and outcomes (We fool ourselves into thinking that outcomes are in our control, but, again, there are other variables that can play a role in this) Within your influence:The tone you bring, the environment you help shape, how clearly you communicate, and the consistency of your actions. Growth happens when we stop trying to control outcomes and start taking responsibility for our responses. Questions to ponder: Where might your energy work better if it shifted from control to influence? Where have I had a difficult time letting go? What did you feel like when you finally accepted something and let go? Poll: How do I approach control?How do I respond when things feel uncertain?

A little personal background (not necessary to read to get the content below): Back in 2017 I had decided that 2018 was going to be a "Year of Yes" (title inspired by Shonda Rhymes--creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal). Out of necessity rather than desire, I've had to make some bold and uncomfortable moves in 2017 and I told myself that 2018 had to be different.. It HAD to for my own sanity..I didn't want to be a spectator in my own life and wanted to be an active agent... So...that year consisted of saying yes to all sorts of things--yes to doing deep work (thank you Bible/God, thank you Brene Brown, thank you other books and friends), yes to things that scared me (e.g. speaking at a seminar, doing a radio show, running a self esteem workshop, doing activities solo, saying 'no' to things that didn't fit what I actually needed), saying yes to different connections ( @LaTanya Carter -I appreciate you more than you'll ever know!!!) . I stumbled A LOT and fell often, but I also became more confident, more independent, more conscientious of boundaries, more of myself. As a result of 2018, 2019 became my 'resurrection' year or my 'phoenix' year. Rising from the ashes. (Funny that it coincided with my 33rd year in life-maybe that's why I called it the resurrection year). So....as I'm reflecting on this past year and coming up into the next, I figured it's time...It's time for another "Year of Yes". I think it's been brewing. ______________BEGIN THE REAL POST________________________________ *Please watch the video if you have th time. :) :) People hear the phrase a "Year of Yes" and automatically think that it means impulsive decisions, saying yes to a bunch of new activities, being busy with all sorts of things, "bucket list"...But the reality is that it's more like..exposure therapy for the soul. It's breaking up with things that hold you back from living an aligned life. It's saying no to things like unhelpful fear, perfectionism, people pleasing, overthinking, self-doubt and the "maybe later" type language.

💗There are so many great challenges out there and I didn't want to add another one to the list...BUT, in the spirit of this month of thanksgiving, I did want to gift someone something at the end of the month...I want to show appreciation to ALL of you, but given practical considerations, I just don't know if a gift is possible for all. So, I was trying to think about what would be a good way to try to go about this.... 🌟Well, how about this? In the spirit of this group and what it's about, WHAT IF we use your own goals and habits that you want to build upon as the deciding factor for winning? Not only will you get something from me but you'll be gaining momentum towards your goals and that IS winning beyond an external reward. We can use this as a way to add additional incentive to keep going and to make strides towards your goals!! And also as a place of accountability:) If there are A LOT of winners, maybe a secondary way of teasing out top winners can be something related to participation /level of activity or maybe just a random choosing. I already appreciate the activity in here and while I want to incentivise more people to participate I don't want the gift to just be dependent on that---I truly want you all to do well towards your goals!! 📈So....what say you? If you're interested, drop a comment below saying that you're in AND also identifying what you'll be working on for the rest of the month---what are the habits that you want to start/grow/continue? What will have to happen at the end of the month to say "I've made acceptable progress" towards this goal? (some areas of potential focus: physical health: diet, exercise, drinking water; spiritual health: daily prayer, gratitude practice; financial health: saving money, spending less; etc.) Let's do this!! Let's have a place to keep each other accountable, encourage each other and just take strides towards growth!! We got this, fam! :) :) :)

Hello beautiful souls, I just wanted to thank you all for being here, for engaging, for supporting me and each other, for your presence.... As many of you know, when I started this skooling journey, I didn't anticipate (or have many thoughts) for the community aspect of this--just wanted a creative outlet and a place for resources and if people joined, that would be a plus... I am SO incredibly thankful that the community piece has shown up and has grown in the way that it has. It was a gift that I didn't realize that I needed and I really really hope that it continues! You have added so much to my life. There have been friendships that have been forged or further nurtured and it's so beautiful to see everyone interact. I am so so truly thankful. I don't know how to express that in a way where the depth of what I'm saying and the emotion behind it can land, but I hope you know how valued you truly. are. I really wanted to go through each person individually and write something to /about them, but that would be a very very very long post...But please know that I am truly thankful. Your kindness, your vulnerability, your compassion, your courage, your presence---all of it --is so appreciated. :) Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate! All my love, Georgiana