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Preventing Burnout Before the Year Ends

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  October is the unofficial burnout month. The excitement of the new year has long faded, the holidays are still weeks away, and the workload seems to only grow heavier. It’s that moment when motivation dips, stress rises, and exhaustion whispers, “Just make it through.” But surviving isn’t the same as thriving. This is the perfect time to pause, reset, and realign. In Beyond Emotional Intelligence: Never Have Another Bad Day , I share how emotional dexterity—the ability to shift your state intentionally—can keep you balanced even in high-pressure seasons. When burnout threatens, remember - you can’t pour from an empty cup, but you can refill it with awareness and choice. Here are a few strategies to finish the year strong: 1. Recognize your energy drains. Identify what’s pulling you down—too many commitments, poor sleep, skipped workouts, or lack of connection. Awareness is the first step to renewal. 2. Reconnect to purpose. Ask yourself, Why does this matter? When y...
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Facing Fear with Emotional Dexterity: Lessons Beyond Halloween

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  October may bring haunted houses, costumes, and the thrill of spooky fun—but fear doesn’t disappear when the decorations come down. While Halloween fear is playful and temporary, the deeper fears that shape our lives—fear of failure, rejection, change, or uncertainty—can quietly hold us back long after the pumpkins fade.  The truth is: fear isn’t the enemy. It’s information. It’s energy. And when we approach it with emotional dexterity , we can transform it into something powerful— curiosity, courage, and clarity .  Overcoming Fear: The F.E.A.R. Approach Fear loses its grip when you turn it into fuel for growth. Start by F – Facing it with honesty instead of avoidance. Next, E – Educate yourself about what truly triggers the fear—knowledge brings clarity and reduces uncertainty. Then, A – Act with intention; even small steps build momentum and confidence. Finally, R – Release it by letting go of the tension and stories that no longer serve you. When you transform fea...
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Embracing Change: Building Emotional Dexterity in Times of Transition

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  Change — whether expected or unexpected — can shake even the most grounded person. But it’s also the perfect opportunity to practice emotional dexterity . Times of transition, like starting a new job, moving to a new city, or adjusting to a shift in personal circumstances, challenge our comfort zones. The key to thriving in these moments is not avoiding change but learning to navigate it with flexibility and intention.   When we develop emotional dexterity — the ability to recognize, reframe, and respond thoughtfully to our emotions — we transform uncertainty into empowerment.  1. Recognizing Emotional Triggers During Change Every transition comes with emotional triggers. You may notice tension, frustration, or self-doubt surfacing as your brain processes the unknown. Instead of pushing those feelings away, identify and name them . Awareness is the first step toward control. Try this: When you feel unsettled, pause and ask yourself, “What’s really driving this ...
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Blog Series: Embracing the Changing Seasons Part 2

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  Part Two: Looking Ahead — Refocusing to Finish the Year Strong As fall deepens and the year begins its final chapter, we’re given a valuable opportunity: the chance to refocus and finish strong. While the earlier part of the year may have brought progress, setbacks, or distractions, what matters most is what you do now. The final months can become your most powerful when approached with clarity and intention. Reflection (explored in Part One) helps us recognize what worked and what didn’t. But forward momentum requires more than recognition—it requires Emotional Dexterity. In Beyond Emotional Intelligence: Never Have Another Bad Day! I outline how Emotional Dexterity allows you to consciously shift from emotional drivers (fear, stress, overwhelm) to emotional creators (curiosity, gratitude, determination). This shift provides the emotional fuel needed to stay consistent with your goals, even when motivation dips. One practical tool is the IRRA process—Identify, Release, Rep...
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Blog Series: Embracing the Changing Seasons Part 1

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  Part One: Transitioning from Summer to Fall — A Time for Reflection As summer’s warmth fades into the crispness of fall, we are reminded that life moves in seasons, both externally and internally. Summer often symbolizes freedom—long days, travel, fun, and lightheartedness. Fall, on the other hand, invites us to pause, breathe, and reflect. Just as the leaves let go, we too are called to release what no longer serves us so that growth can continue. This transitional moment offers a natural checkpoint: - What have you accomplished this year so far? - What emotional habits have guided your choices? - Where have you felt most aligned with your purpose? Reflection isn’t about judgment or criticism—it’s about awareness. Awareness is the first step in Emotional Dexterity, the process I describe in Beyond Emotional Intelligence. By tuning in to your emotions, you gain insight into the emotional drivers (the reactive forces such as fear, stress, or frustration) that may have sha...
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From Overwhelmed to In Control: Emotional Strategies for the First Month of School”

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    The first month of school can be a rollercoaster of emotions — excitement, nervous energy, and, for many, a creeping sense of overwhelm. Whether you’re a student navigating new classes, a parent juggling schedules, or a teacher balancing lesson plans with relationship-building, the early weeks set the tone for the year. By applying emotional dexterity skills, you can shift from chaos to control and create a smoother, more enjoyable school experience.  1. Recognize the Emotional Transition Period Big transitions trigger emotional turbulence. The brain thrives on predictability, and the start of school disrupts that rhythm. Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel unsettled — this awareness helps reduce stress. Action Tip: Each evening, name one positive moment from the day. This keeps the mind anchored in gratitude rather than overwhelm.  2. Manage Stress with the IRRA Method From Beyond Emotional Intelligence , the IRRA method — Identify, Recognize, Resp...
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Building Emotional Resilience for a Successful School Year: Skills for Students, Parents, and Teachers

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The start of a new school year is filled with promise, but it’s also a time of emotional challenges—new schedules, academic expectations, social dynamics, and the transition from summer freedom to structured routines. Emotional dexterity can be the key to not just surviving but thriving during this shift.  1. Start with Emotional-Awareness Students, parents, and educators alike benefit from regularly checking in with their emotions. Recognizing stress, excitement, or anxiety early allows for proactive responses rather than reactive outbursts.  Quick Practice: At the start or end of the day, take 60 seconds to name your emotions without judgment. This builds emotional awareness—the first step in managing them effectively.  2. Flip the Emotional Light Switch When the inevitable challenges arise—a tough test, a missed assignment, or a conflict with a classmate—students can use emotional creators to shift their state.  Examples: Listening to uplifting mu...
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