Is it the Journey?

They say this. It’s not about the destination, it’s all about the journey. No story is worth telling (or hearing) if you skip over the twists and turns, and go straight to the ending.

I’m about to head into another part of this little journey of mine. I’m not sure how it will play out, (which I suppose will keep me interested and going), adventure will do that, even if it’s not death defying).

After Spring break, I have some opportunities to read my book in classrooms. Kids will be brutally honest. They will give great feedback. I will come away with good information to help me to ‘know my audience’ even better.

This is a book for teachers and children. It’s for parents too of course, but so far my professional friends (school district, teachers councilors and the kiddos I know etc) seem to be the most excited.

I find it encouraging that the topic of student mental health is starting to be a conversation in school districts. Programs are being implimented for all grade levels. At last this important topic is being addressed. My hope is to give all kids a leg up in this highly stressful landscape. Everyone can benefit from self regulation, these school children are the future, they are their own future as well as ours. Why not give them some mental tools for success? Isn’t that the point of school? I know I’m not far off on this.

So now I have some dots to connect. I’ve had some amazing advice. I’m way out on an unfamiliar limb here, but luckily my curiosity is piqued. Beatrix Butterfly and Peaceful Hearts are exciting projects that aim to meet mental health with simple practical suggestions that are proven to help. Written for a wide age group and even for the grown up reader, the message is universal. Breathing can help a stressed state be calmed into a regulated one.