Dear Brave One,

Is your heart heavy today?  It is a powerful thing to notice.  You don't even need to know why or how to change it just notice it.  Be with it.

I have several heart paperweights.  I love them.  They remind me of different times in my life. Of the ebb and flow.  Of what matters most to me right here, right now.

You matter so much in your world.  You are a gift to so many.  Remember this.  Honor this.

xo Brave Teacher Mim

P. S.  I happened upon this quote yesterday.  I hope it speaks to you the way it spoke to me:

“Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.” 
― Rumi

P.P.S.  Brave Teacher Tribe is an amazing growing movement for you--especially if your a person who resonates with this sort of thing.  Sign up to receive email encouragement and inspiration right HERE.

​These amazing little gems started life as a simple little notecard, ordinary paper, and a bit of floss.  When combined with a magic needle they become little treasures that inspire the writer, the artist, the maker, the lover in all of us.  {See all the options HERE NOW!}

Here are some FAQs:

What can I do with my mini journal?
Here are a few of my ideas for your mini journal:

• Gratitude journal
• Sketchbook
• Poetry
• Love letter
• Most Important Tasks
• To do list
• Portable art journal

Why is it called Write your own story?
People often need permission to do something, so I wrote you a little creative permission slip with it.
Just for you I said,  "Go ahead! ~ Be Brave! ~ Create!"

How can I use this as a gift?
I have two different ideas for this one.  
First it would be wonderful to receive this as snail mail.  Each mini journal comes with its original stationary envelope.  So send that sweet little book as a tangible gift that arrives in the mail box.  
​Second, imagine writing a love letter or letter of gratitude of collecting amazing quotes or warm affirmations and recording them in the little book.  It's a gift from the heart that is about to become a cherished treasure.

Where can I buy mini journals?
You may purchase HERE online, visit the ACoT gift gallery, or make arrangements with me to meet up!

How is it packaged?
Each little hand sewn booklet has a simple kraft paper strip that says "Write your own story--Mini journal.  There is a little kraft paper square that suggests used, and together with the journal and envelope snuggled in a clear sleeve.

Do I get to choose the style?
You sure do!  Below you will see all the styles currently available.  I hope you enjoy using or giving these as much as I enjoyed making them!  Go HERE to see all the styles.

P.S.  Here are some other extra affordable goodies to consider:​

​Do you remember when you were the fresh new teacher?

You were filled and overflowing with new ideas and enthusiasm. 
You were going to make a difference in the life of every student.
You were going to change education for the better--at least in your little corner!

Do you remember how much you could not stand the snarky older teachers who tried to steal your enthusiasm and hope?

Today's question:
Are you more like the fresh teacher or the snarky veteran?
Who do you want to be?

I'm inviting you to restore your enthusiasm and hope.  I want you to make a difference in the life of your students.  I want to restore in you the fresh new teacher.  We can liberate our spirit from the bureaucracy and experience that hold our spirits down.  You, Brave Teacher, are so much more!  Let's restore you!

Over the next few weeks you will see so many opportunities {many of them free and easy} to restore your vitality as a teacher and human being.  Sign up now for Brave Teacher Tribe so you won't miss one bit of this amazing life affirming adventure.

​I am holding a sacred space for you.
A place where you can be yourself,
feel your feelings,
and wonder
and doubt
and be.

I am holding a sacred space for you.
A place where you can grow,
and transform,
and restore,
​and be.






Dear Amazing And Brilliant You,

It is from such a deep place that I have this longing to support you being fully that person you were created to be sharing the gifts that only you have with the rest of us.  I sincerely hope that this week you can feel that space being held for you.

Sending you warm waves of self compassion,
Brave Teacher Mim

​P.S.
If you are desiring more soulfulness in your life geared for teachers and other humans, sign up for the Brave Teacher Tribe to receive inspiration and the first details of upcoming events.

 Are you one of the teachers in my area {or anywhere} who is sitting in professional development today or Monday or both?  I bet you had to drag yourself there.  I bet you're thinking of 294 other ways you could spend your time that would benefit your students more.  Or your making your grocery list.  Or you're thinking this is okay; I've been to much worse.

Why do we think these sorts of things?  Why do we feel like professional development is a waste of our time and energy?

The answer is so simple I can't believe there isn't already a paradigm shift:  

Professional development does not get to the heart of the matter for teachers or students.  

Sadly we scratch the surface, slap on a band aid, and totally ignore that teachers are frazzled, overwhelmed, burned out, or completely detached from their job.  And students are literally acting out trying to get us to change our teaching style, turn down the pressure cooker, and treat them like humans rather than limited knowledge acquisition robots.

A solution:  Restorative Professional Development for Teachers

Let's come together in a non threatening, nonjudgemental, non shaming way and better care for ourselves--body, spirit, and mind--with the intention of teaching whole students as healthy and whole teachers,

Sadly, we can't wait for administrators to bring this to us, but we can seek it out and share with them.

You will see me using the word restoration often over the next couple months.  I will be offering a little web course the week between Christmas and New Year, titled Brave Restoration.  Then I will be hosting Restorative Gatherings in my home in 2016.  Let the healing and wholeness of heart begin!

Does this resonate with you?  Have you just said, "That's it!"  I want you to join meIf you.  If you want to know the latest offerings {and receive occasional bonuses,} sign up for the --Brave Teacher Tribe now!

And may I ask a favor?  Will you share this with anyone who can relate or may have interest in this sort of work?  From my heart I want you to know I'm grateful for your willingness to make this the best it can be.

If you're in my local area then you have this Friday off of school for Professional Development.  If you don't already know what you're going to do, I would be delighted to invite you to spend your morning with me creating.

​We will meet at the intersection of Personal Development and Professional Development

October 16, 2015 {Have fun and play all morning!}
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. {Mind/Body/Spirit}
Art Center on Tusc  {571 W. Tuscarawas Ave.,  Barberton}

Planned activities I look forward to sharing {Yoga, Intuitive Painting, Nature Walk, More Painting, Inspiring Projects for yourself or your classroom}

Wear comfy clothes
$40/ includes yoga class and all creative project supplies and materials--pay at the door, but RSVP HERE now
{I must have at least 5 participants so bring all your teacher friends!}

I'm looking forward to sharing a great day filled with courage and creativity!

Fondly,
Brave Teacher Mim

Today I am holding a small sacred space for you to think or write about this:

Every single time we step in front of a group of students we are teaching so much more than the material we are expected to teach.  You know that, right?  Whether you intend it or not, it happens.  How you present yourself.  How you interact with the group.  How you handle the unexpected.  All of those are teaching your students.

My question for you is are you teaching your students how to move through life with grace and hope or are you showing them what they don't want to become?

When I talk to preservice teachers they are often nervous about their student teaching placement and if it will be a good fit for them.  I always tell them it will be the exact situation that was meant for them, and they will walk away with one of two things--either they will have many tools and resources and experience for the kind of teacher they want to be, OR they will know exactly what kind of teacher they don't want to be.

Sometimes I cringe at the ways I've spoken to or about some of my students, their parents, and other people. Sometimes I wish I could have a do over with students.  I want to say to them that I like who I am as a teacher and a human being much more now than I did.  {But that is really all about me, and so I don't invite adults back to first grade!}  I think of times when I could have spoken up for students, but didn't.  And there are other times when I should have waited and been patient and let things unfold in another way, but I was impatient.

​I think of how often it is easy to jump to conclusions, but how upset I am when others jump to conclusions about me.

I hope the lesson my current students are learning is that they are unique and precious and cared for and loved.  I hope they are learning by experience to treat other people the way they want to be treated, and when it doesn't work out that way I hope they are learning to apply grace and patience and positivity and to reserve judgment.

What are the lessons your students are learning from you each day that have nothing to do with standards and curriculum and everything to do with life?

​I am head over heels excited to present this original piece of art--Winter Peace--as a professionally printed seasonal greeting card.  

I have loved fat little birds for as long as I can remember.  This guy is extra special, and I'm delighted to share him with you.  I completed this piece in the early months of 2015, and I just loved its warmth and simplicity.

I think it makes a fabulous Christmas or New Year card.  It would also make an amazing party invitation, thank you note or just a fun card to send.

These cards are printed on 110 lb. premium card stock with a gloss finish--nice and thick and VERY attractive.  Envelopes are white.  The card is blank inside and waiting for your personalized message.

You may order sets of 10 or 30 HERE.  {There is no charge for shipping during the month of October!}

Individual cards are available in my studio for $ 2.75 each.  {Make an appointment to visit my studio.}