Excellence Effect Movement Visits New Orleans

The Excellence Effect Movement recently took their mission of reaching 50 million kids to two New Orleans schools, Schwarz Alternative School and Dr. Martin Luther King High School, which is located in the lower ninth ward.

“Your outstanding presentation, enthusiasm, selfless commitment, and sheer love permeated into our hearts, and showed students that there are persons that dedicate their time, love and efforts into making the lives of children more fulfilling,” School Administrator Mr. Lockett said.

As students suffer from a cultural Excellence Deficit and teachers struggle with lack of programs due to education budget cuts, the aim of the Excellence Effect Movement is to reverse this trend by offering a meaningful character education curriculum at no cost to families and students with a goal of reaching 50 million kids by 2015.

“The Excellence Effect is a program that guides young people toward a positive future full of confidence, motivation, creativity, teamwork, leadership and valuable life principles,” said Bobbi DePorter, President of the non-profit that created the Excellence Effect Movement, Learning Forum International.

At both school assemblies, members of the Transformational Leadership Council, an elite group of many of the world’s greatest transformational leaders, led talks on the 8 Keys of Excellence and interacted in small groups with the students.

The no-cost school program provides K-12 teachers with a full year of character education lesson plans, online resources, training and support.

Bobbi DePorter is the founder and president of Learning Forum International. Bobbi developed the 8 Keys of Excellence 30 years ago as an education tool for students attending her SuperCamp summer enrichment programs. She is the author of The 8 Keys of Excellence – Principles to Live By and has written over a dozen books on teaching and learning, which have been translated into seven languages. Ms. DePorter is also the founder and president of Quantum Learning Network, which offers training to youth, educators and businesses throughout the U.S. and in over 12 other countries. She attended the University of Washington and University of Southern California Graduate School of Business CME program.

“Our kids are at risk – it’s our responsibility to do something” she said.

Summer by the Numbers

The always thorough SuperCamp administrator Katie Terrill reflects on what it took to put together SuperCamp in 2010.

Remember your first impressions of camp? Being greeted by the most delightful staff member you’ve ever met? They were wearing one of those ridiculously stylish blue collared shirts you just had to have. We liked them so much too that over the course of the summer those shirts were worn over 15,000 days total. Watch out GQ.

Then you hopped in line and were given the sweetest lanyard your eyes have ever beheld. It’s gentle fold and brilliant colors almost brought you to tears. You promised yourself you would never take it off – and because you didn’t, those lanyards were worn over 22,000 combined days this summer.

Once you were checked in and your parents had gone you knew it was time to party. You ran outside with pure glee enveloping your face, jumped into the first hackey sack circle you could find and began dropping your honed skills and knowledge in all our faces. Because of your commitment to making it a great summer, we volleyed almost 600 hackey sacks in just a few short weeks. Calculate that amount of kicks…and the number of horrified groans you made when that precious ball of woven wonder hit the unsanctioned ground.

Then the most glorious thing happened. You heard a song that made your jaw drop. Your body had no choice but to begin clapping and grooving with the rhythm. Feet stomped, arms pumped and you vaulted up onto a chair that filled a magnificent Main Room. Giving it all you had, maybe even biting that lower lip, you clapped it in and dropped exhilarated into what can only be known as “Stock in Costco” – a folding chair. Not too soft, and maybe not quite “just right,” that chair was your friend for days. Thank you dear friends, for holding us up, supporting us whenever we needed you and at times even making us stand a little taller  – all of us together sat in over 10,000 of your kind. Good luck with your family tree.

We embraced and lived through 2,800 playbooks that contained just as many POW-OOOOOO-CHA’s. 12,500 pens later we’ve mastered Mind Maps and Fast Writing. Helping us along the way were 2,200 so deliciously-scented-you-just-might-eat-one Mr. Sketch markers. I call grape.

How can we forget our WHOA claps? Our hands were an array of colors and levels of tingly as we shared the clap with each other over 2,600 times. Of course there were the Power Whooshes. 1-2-3 (clap, clap, clap) Whoooooooooooooosh. Imagine that x 2,600 – because it already happened.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better you were presented with a terrific teal blend of cotton. At this moment you had a pinnacle of understanding – this truly is the fabric of your life. You caressed its texture with awe and wonder. You began visualizing all the feats you could accomplish wearing this amazing gift. Scaling a ladder and hovering 30 feet in the air wearing nothing but a harness and a ¾” thick rope was simple. Morning came and you could barely contain yourself. You threw it on and felt its power course through you. That summer, only 2,300 of these splendid babies were made, and you had one. With almost 7 billion people in the world, that’s impressive. Wrap that up with just as many brilliant made postcards written and mailed home. Whew!

Academics, team times, and some remarkable singing and dancing led us into the home stretch. Over already? You couldn’t believe it. But wait. What’s this? Another gift – something to remind you of the changes you’ve made and will continue as you head home. You may only be one voice, but a voice that will be heard. We shouted it all out together, “I Make A Difference!”. This medal reminded us that for the past few days we’ve focused on the Me – combined with the Indian word of “Dal” (meaning: a ready source of proteins for a balanced diet) we realized that the word MEDAL really means that sometimes we need to focus on bettering ourselves to be part of a healthy balance.

It’s a good thing we ordered 2,400.

(All statistics used in this mind-blowing blog post are true and accurate).

6 Ways To Battle A Bully

Adam Sandler in the movie "Billy Madison"

This guest post was written by Mr. Doug Couch, sports enthusiast and experienced SuperCamp staff member.

“O’Doyle rules!”

While glorified as entertaining on the silver screen in movies such as Billy Madison, bullying is an act that is all too serious and real in today’s schools. This seemingly inescapable byproduct of adolescence is an issue that three quarters of all students say they have experienced first-hand. Verbally, physically, and psychologically, bullying can take on many forms – name calling, threats, teasing, rejection, and even physical violence.

The lasting effects of bullying can be as widespread as the acts themselves. It can make students afraid of school and social interaction, which can have lasting effects on their psyche through adulthood. For many students, it is difficult to focus on the assignments at hand when they are worried about the bully that stands between them and their locker. As technology has progressed, so has the art of bullying and it’s effects. As a result, bullying can make school a fearful place that can lead to greater stress and school violence, not just for the bullied, but for everyone.

In the post What Parents Can Do About Teen Bullying,  there are some great parent tips on how to help kids deal with adolescent bullying such as listening more and talking less, establishing family values, and building authentic bridges between parent and child so a solid support system is created. But what can kids do to stand up to bullies in the moment?

Over the last decade, I have worked with students across the country, seen a broad spectrum of personalities and witnessed many different types of student interactions. Here are six ways I have found to be the best in dealing with bully situations:

1. The most convenient action is avoidance.

If you know when and where the bully is going to be, take a different route. If you are out of sight, then you are likely out of mind which will help in avoiding any conflict.

2. Stand tall and be brave.

Many times bullies prey on those who they think they have power over. They pick on kids who become upset easily or who won’t stick up for themselves because they are an easy target. Eliciting strong reaction from another can make a bully feel empowered. Sometimes, simply standing your ground and not giving in is enough to make a bully back down. How does a brave person look and act, you ask? Standing tall with your shoulders back will send the message, “Don’t mess with me!” It’s much easier to feel brave and strong when you feel good about yourself.

3. CONFIDENCE!

Know who you are, what you want, and what it takes to get you there! What is it like when you look and feel your best? Tap into that emotion and know that no one can take it away from you. Commit to yourself to be the best person you can be. Do you want to be more physically fit? Commit to yourself to turn off the computer and be more physically active for an hour each day and make healthier food choices. The perception we have of ourselves is the reality we send to the world. Be confident in yourself and others will acknowledge you for it.

4. Have a friend and be a friend.

Friends are some of the best tools in standing up to a bully. Make a plan to be with a friend or two when you’re walking home, eating lunch, or just hanging out on the swings. Offer to be there if you know a friend is being bullied. Most importantly, get involved! If you witness bullying in your school, speak up! Tell a teacher, take a stand with the kid being bullied, and show them both what strong confidence and bravery looks like!

5. Never bully back!

Stand up for yourself and remember to never bully back. Fighting back only gives the bully the power of eliciting the emotional response they wanted in the first place. It’s never worth getting yourself in trouble because someone else is being a jerk. It is important to keep your feelings under control. Use your wit. Keep your mind focused elsewhere until the situation is over and you are in a safe environment to let your feelings show.

6. Most importantly, speak out.

Talk to your teachers, principals, parents, even the lunch lady (who always seems to smell like sloppy joes, even on chicken nugget day!) when you encounter bullying to yourself or someone else. Find someone you trust and tell them everything you can. Many times, bullies stop as soon as a teacher finds out because they’re afraid of being punished by the school or their parents. After all, by speaking out you could be saving your own life or the life of a friend. Everyone has the right to feel safe.

Do you have other good ways to handle bully situations? Please share them in the comments below.

All I Do Is Win, Win, Win

I want to say a big huge THANK YOU to all of you who participated in the “Get Paid to Rave About SuperCamp” contest we ran this past summer. Every single person who walks through those main room doors has their own special and unique version of this little experience we call SuperCamp, and it was such a treat to read a few of those stories this summer.

So I bet you’re wondering who won, huh?

Can I get a drum roll please?

1st Place

2010 Stanford Senior Forum grad Olivia Ross

Prize: $100 Visa gift card

Olivia (left) with her team, ICandy, during a pre-breakfast cheer.

Runners-Up

Two-time SuperCamp grad Kaela Palmer

Prize: $50 Visa gift card

Kaela, middle, with her team.

-and-

Three-time SuperCamp grad Philip “King Phil” Stone

Prize: $50 Visa gift card

Phil, 2nd in from the right.

 

Here is Olivia’s “rave”:

Before SuperCamp, part of me was other people’s opinions and actions. Through SuperCamp, I learned how to make the most out of every moment and be myself, not what I thought others wanted me to be. The summer of 2010, I attended Senior Forum at Stanford University, and it changed my life in more ways than I could have ever hoped for.  Lifelong friendships were created, and academic skills were learned that will forever stick with me. I learned life skills that will forever change the way I live. SuperCamp was truly a life-changing event, and it has impacted and will continue to impact my life in a variety of ways.

The best part about SuperCamp was sharing the experience with so many other people. I realized I could be myself and still have people behind me to support me in anything I would choose to do. The support and love created in each camp is… indescribable.  To walk into a room and know 100 people have got your back and understand you more than anyone else is one of the best feelings in the world. The trust I built with my team is one of the strongest bonds I’ve ever felt, and it was easy sharing my feelings with my team members. I knew they were there for me and would support me in whatever I wanted to do. Throughout the course of the camp, I realized I had known these people for less than ten days and I was closer to some than people I had known for years back home. I really carried this feeling of trust home with me, and my relationships with my friends and family have never been stronger. I realized how important the people in my life are and have grown closer to them ever since.

Another part of SuperCamp I took home with me is the 8 Keys of Excellence. I’m on a swim team, and before SuperCamp, in school and swimming, I tried to reach my goals but sometimes they fell through. I kept blaming this on other people or things I couldn’t control. But at camp, I realized that it wasn’t other people, but me all along. The choices I make directly impact my life, and if I follow through with those choices I can do anything I set my mind to. I used the “This Is It” key for the drive to pursue my goals, and the “Ownership” key to own up to what mistakes I have made in the past. I’m striving hard and committing to my choices at home, and living the 8 Keys everyday in every possible situation.  Since camp, my grades have skyrocketed and I have seen success in and out of the pool. Through SuperCamp, I realized I can make life changing decisions. Everything I do, speaks. Everything is a choice.

SuperCamp skills will continue to be something I apply in my daily life. SuperCamp has given me the motivation, determination, and self-will to power through everything and create strong healthy relationships. My self-confidence has increased, and I am living life based on my choices to succeed. The skills I learned this summer will forever stay with me, as will my camp friends, and my SuperCamp Memories. THIS IS IT.

 

Congrats to our contest winners and thanks to all who participated – you are all winners in our book!

 

Just because the contest is over doesn’t mean you can’t still share your awesome SuperCamp stories with us! Feel free to comment below or send to cpollock@qln.com.

 

Team Time Across the World

Back in the 1980s, there used to be a super cheesy saying that was passed around a lot, mostly by middle-school science teachers.  It goes basically like this:

The earth is traveling through the Universe and around the sun at hundreds of thousands of miles per hour.  If you think about it, we’re all astronauts aboard Spaceship Earth!

Sweet! I’ve always wanted to be on a spaceship!

As corny as it sounds, I kind of like the idea.  Maybe the modern-day version is High School Musical’s “We’re All in this Together.”  It’s true.  What one country puts into the atmosphere drastically affects the rest of us.  An earthquake hits Haiti and generosity from America to Europe to Australia pours forth.  One person starting a “Free Hugs” campaign among their friends can echo across the globe.

The coolest thing about all 6 ½ billion of us chillin’ on Spaceship Earth together is that we are similar, yet so wildly different.  It all comes down to culture.  The way people celebrate the New Year differs drastically from country to country, city to city, even household to household.  The common theme is that we are all celebrating, right? (I’m not sure if there are any cultures that cry all day for New Years but if you find one let me know).  Culture is what unites and divides us.  It’s what gives us context for the ways in which we live our lives.

Oftentimes, we refer to the SuperCamp culture.  This culture includes how we speak, the type of music we play, our styles of learning, and especially our traditions (traditions!).  If you’ve only ever been to one SuperCamp session, it may be hard to imagine that camp could look any differently than the one you experienced.  If you have been to more than one session, you know that camps can look incredibly different from one session to another.  This past summer, I had the awesome opportunity to facilitate at four different sessions – in four different locations: Singapore, Wake Forest, Loyola Marymount, and San Marcos.  It was also my eighth summer working at SuperCamp.

Keeping that in mind, one of my favorite aspects of camp is Team Time.  I love the music, the energy, the dancing, the cheers, the screaming and madness that we Facilitators get to enjoy when we say those three magic words:

“Who Wants It?!”

Team Time is one of those things in camp that, in theory, seems like it should be the same from campus to campus, but in reality can be the most different.  Some camps like to applaud real hard after a cheer, while some prefer to go right to the team representative.  Some dance circles break it down to Vanilla Ice, while others like to “bust a move.”  We all know that power acknowledgements can be all over the place.

I think the best part about Team Time though, is how it defines so much of what we do at SuperCamp.  It’s about supporting each other and celebrating the common experience, while also completely loving all of the things that make us so different.  It doesn’t matter if the team on stage has to start their cheer over three times before they get it, we still cheer for them for so awesomely using Failure Leads to Success.

From my perspective this past summer, Team Time helped define how different each camp was from the next.  The way the kids in Singapore got funky on their dance circle was pretty different from Wake Forest, where half the time it was hard to figure out where the circle actually was because so many people were dancing at once.  The Junior Forum homies at Loyola Marymount loved to “mix it up” at the end of the daily dance-off, while San Marcos couldn’t get enough of the “hand-clap dance” (what what!).

Brown, Stanford, Seattle, Chi-town, and Colorado – everyone had their own amazing Team Time traditions.  It’s what made each camp its own.

Then again, we all have so much in common.  Being up on stage, repping your team – that’s something that every single person who went to camp this summer got to do.  Everyone had a chance to hop in a dance circle, to introduce a crazy new power whoosh, or to yell your team letter until the Facilitator chose you.  These are experiences we all shared whether camp was in Toyon Hall (Stanford) or Hagget Hall (Seattle).  It’s the kind of thing that makes someone stop you in the airport because you’re wearing an “I Feel Good” shirt (actually happened to me).  We may have gone to different camps and shared different experiences, but we have all been impacted by SuperCamp and Quantum Learning.

Knowing that SuperCamp 2011 is still a ways away, what can you do at home to create shared experiences among your friends?  They may have not gone to camp, but it’s very possible that they’d be interested in learning how to “mix it up.”  Or maybe you can create your own new traditions with your friends – most of you probably already have (hint: they’re called inside jokes).  These are the kinds of things that bring us closer to one another.  Shared experiences equal closer friendships.  Closer friendships equal fulfillment.  Fulfillment equals motivation.  And motivation equals getting what you want out of life.

Take a look at this video.  What do you notice about these Team Times?  What similarities and differences do you notice?  Comment below about what you see.

Your task, if you choose to accept it: Post on the SuperCamp Facebook page about one of your favorite traditions at camp.  It could be pretty cool to see how many “strangers” respond with stories similar to yours.  As crazy as life outside of SuperCamp seems sometimes, it’s good to remember that we’re all in this together.

Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky Demonstrates the 8 Keys of Excellence

During a recent visit to Supercamp Stanford, we captured Ali Fedotowsky, the charming and bubbly star of ABC’s The Bachelorette, along with Programs Manager Chicka Elloy and facilitator Marina McDonald demonstrating the 8 Keys of Excellence, pictured above. “My favorite key is Ownership – it is so valuable and I used it every single day,” said the former SuperCamp team leader.

It was so much fun having Ali back at SuperCamp and we wish her the best of luck in her current and future accomplishments. Read more about Ali’s SuperCamp visit here.

What’s your favorite key? Tell us in the comments below!

Get Paid to Rave About SuperCamp!

We know that you go home after camp and gush about what you learned, who you met, and how much fun you had. Why not win something for it by entering our contest?

The Prizes

A $100 Visa gift card will go to the person who best writes about the specific ways in which SuperCamp has impacted his or her life. $50 gift cards will be given to two runners up. Considering that most of us talk about camp anyway, this is a really cool opportunity!

How to Win

There are a couple of different ways you can submit your entry:

• Type it up and send it to cpollock@qln.com

• Write a post on your own blog and link back to this page (and/or link to your post in a comment below)

• Simply add a comment to this page

What You Need to Know

1. You must have attended at least one SuperCamp or Quantum U session.
2. The judges (the SuperCamp Marketing Department) will select the best written entry. Our decisions will be subjective and final.
3. The submission deadline is September 30, 2010. Winners will be announced in the following weeks.
4. Get creative with it! Extra points may or may not go to entries with pictures attached…
5. Remember to be specific. Try to choose one memory in particular that stands out above all the rest and explain how and why it impacted you the way that it did.

Good luck to all and we look forward to reading your submissions!

What Parents Can Do About Teen Bullying

Photo by JordyR

Teen bullying is a major topic in the news these days given the recent charges against six teenagers involved in the case of a Massachusetts 15-year-old girl, Phoebe Prince, who hanged herself in January.

Bullying is a widespread issue in America. It is estimated that anywhere from 11 to 25 percent of teens are the target of bullying in the United States. Additionally, it’s been reported that 160,000 students miss school every day to avoid being bullied by their peers.

In light of the unfortunate case of Miss Prince, the governor of Massachusetts recently signed a bill requiring teachers to report bullying to principals. While legislators are moving forward rapidly to enact laws against bullying, this problem will likely remain a prominent part of teenage life. Because of this, it’s important that you as a parent know what to do to avoid a tragic outcome in your family if one of your kids becomes a victim of bullying.

One of the major problems among students who are bullied is that they become so embarrassed and humiliated that they disconnect from their friends and family, refusing to divulge anything that they are going through. Many victims incorrectly assume that because a person or a small group is picking on them, the whole world views them that way. This humiliation and sense of solitude can lead to depression and, as we’re seeing in some cases, to suicide.

Parents of teens who have taken their own life have revealed later that they weren’t aware of their child’s problem. The kids had not felt confident or comfortable enough in their relationship with their parents to confide in them and seek their help. One parent of a teen who took his own life said, “If only he’d known how much he mattered to so many people.”

Building a Home Court Advantage

So, what can you do to grow a closer connection to your teens? My advice is to build what I call a home court advantage.

We hear of a home court advantage in sports, where the home team enjoys an edge as it feeds off the support of its fans. In families, the home court advantage helps teens reduce stress, cope with challenges and actually feel good about their life. In addition, it strengthens the parent-teen relationship to the point where the teen will confide in his parents during times of trouble.

Building a home court advantage is not a quick fix; it’s a long-term process. The trust and the connection must grow over time. Here are four key steps in effectively creating a home court advantage environment in your home:

1.  Listen More, Talk Less
If there is a lack of communication in your home, trying to force your teen to engage in conversation will most likely do more harm than good. In general, be ready with your ears when your teen does decide to open up, even if it’s to share simple news.

One great place to engage with your teen is when you’re driving in the car together. When you are sitting beside each other in the front seats of the car, you’re facing forward. With both of you looking straight ahead, you’ve created a non-confrontational setting, in which a conversation can start and flow more easily.

Also, whether it’s in the car or somewhere else, when your teen is sharing some news, a good way to encourage more dialogue is by saying, “Tell me more.” This simple request gives your teen an indication that you’re interested in what they’re saying. At the same time, it’s completely non-judgmental; you’re not offering an opinion on what was just said.

2.  Ask…Don’t Tell
Do you like to talk with people who don’t understand you? Of course you don’t. Teens are the same way. Often when parents attempt to provide heartfelt advice, even with the best of intentions, teens will perceive it as a “lecture” and automatically shut down the communication process.

Asking a question, on the other hand, will generate a response and lead to further dialogue. A question, particularly one that requires more than a yes or no answer, engages the brain. It’s a classic technique in sales that is used to learn more about the prospective buyer and to build rapport. And it’s something that works well in families with teens, as well.

Asking more and telling less also gives parents a better opportunity to learn what pressures their teens may be under. Whether it’s bullying, relationships, grades, or something else, the information will more likely come to light by asking simple, non-probing questions.

3. Share Your Values; Discover Your Teen’s
It’s easy for parents to think that their kids know what values the family stands for. After all, they’re part of the family. But it’s best not to assume that they’re either focused or clear on your family’s values.

Have a casual conversation, perhaps at the dinner table, where you discuss what values your family stands for. Ask your teens what their values are. If they need time to think about it, suggest revisiting the topic at dinner in a day or two.

Once you’ve had this conversation, encourage your teen to seek out others in school with similar values. By being part of a group, a teen is less susceptible to being bullied. And by being part of a group of like-minded teens who share common values and interests, an individual is less likely to be ostracized.

4. Build Authentic Bridges to Your Teen
The prime directive in our summer enrichment programs is “Theirs to Ours, Ours to Theirs.” What this means is in order for our staff to teach the students who attend SuperCamp, first they must enter the kids’ world. In other words, our staff must connect with the kids, which gives them permission to teach.

This strategy applies to building a home court advantage, as well. Parents can begin to build a bridge by showing a sincere interest in a hobby or something else that their teen is passionate about. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sport, in the arts, or creating video game software; if there is interest on the parents’ part, the teen feels good.

Parents can further strengthen this bridge by participating in the hobby or activity with the teen, as appropriate. Finally, a third level in building the bridge using this strategy is to let the teen become the “teacher” by showing the parent how to do something that the teen is good at.

Creating a meaningful connection with your teen takes time. But it’s an excellent investment on your part. It will ensure that a sufficient level of trust is present, so that if your teen faces a personal crisis, such as being bullied, he or she will want to come to you for advice and support.

Have you had to deal with bullying in your family? If so, how did you help your child cope? Please share in the comments below.

Celebrate! Dance to the Music!

Photo by Matt Madden

This guest post was written by Mr. Doug Couch, sports broadcaster and experienced SuperCamp staff member.

“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road, and celebrate the journey!”

Every day brings new challenges and new bends in the road of life. Rarely, however, do we remember to take the time to acknowledge ourselves for accomplishing these tasks and navigating these twists and turns. Every day deserves a celebration, even if celebrating looks like cranking the stereo up with the earbuds in. Go on! Be the iPod ad!

Every effort brings learning, and every learning deserves a celebration. Celebrating our successes, and even our failures that will one day lead to success, keep our energy up, our drive in gear, and most importantly, our smiles happy.

In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, it is easy to lose focus of the big picture. We study for one test, complete it, and move on to whatever is next without acknowledging the effort and work we did. Sometimes we even feel guilty for acknowledging ourselves, as if doing so may be pompous or selfish.

The purpose of celebrating is so important that even the Disney Company has taken the action to heart by creating it’s very own city next door to Disney World named, what else? Celebration, Florida! Naturally, Celebration’s main street is affectionately named Celebration Boulevard.

When we take the time to celebrate, we are acknowledging ourselves for the learning, loving, growing, and exploring we do each and every day. A typical image for most people at the thought of “celebration” includes cake, balloons, and friends, but celebrating can also look like a bubble bath and a book, or a trip to the movies with extra-buttery popcorn.

Celebrating helps us put into perspective the things that are most important to us in our daily lives. It’s an excuse to surround ourselves with the people we love, and return home to environments that make us feel safe, where we can be ourselves and have fun doing it. By acknowledging the power of a positive attitude through celebration, we maintain close bonds with loved ones and maintain our own zen through activities we love to do.

As you celebrate your accomplishments, give yourself permission to relax and remove yourself from the stresses of the day. Let your hair down, relax your shoulders, and take a deep breath to release built-up tension and stress.

Tonight, as you settle in to your favorite pair of comfy sweats and turn on your favorite primetime show, think for a moment about your day, and all the potholes and turns you navigated through on your journey. Some of the most fulfilling celebrations are the ones we have for no special reason other than having done our best.

Doing our best is the most we can ever do. Tonight, celebrate all your efforts, all your successes, and get excited! Tomorrow is worth celebrating too!

How do you celebrate your accomplishments? Please share in the comments below.

A Different Kind of Bucket List: Getting Back to a Balanced State of Being

This guest post was written by the lovely and talented Kelly Pozzoli, SuperCamp lead facilitator and first grade teacher.

Remember that time you woke up late and it threw off the rest of the day? Or the day you failed a really important test, or your best friend moved away, or you realized that the bank really wasn’t kidding about the lack of funds in your account?  To put it plainly, those kinds of days are horrible.  Trust me, that failed math test or the moment my one true love decided otherwise are anything but smiley faces in the memory book of my life. But those days happen.  We all get angry, frustrated, fed up, sad, hurt, or confused about our lives.  We do.  It’s natural.  But most of us don’t live in a perpetual state of confusion or anger.  We seek out people or activities that shake us back into a balanced place and leave us feeling calm and level headed.  Someone once explained it to me as “filling my buckets”. Yes buckets, plural (we are, after all, multifaceted beings).

Today is a perfect example of my buckets being a little low.  Work was anything but pleasurable.  I teach first grade, and as you can imagine, managing a room of 33 six year olds can do quite the number on my patience and sense of wellbeing.  Ultimately, I love my job, but not today. Today, one kid threw up, another wet her pants, two boys were wrestling and one got a bloody lip, the art teacher was late so my planning period was short, I had two parent meetings, and my assistant was out sick.  When that last bell rang, I all but left a cloud of dust as I sprinted from the school.  However, I refuse to wallow in that yucky place of self-doubt, frustration, and anger.  I have a tried and true plan of action to scale that wall back into my happy place.  It’s simple.  I must refill my buckets.  I must pursue fulfillment at all times.  I’ve found it’s important that I pay attention to what my gut is telling me I need in any given situation and then go out and get it.

By the way, my gut tells me I need all kinds of things.  So for the sake of the incredible shrinking attention span, I’ll mention my top three bucket fillers, and leave you to it.

Positive People

Sometimes what I need to bring me out of my funk are the people in my life that build me up and help me be the best version of myself. These are the people I seek out when I need a shoulder, an ear, or a smile, or when I need to be around someone who just gets it without me having to explain.  For me, it’s my best friends. They’re my smile makers, my heart warmers, my judge-free zone, the ones that fill my buckets.  Somehow, after a venting sesh with my number one fans, I miraculously feel better.  Sometimes just being around them lifts my mood.  They help restore my faith in humanity and keep me grounded.  They give it to me as it is, not as I want it to be.

Being Active

Other times, the thing that brings me back to a balanced state is physical activity.  I’ve recently started training for a series of races.  Paired with a decent playlist, a 3 or 4 mile run outside can wipe out any stress I may be feeling.  There’s a slew of research statistics about the hormones that are produced in our brains when we exercise (if you’re interested, Google “hormones and exercise”).  What I know is that after a workout, I feel better, and that’s enough statistical evidence for me.

Me Time

The last bucket filler can be summed up in two words: Me Time.  Whatever me time looks like for you… get it.  Pull out that journal.  Park yourself on the couch armed with a giant bowl of popcorn and the last 7 episodes of Glee on your DVR.  Sing loudly in the car.  Chatroulette.  Whatever.  But find the time to do your thing.  I love and need my friends and family.  But everyday I take time for myself, away from all the drama and the noise, to take care of me.

Living a full and happy life is not about having a checklist full of accomplishments or meeting famous people or getting good grades or making a lot of money.  Sure, those things are wonderful experiences, make for good stories, and may add to the richness of my life, but they’re not the end all be all to a balanced happy life.  Not to me anyway.  Happiness comes from living with my buckets full or from actively seeking to fill them.