The Time Is NOW

The Time Is Now Mindset teaches us the importance of harnessing the power of the moment and taking purposeful action. The simple fact is that all of our power to act and make an impact exists in this moment. We cannot change the past, and the future hasn’t happened, so we must recognize that our only path to happiness, fulfillment and meaning is to take purposeful action in the present toward creating the lives of our dreams.

Carpe Diem: What Does it Mean? Carpe Diem translates to "seize the day" in Latin. It's a call to action, reminding us that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. Rather than passively letting life happen to us, we actively engage with it, pursuing our dreams and goals with vigor and determination.

1. Take Action: Don't wait for the perfect moment to pursue your goals. Seize the day by taking action now. Whether it's starting a new project, pursuing a passion, or taking a small step towards your dreams, every action counts.

2. Live with Intention: Be deliberate about how you spend your time and energy. Focus on activities that align with your values and goals, and let go of distractions that detract from your purpose.

3. Embrace Risk: Stepping out of your comfort zone is often necessary to seize the day. Embrace the unknown, take calculated risks, and be open to new experiences. Remember, great rewards often come from taking bold chances.

4. Stay Present: While it's important to plan for the future, don't let worries about tomorrow overshadow the opportunities of today. Stay present in the moment, fully engaged with whatever you are doing, and savor the richness of each experience.

5. Cultivate Gratitude: Appreciate the blessings in your life and find joy in the simple pleasures. Cultivating gratitude helps us stay grounded and reminds us of the abundance that surrounds us each day.

• Increased Fulfillment: By living with purpose and intention, we find greater satisfaction and fulfillment in our lives.

• Expanded Horizons: Seizing the day opens us up to new possibilities and opportunities that we may have otherwise overlooked.

• Regret Reduction: Embracing the Carpe Diem mindset helps us avoid the pain of regret by living authentically and pursuing our passions wholeheartedly.

1. Do encourage yourself to discover what motivates you and what makes you feel empowered. Tapping into these feelings and knowing what tools we might use to get into a “zone” and perform at an optimal level is a win-win for both parents and children. Reflecting on times where you felt your absolute best and figure out what was unique about those moments is a great way to help get back in that "zone". For some, it may be a song or routine that makes them feel great. For others, the memory of a time they felt powerful is enough to think back to.
2. Don’t let regrets pile up in your life or talk excessively about all the things you wish you had done. It’s important to take a proactive stance about doing what you want to do and not regretting things that you haven’t done yet.
3. Do celebrate and support action plans in your home. When your family members create a plan of action for anything, to exercise more or spend more time on homework, applaud the effort. The Time Is Now is about taking action.
4. Don’t focus energy or time on fears. Rather, find ways to overcome your fears so that others are inspired to do so as well. Fear prevents you from taking the actions necessary for your success. People who succeed in life know that great rewards exist beyond their conquered fears, and they therefore work constantly to overcome them.
5. Do encourage vulnerability. That emotional state brings with it a heightened sensitivity and access to moments of greatness and triumph. Vulnerability is invigorating, and every great dream requires a combination of energy and great enthusiasm to persevere through the difficulties and challenges.

Try Something New: Whether it's a new hobby, a new cuisine, or a new workout routine, step out of your comfort zone and embrace novelty.

What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. We believe in educating the whole child and approaching learning holistically which is why we intentionally incorporate the principles of SEL into our classrooms. You may hear your teachers refer to SEL as “Mindsets” which is easier to understand and apply to life. It has been found that our happiness and success are based on how we think and approach the world around us, in other words, our mindset!

Of course, social and emotional learning starts at home. Each home serves as a critical partner in helping students develop social and emotional know-how. Start by reflecting on this question – what is your dream for yourself? (Or, what is your dream for your child?) Stay tuned for more – we will share strategies and activities each month around a key mindset.