Aspire's Awareness Academy
June 2024 Edition
What's in this edition:
For Adults:
Social Connection and Support: Highlighting the value of social connections, tips for building strong relationships, fostering a supportive community, and enhancing social well-being
For Teens:
Summer Read Suggestions By Coach Amy
Summer Safety: Teen safety is a crucial aspect to consider, especially during the summer when teens are more likely to engage in outdoor activities, travel, and social events.
Adult Section
Per Stanford Medicine's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, "People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Studies also show that they have higher self-esteem, greater empathy towards others, and are more trusting and cooperative with others, and others are more trusting and cooperative with them.
Building Strong Relationships: Tips for Meaningful Connections
Building strong relationships plays a fundamental role in our overall well-being and happiness. Whether it's with family, friends, colleagues, or romantic partners, fostering healthy and meaningful connections enriches our lives and provides a sense of support, belonging, and fulfillment. Here are some valuable tips to help you cultivate and maintain strong relationships:
1. Effective Communication: Communication is key to building strong relationships. Practice active listening, express your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly, and strive to understand the perspectives of others. Effective communication fosters trust, emotional intimacy, and mutual understanding.
2. Prioritize Quality Time: Make time for shared experiences and meaningful interactions with your loved ones. Engage in activities you both enjoy, have heartfelt conversations, create lasting memories, and strengthen your bond through quality time together.
3. Show Appreciation: Express gratitude and appreciation for the people in your life. Acknowledge their support, kindness, and positive impact, and let them know how much you value their presence and contributions to your well-being.
4. Be Empathetic: Cultivate empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of others and seeking to understand their feelings, needs, and experiences. Empathy builds connection, fosters compassion, and deepens emotional bonds in relationships.
5. Resolve Conflicts Constructively: Disagreements are a natural part of any relationship. When conflicts arise, address them calmly and respectfully, listen to each other's perspectives, find common ground, and work together to find mutually agreeable solutions that strengthen your relationship.
6. Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries in your relationships by clearly communicating your needs, values, and limits. Boundaries promote mutual respect, self-care, and emotional well-being, ensuring that both parties feel heard, understood, and respected.
7. Support Each Other: Offer your support, encouragement, and understanding to your loved ones during challenging times. Be a source of strength, comfort, and guidance, and demonstrate that you are there for them through thick and thin.
8. Celebrate Successes Together: Celebrate each other's accomplishments, milestones, and successes. Share in the joy and happiness of your loved ones, applaud their achievements, and show your pride and support in their endeavors.
9. Stay Present and Engaged: Be fully present and engaged in your relationships. Put away distractions, listen attentively, show genuine interest in the lives of others, and make a conscious effort to nurture and strengthen your connections with those you care about.
10. Practice Forgiveness: Learn to forgive and let go of past grievances to foster healing, growth, and reconciliation in your relationships. Forgiveness promotes understanding, compassion, and a deeper sense of connection and unity with others.
By following these tips and actively investing in your relationships, you can cultivate strong, meaningful connections that bring joy, fulfillment, and resilience to your life. Remember, building and maintaining strong relationships requires effort, empathy, communication, and a shared commitment to nurturing the bonds that enrich our lives.
Building Connections: Creating a Supportive Community in Your Neighborhood
To start creating a supportive community in your neighborhood, consider initiating small yet impactful steps that foster connections and create a sense of belonging among residents. Begin by organizing a neighborhood gathering or potluck where neighbors can come together, introduce themselves, and share stories. Encourage open communication by creating a neighborhood social media group or organizing regular meetups to discuss local issues, share resources, and celebrate community achievements. Offer a helping hand to neighbors in need, whether it's assisting with tasks, running errands, or simply checking in to see how they're doing. By promoting empathy, understanding, and collaboration, you can lay the foundation for a supportive community where individuals feel valued, connected, and empowered to create a welcoming and inclusive neighborhood environment.
Webinar Focus Group Opporunity
Amy is currently developing a DIY Empowerment Coaching Course tentatively titled: Discover the Joy of Being You: A Proven Path to Self-Confidence, Leadership, and Awareness. As a part of fine-tuning her course before the official launch, she will be hosting a webinar that can be attended live or viewed as a pre-recorded session. Amy is seeking individuals from a specific demographic to participate in the webinar and provide feedback through an evaluation form. In return for your insights, you will enjoy a 50% discount off the launch price of the course, accompanied by three (45) minute support coaching sessions to be utilized while taking the course. This exclusive offer will not be available once the course is officially launched, making it a special opportunity for those who contribute to Amy's project. Thank you for considering being a part of this exciting journey! Click on the button below to see if you qualify as part of her demographic. You will learn about qualifying when you receive your invite to the webinar, hopefully, sometime before the end of this August. THANK YOU!!
TEEN SECTION
Summer Reading Ideas: Social Justice, LGBTQIA+, Thought Provoking, Brain Food
Amazon.com is very convenient. But keep in mind that you can purchase your books from a local book OR use your local library. Both options support your town. You can rent audible versions for free through your local library, check into that. Amy mostly listens to books now- it is her favorite form of travel entertainment when she is driving places, or on a plane/train.
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
"Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah is a memoir that delves into the comedian's experiences growing up in South Africa during the apartheid era. Born to a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father, Trevor Noah's very existence was a crime under apartheid law, which prohibited interracial relationships.
Awards:
- Winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor in 2017.
- Named one of the best books of the year by various publications, including The New York Times, NPR, and Esquire.
- Received positive reviews from critics and readers alike for its humor, insight, and compelling storytelling.
- A New York Times Bestseller.
"Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah is typically recommended for readers in high school and above, which corresponds to grades 9 and up. The themes and content of the memoir, including apartheid, race relations, and personal experiences, are more suited for older teen readers and adults who can appreciate the historical and cultural context of Noah's storytelling.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Feyre, a young huntress who is thrust into a dangerous and magical world after killing a wolf in the woods, which turns out to be a faerie. As punishment for her actions, she is taken captive to the faerie realm by a powerful, enigmatic High Fae named Tamlin.
Awards and Accolades:
- The book has received a 4.27-star rating on Goodreads.
- Featured on the New York Times Bestseller list.
- Praise for its lush world-building, intricate plot, and engaging characters.
- Well-received by fans of fantasy and young adult fiction for its blend of romance, magic, and action.
- Garnered a strong following and spawned a successful series.
"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas is typically recommended for readers in high school and above, which corresponds to grades 9 and up. The book's blend of fantasy, romance, and intricate world-building makes it well-suited for older teen readers and adults who enjoy immersive fantasy stories with elements of romance and adventure.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas is a powerful young adult novel that follows the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old African American girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. The novel delves into themes of race, identity, activism, and injustice as Starr grapples with the aftermath of the shooting and finds her voice in speaking out against systemic racism and police brutality.
Awards:
- Winner of the William C. Morris Award for a debut young adult novel.
- Winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award for an outstanding work by an African American writer.
- Named a Printz Honor book for excellence in young adult literature.
- Longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
- Received the Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction in 2017.
The readability of "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas is considered accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a broad audience, including young adult readers. Angie Thomas presents the story through compelling and relatable narration, drawing readers in with authentic dialogue, emotional depth, and a clear storytelling style.
Aristolte and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is a coming-of-age novel that follows two Mexican-American teenagers, Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza and Dante Quintana, as they navigate the complexities of identity, friendship, and family.
Set in the 1980s, the story begins with Ari and Dante meeting at a public pool and striking up an unlikely friendship. As their bond deepens, they help each other confront their insecurities, fears, and questions about their place in the world. The novel delves into themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the exploration of personal truths, particularly related to their Mexican-American heritage and their burgeoning feelings for each other.
Awards & Accolades:
- Winner of the Stonewall Book Award (2013) for LGBTQ literature.
- Winner of the Pura Belpré Author Award (2013) for Latino literature.
- Named a Printz Honor Book (2013) by the American Library Association.
- Received a 4.26-star rating on Goodreads.
- Highly positive reviews from readers and critics, praising its emotional depth, authentic characters, and exploration of identity and friendship.
Overall, the book has been well-received for its representation of LGBTQ themes, its compelling storytelling, and its ability to resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban is a memoir by Malala Yousafzai
In "I Am Malala," Malala shares her personal story of standing up against oppression and championing the right to education, despite facing threats and violence. She details her early life, the rise of the Taliban in her region, and her determination to speak out against their attempts to deny girls the opportunity to learn.
Through her courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of education, Malala became a global symbol of hope and inspiration. "I Am Malala" is a testament to the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, the strength of the human spirit, and the transformative impact of education in building a brighter future.
Awards:
- Co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize (Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Kailash Satyarthi).
- Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Memoir & Autobiography in 2013.
- Named one of the best books of the year by various publications, including The New York Times and Publishers Weekly.
- Received positive reviews from critics and readers alike for its inspirational storytelling and advocacy for girls' education.
- A New York Times Bestseller.
While the book can be appreciated by readers of various ages, its profound message about education, courage, and advocacy may resonate more deeply with high school students and above who are interested in stories of empowerment, resilience, and social change.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
"Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston is a contemporary romantic comedy novel that follows the love story between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales. After a public altercation between Alex and Henry leads to a PR disaster, the two are forced to fake a friendship to improve their public image.
As Alex and Henry spend more time together, their initial animosity turns into a close friendship and eventually blossoms into a secret romance. Set against the backdrop of politics and the pressures of their public roles, the novel explores themes of identity, family, love, and self-acceptance.
- Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance in 2019.
- Received a 4.18-star rating on Goodreads.
- Named a New York Times Bestseller.
- Praised for its humor, engaging storyline, and diverse representation.
- Positive reviews from readers highlight the book's unique premise and well-developed characters.
Overall, "Red, White & Royal Blue" has been widely praised for its fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, its witty writing, and its heartwarming LGBTQ+ romance, making it a beloved favorite among fans of romantic fiction.
10 Summer Safety Tips for Teens
Summer is a time of fun and relaxation, but it's also essential to prioritize safety, especially for teenagers who may be more independent and engaged in various activities during the break. By following these summer safety tips, teens can enjoy a fun and memorable break while prioritizing their well-being and staying safe in various activities and situations.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Aspire's Awareness Academy's newsletter. If there is a topic you would like Amy to focus on, email her and let her know. While Amy wants to be visible to those who may be looking for coaching services, she also wants to give those interested a snippet of information that could prove helpful to her audience. Creating the newsletter allows Amy to reach out to those interested and she loves creating them.
Amy Jacques, M. Ed., ACC, CPC, ELI-MP, CDLS, CDTS
Empowerment Coach
Aspire, LLC.
an empowerment coaching practice
860.222.0797
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