Discover practical tips and tools to help your child cope with back-to-school stress and changes. Use the Little Talk Deck for meaningful conversations and the Little Hero's Journal to track progress and build confidence. Learn how to establish routines, encourage resilience, and support your child's emotional well-being.

How would your life unravel if you were able to get EXACTLY what you wanted? 

Imagine if more people said YES to your requests and ideas. 
Imagine if you could get more of the right doors to open. 
Imagine if you could secure the opportunities that moved the needle in the direction you want to go. 

For many of us, change is a paradox. We want it, but also we don’t!  On the one hand, we resist change because it’s so uncomfortable! Change requires us to get out of our comfort zone and do something different. But sometimes, change is non-negotiable - especially when you reach a point in your life where the status quo no longer satisfies. Whether it’s your health, your finances, your career, your relationships - even external circumstances - you feel called to do something different.  This creates a tipping point.  When the pain of things staying as they are exceeds the pain of creating something different, change happens.  But did you know that you can impact the pace at which change happens with the conversations you have? Keep reading to discover FOUR proven techniques that will help you spark conversations for change in all areas of your life.  Start with yourself  The most important conversations you have are the ones you conduct with yourself - and this takes a commitment to inner work.  Studies say that around 95% of the brain’s activity is subconscious. In short, our default thinking and responses happen on autopilot in reaction to our ingrained habits and belief systems.  If you’re unaware of your instinctive behaviors and thoughts, it’s harder to know who you are and what you want.  Journaling can help you discover the truth of who you are. Through the safety and privacy of your journal, you can: • Explore your thoughts and feelings• Challenge your preconceptions and work through your blocks and triggers • Get clearer on what you really want and what you stand for In turn, when you do have important conversations, you can come at them from a place of self-awareness. You’ll have more confidence too because you’ll be able to express your thoughts and feelings to other people with more clarity and conviction.  And that certainty can help inspire other people to believe in the change you want to see.   Active listening Most people listen to speak, NOT to understand.  There’s a big difference.  If you only listen to speak, you’ll miss out on the nuances of the conversation. You’ll overlook important body language clues and facial expressions too - all of which could give you a more in-depth insight into how the other person is thinking and feeling.  In the absence of active listening, you also subconsciously communicate to the other person that you’re not overly interested in what they have to say - which could cause them to shut down and hold back.  Active listening can open doors because it makes people feel seen and heard. You practice active listening when you concentrate fully on the other person. You make eye contact, ask clarifying conversations to ensure you understand, reflect what you hear, and avoid getting distracted.  Master active listening, and you’ll create space where the conversations that matter can really go somewhere.  Deep conversation How often do we settle for surface-level chitchat when talking with another person?  It’s tempting to stick with those comfortable, easy topics that don’t push any buttons, but it’s not necessarily the right thing to do.  As people, we are deep.  Each of us is a rich plethora of experiences, insights, and passions - and meaningful, purposeful conversations allow us to get to know each other better.  In-depth conversations are a great way to uncover someone else’s objections and fears. Digging below the surface can help you better understand someone else’s motivations and behaviors too.  And all this knowledge will empower you to spark conversations that matter.  So take a risk!  Ask questions that dig below the surface - and see how much more connected you feel as a result.  Be willing to be vulnerable Conversations can feel exposing - especially when we’re sharing something controversial or talking about topics and issues that feel uncomfortable.  As social beings, we have an inherent need to feel included. This is why the fear of rejection, judgement, and criticism can cause us to hold back from what our heart wants to say.  Conversions for change DO take courage.  You have to be willing to be vulnerable and step out of your comfort zone. You’ll want to speak your truth - even if it feels confronting.  So let your guard down. Take a chance [this becomes easier once you’ve done the inner work outlined in point #1]. Speak your truth and share from your heart.  Allow your emotions to infuse your words and be real. As Maya Angelou said, “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.”  As well as recruiting support for your vision, conversations are an incredible way to resolve issues, get clarity, and identify your best next steps.  In this way, conversations have the power to change who we are, what we think, what we do, and what other people do.  So let’s get talking 💕 Let’s talk - even when it feels uncomfortable.  Let’s share - even when it makes you feel scared.  Let’s go deeper - even though it’s vulnerable.  Because when we talk, empathy and compassion increases.  Understanding rises.  And positive change can emerge. Discover Conversation Tools    

Jim Rohn famously said that “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” And you can understand why. The people you around undoubtedly influence your values, your beliefs, and what you choose to spend your time doing. These are also the people most likely to hold you to account, provide support, and encourage you towards your goals. In short, if you’re around people who inspire you to dig deeper and discover more, chances are you’ll grow faster than you would around people who subconsciously hold you back. Maybe this is why it’s said that your network equals your net worth. So if your social circle is an indicator of your success, it follows that your relationship-building skills can give you an edge. In short, if you can communicate with anyone and cultivate rapport with the right people, you’ll be able to accelerate your best self path. And not just in terms of your goals. Good communication skills will influence all areas of your life - from your intimate relationships, to your hobbies, finances, business, career, and friendships. Which begs the question - how can you talk with anyone? How can you strike up meaningful discussion and proactively build the type of connections that can transform your life? Here are seven techniques to try. 1. Ask open-ended questions Good conversation doesn’t feel stilted. Instead, it flows effortlessly as the people involved feel comfortable sharing and talking. Open-ended questions are a must if you want to create this kind of experience. These are questions that often begin with the words how, what, and why. For example: • How did you end up doing the work you do now?• What’s your biggest achievement to date?• Why do you care about this? Open-ended questions invite lengthier responses. They also give people the space to explore their answers and share their stories. This is in comparison to closed-questions that simply require a YES or NO answer. Ask questions that invite people to open up and share more of who they are, and see where the conversation leads. You’ll likely be surprised at what you discover. 2. Make eye contact There’s something about the human eye… they even say it’s the doorway to the soul! Perhaps that’s why eye contact can feel difficult. When you look at someone in the eyes, you really see someone [and they feel seen in return]. That level of connection can feel uncomfortable. But it also shows that you’re listening. Make good eye contact and you subtly communicate to the person ou’re speaking with that you’re interested in what they have to say. That you’re giving that person your attention. That you’re not simply paying lip-service to the conversation, but you’re genuinely engaged. In this way, eye contact can strengthen your connection together and help take the conversation further than it might otherwise have gone. 3. Listen to understand, not to speak! When you speak to other people, are you listening to understand… Or are you listening to speak? The approach you take will have a big impact on the connection you build and how much the other person is willing to share with you. Here’s why… Someone who’s listening to speak won’t be so interested in what the other person has to say. Instead, they’ll be looking out for their opportunity to say what they think and what happened to them. In turn, they’ll protect their own life and experiences onto the stories being shared and as a result, may misinterpret some of the information or overlook key details that could have been explored further. They’ll also see pauses as an opportunity to speak - not as a reflection point for the other person. If you listen to speak, don’t be surprised if the person you’re speaking with doesn’t feel truly seen and eventually shuts down. But speak to understand, and you change the dynamics. Instead of rushing to share your own experiences, you reflect back what you’ve heard. You ask questions to deepen your understanding. You make confirmations that show you’re truly listening. When you’re listening to understand, you also become more aware of the non-verbal signals too. You become much more astute at detecting what isn’t being said. This leads to a much deeper understanding of the person you’re spending time with. Show up for other people in this way, and notice how people are willing to trust you more. You’ll also find they may be willing to share a lot more with you too. 4. Have a great conversation opener in your pocket How do you kick-start a meaningful conversation with someone? For many people, the default is “what do you do?” This feels safe enough and it invites people to talk about their work, but does it really help you get to know someone? Or are you simply falling into the trap of defining someone by what they do? Years ago I read a book about conversation that made me question this conversation starter. It suggested that I swapped “what do you do?” with “what do you spend most of your time doing?” It’s a subtle difference, that transforms the conversation you get into. That’s because “what do you spend most of your time doing?” gives someone the space to talk about their hobbies and their passions. This question also doesn’t create an awkward standstill if someone doesn’t have a job! Other questions to explore include, “What makes your heart sing?” or “What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time?” Have a think about your go-to first question. How could you tweak it to set a better tone and direction for the conversation that follows? 5. Share your stories too Good conversation finds the balance between active listening and proactive sharing. If you’re asking meaningful questions that invite people to share more of who they are, then you have to be willing to go there too! If you hold back, then the conversation isn’t balanced and this can impact the level of trust you feel between you. So make sure you give of yourself. Share your stories and your experiences. Be prepared to be vulnerable [if the situation creates this opportunity]. Sharing your rawness and realness is one of the quickest way to deepen your connection and build friendships and bonds that make your life all the better for having them. 6. Move beyond small talk into something more meaningful What happens when you’re in a room with people you don’t know? Where small talk breaks the ice, it won’t helps you cultivate the type of relationships that might actually go somewhere. That’s because small talk keeps conversation at those safe, surface level topics. You know the kind… where you talk about the weather or the performance of your favorite sporting hero! These types of conversations may help pass the time or help you feel more comfortable in new social settings. But stick to the surface and you’ll never get to know the person you’re speaking with. If you truly want to get to know someone, you need to find out how they think. What motivates and inspires them? What do they care about? What are their dreams and struggles? Talk about something deeper and you can build connections that feel more meaningful and therefore last somewhere. 7. Ask better questions The quality of the questions you ask is going to determine the quality of conversation you have. Ask better questions and you’ll have better conversations - it’s as simple as that. It’s surprising how limited we can be in our chats with other people - both strangers and those we love. It’s easy to stay in our comfort zones and as a result, we build artificial limits around the topics to talk about. In turn, we never explore the wide range of topics that could transform how we share ourselves and how we can feel closer to others. It’s why we created the Icebreaker Deck. This pack of 150 prompt cards gives you a stack of interesting topics to talk about with strangers and with the people you [think you] know the most. Memorize some of these questions so you’re ready to use them at a party, a business event, or even in the line while you’re waiting for your coffee. Alternatively, use them as a game when you’re at home or with friends and family. Simply pull out a card, ask the question, and enjoy learning more about the people close to you. The Icebreaker Deck sparks your curiosity. It provides you with the fuel you need to figure out what makes people tick. It gives you the questions that allow you to discuss emotions, explore thought processes, and talk about your dreams, desires, learning opportunities, and motivations. It’s the tool to keep on your desk and weave into your everyday life so that you can start the conversations that might actually go somewhere. Because the quality of the relationships you build are going to have a profound impact on your life. Build deeper, more meaningful, stronger connections - in all areas of your life, and you’ll get more out of life. Because ultimately, life is all about relationships. Get Your Icebreaker Deck          Some people are naturally good in social settings and conversations. They naturally thrive around people, effortlessly put others at ease, and are skilled at creating the space for connection. Other people find the conversation more tricky. But the good news is, conversation skills can be learned and mastered. And these seven tips plus the Icebreaker Deck will help you talk with anyone. So figure out your plan, invest in your communication skills, and watch how you’re able to influence your ‘five people’ so you can live your best life.

When we think of communication, we often think of verbal communication. But often our words are subverted by an even more powerful form of communication. A turn of the head, an unintended grimace or a sigh of relief can undermine even our most sincere words. Our body language is one of the most powerful ways we speak to one another. Are you truly aware of what you’re saying? According to research done by UCLA, 55% of communication is done by body language alone. How we communicate with others is a part of being our Best Self. It’s about saying what we want to say and making sure our message comes across. By having a clearer understanding of body language cues, you’ll be on your way to being your BestSelf and finally, speak the language of success. Facial features You’ve heard the expression “Eyes are the window to the soul”, but it’s also a major way we communicate our feelings. From eye rolls to smile crinkles, our eyes speak volumes. Eye Rolling This is an intentional movement to display disgust, annoyance or even anger. If you find yourself wanting to roll your eyes for any reason, try meeting the other person’s eyes and giving your full attention to what they’re saying. By distracting yourself and meeting the speaker’s gaze, it will relay to them that you’re paying attention - something that’s valued in any work environment. Eye Crinkles Smiles are easily faked but when a smile reaches the eyes with a hint of a crinkle, it’s genuine. Assess yourself when you’re at work. When you smile, is it genuine? If not, it’s time to invest in yourself and your well-being. You may be doing a great job but success at work goes beyond your annual review. It’s also about how much enjoyment, satisfaction, and fulfillment you’re getting out of your job. For a more in-depth look at how you can improve your performance, check out these 15 ideas from BestSelf. Jaw Position Jaw position can be a big giveaway with how you’re feeling, especially if you’re angry or annoyed. Clenching your jaw reveals anger while jutting your chin out shows defiance. Often we react with our jaws when we’re trying to avoid saying what we think… but try counting to ten in your head, or taking deep meditative breaths to help combat those negative feelings instead. If you need to take a step back, take a few quiet minutes to write about how you’re feeling. Expressing your emotions down on paper keeps you in a positive mindset. Torso The way you carry yourself is an announcement to the world about how you feel about yourself. Use these tips to make sure you’re presenting your Best Self in the workplace. Slouched Shoulders An indicator of low self-esteem is slouched shoulders. When you walk into a room, try to keep your shoulders squared and your head level to meet another’s gaze. Likewise, when you’re sitting amongst coworkers and superiors, sit up straight. Not only will keeping your head up keep you from falling asleep during those boring meetings, it’ll also make you more alert and focused on what’s being said. Crossed Arms When someone crosses their arms, they are sending a clear message, “I don’t like what you’re saying”. Whether you’re in a board meeting or in a personal conversation, this position is a strong indicator of your emotion. Likewise, Psychology Today points out that when a person fidgets with their hands they’re showing boredom or anxiety. If you have trouble with fidgeting, it’s best to keep your hands folded gently in your lap or hanging casually by your side when you’re in a standing position. Weak Handshake Handshakes are often the first impression others get of us. That’s why it’s so crucial to nail down your perfect handshake. A strong, firm handshake exudes confidence. As you meet new people, think about the positive encounter you’d like to have with them. It will help keep your handshake firm and confident. Leaning Forward When people lean forward while sitting, it shows that they’re eager and paying attention. But sometimes it can be too much. Forbes cautions against it calling it, “overly solicitous or even threatening”. Instead, try sitting up straight and in a neutral position. Let your eagerness show in your face and words. Such as in a smile or a confident nod. Your positiveness is something that can be infectious and a great way to contribute to a happy work environment. Legs Crossed Legs Crossed legs is one of the more difficult body languages to read since it can mean a variety of things. Crossed legs can also mean that the person is comfortable, or defensive; especially if the arms are crossed simultaneously with their legs. Observe yourself or the person you're interacting with. According to Psych Mechanics, a person will subconsciously cross their arms and legs as a defensive mechanism to protect their vital organs. Try and keep your posture open if possible. You will send the message that you are intrigued and welcoming. Feet Position The next time you’re with a group of people, take a peek at where everyone’s toes are pointed. If their feet are pointed towards the group they are engaged and feeling included. If their feet are pointed away, they want the conversation to end. Toe-Tapping Patience is a virtue. In the workplace, patient people are more likely to succeed. So next time you’re waiting for something at work, rather than tapping your feet, try occupying yourself mentally instead. Checking off your to-do list in your head, recalling your latest meeting or even planning your upcoming weekend helps you save the toe-tapping for dance nights! There are hundreds of ways in which your body speaks for you. Whether it’s a friendly smile or a kind gesture, you are constantly communicating to those around you. By being aware of what you’re subconsciously saying, you’ve gained a very powerful communication tool. Learn your own language - know what you’re saying even when you’re not speaking. You’ll not only find that you’ll have better interactions with others but that your message always comes across loud and clear.z