Never Say Never

4/21/2025

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya @ pexels.com

Throughout my teaching career, I've had the pleasure of meeting and teaching many sweet, little kids. However, one particular little guy stood out as one of the sweetest kids I have ever met.

He was always thanking me for everything, so polite, always wishing me a wonderful weekend, and was such a dedicated learner. What really stood out to me was how he treated his female cousin, who was also a student at our school.

Day after day, he would meet her at the bell and carry not only his backpack but hers as well. This was no easy task, as he would wear his backpack on his back and hers on the front, every single day. He was always looking out for her and was so kind. It was very noticeable on a daily basis just how exceptional this kid was.

I recall telling him one day how proud I was of him and how I had noticed his extreme kindness to everyone, especially his cousin. He beamed with pride until I made the mistake of saying, "You will make a great husband one day." As he was in grade 2, he quickly replied, "Now why would you ever say that? I NEVER want to be a husband, like ever!" I then said, "Oh, I think you will change your mind about that in the future." He responded, "No way, I will never change my mind because I never want to be anyone's husband!" I then said, "Ok, no problem. Well, you sure will make a good friend one day!" He smiled again and said, "Thank you so much. I agree!"

Photo by Little Lessons Learned by Dana

This got me thinking about how sometimes others see things in us that we aren't ready to receive or just don't want to hear. In high school, I was told that I would make a great teacher. My co-op teacher even set up an opportunity for me to visit a local kindergarten classroom to experience a day in the life of an elementary teacher.

It was a positive experience, yet I flat out told him, "Thanks, but no thanks. Teaching is not for me." Many others suggested teaching to me, and it was a very slow process for me to actually warm up to the idea. Now, 20 years in, I can't imagine doing any other career. Timing is truly everything in life and thank goodness I saw things differently in time.

God sees us with unlimited potential right from the get-go. He sees us as unique and dearly loved. We are all "fearfully and wonderfully made" the Bible says. He had a purpose, and created us to fulfill it.

He has such BIG plans for all of us, yet we can so easily limit ourselves by being close-minded, stubborn, or just plain scared to take risks.

My desire now is to be really open to new possibilities and to seek God's direction for my life like never before. New paths and stepping out of comfort zones can be scary, yet so rewarding as well.

It is true what they say: "Never say never." Some of the things that you flat out refuse to even consider, just like in my case with my career, may end up being not only a huge blessing but one of the best decisions you will ever make.

Call to Action:

Take time this week to reflect upon opportunities that may have passed you by that you could now revisit, due to the fact that they were unfamiliar or out of your comfort zone.
Ask God to give you a growth mindset and an open heart and mind for what He would have you do in ALL aspects of your life.
Know that He will never leave you stranded. If He is calling you into something new, He will equip you to do it!

Drop a comment below about an area of your life that you might be willing to try something new in.

Until next time,

Dana

P.S. Never say never! Some very cool experiences could be waiting for you just around the corner.

P.S.S. Also, don't tell my sweet student, but I still stand by what I said, and he most definitely will make a wonderful husband one day! I said what I said!

Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here.

Tags: teaching, careers, taking risk, stepping out of comfort zones, open-minded, new things, growth mindset, elementary teacher

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. She wholeheartedly desires to "love God and love people." With a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement, Dana makes a positive impact wherever she goes. She lives in Ontario with her husband and two grown children.

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Life's a Journey

4/9/2025

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Photo by HT Photography: Little Lessons Learned by Dana

"You're only as old as you feel." ~ Paul Simon

I recently celebrated my 55th birthday. When I say celebrated, I truly mean it because I feel sincerely comfortable in my own skin, and I am in a very good place right now. I feel fabulous!

I haven't always felt this way, but since January of this year, I've been committed to improving my health in a holistic manner. The desire was always there, but recent health challenges have truly lit a fire under me.

My motivation has hit an all-time high. (Who is this person? I know, right?)

Let me explain...

Several months ago, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea.

I knew something was wrong because night after night, I would wake myself (and others) up with my constant snoring. Every morning, I was left completely exhausted. After my sleep study, I wasn't surprised by the diagnosis, but I was shocked by the severity of my case. A severe case of sleep apnea is described as "30 or more breathing interruptions."

I didn't have 30 interruptions, or even 50, but 117 breathing interruptions an hour! I was like: "Wait, what?" The technician said it was one of the most severe cases he had ever seen.

Upon receiving this information, three thoughts popped into my head:

Thank God I found out about this.
I need to make some big changes.
Unbeknownst to me, I have been dealing with this for years and have still managed to work full-time, run a household, keep up my blog, and handle more grief than my heart could take. I am a rockstar!

Throw in high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and now we're really having some good times.

Photo by Pixabay

Part of my new routine has been completely stepping up my diet and exercise program. Protein and whole foods are a priority each day on my menu. I also now go to the gym faithfully and attend a fitness class twice weekly with my son, Tyler, called Building Better Bodies. In this class, we lift weights, do step work, and complete TRX strap exercises.

Together with Tyler by my side and a great trainer (Thank you, Scott!), I am doing things I seriously thought I could NEVER do. Not only am I doing it, but I am LOVING it!

Mindset is EVERYTHING. If you tell yourself that something is beyond you, it will be. If you tell yourself you will fail, you will. If you tell yourself that change is possible for everyone but you, then it will be.

In my case, I always told myself that these classes were way too advanced for me and I was doomed to fail if I even tried. But then one day, I had a NEW thought.

I dared to think that maybe, just maybe, if I could muster the courage to actually try an advanced workout class, I might just be successful! This change in thought process made all the difference.

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Why is it that we are so often our own worst enemy? Why can't we all just be our own best friend? Believing in yourself is truly the first key to success. We often sabotage our progress by having limiting beliefs. These beliefs keep us stuck, impeding us from the rich and healthy life that God intended us to have.

Why do I share this information with you? To brag? Absolutely not. I truly hope you do not see it that way. I am not special. I am just a simple person who is taking small steps to change her life for the better. If I can do it, anyone can. My hope is to provide you with encouragement. We only get one go-around in life, and I want my journey to be the best it can be.

I encourage you to have the courage to step out in faith in the areas that you need to change. I believe in you and know you are capable of making changes that can transform your life in ways you never imagined. You can do hard things, and I am here to be your cheerleader if you need me.

Call to Action

Reflect this week about changes you desire to make in your personal life, health journey, or work situation.
Do some soul searching and get honest with yourself about any limiting beliefs you have. Limiting beliefs are often present without us knowing, so dig deep to pinpoint what may be holding you back.
Drop a comment down below about an area that you are going to work on this week.

Take care, my friend. I must be going as I have a healthy lunch to pack and a few more steps to get in.

Until next time,

Dana

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here.

Tags: healthy lifestyle, healthy eating, exercise, goal setting, motivation, growth mindset, small steps, limiting beliefs, believe in yourself, lifestyle change

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Life Motto

3/5/2025

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Image by mdjaff on Freepik

I teach second and third graders. For years, I've had our class motto posted on my wall. It's three simple sentences, but they carry a lot of power—not just for kids, but for adults too.

Confession time... I'm three years away from retirement, and the struggle is real. My mom used to say about kids, "If we could just bottle that energy, we'd be all set!" Lately, I've been really feeling my age, and the gap between the kids' energy levels and mine seems to widen daily.

On the hardest days, I honestly question if I still have what it takes to be with 20 kids day after day.

Many times, I have to remind myself to take a break, reflect, and not be so hard on myself when difficult days come. After all, struggles and challenges are universal. It's truly just part of being human.

Looking at the class motto, I find encouraging words that I try to instill in my students.

Let me now share these words with you and the woman I see in the mirror as well.

My goal is to let you know that you are not alone and that you will make it through whatever challenge you may be facing right now.

I am special! (Yes you are!)

Image by freepik

In Psalms 139:14, it talks about us being "fearfully and wonderfully made." There is no one who is, was, or ever will be exactly like you or me.

It's quite an amazing fact to ponder when you think about the number of people who have lived on this earth. We are originals, created by God with a wonderful and unique plan and purpose.

I recall hearing a sermon years ago that shared how God had your purpose first and then created YOU to fulfill it! That was so inspiring because the speaker explained it was NOT the other way around, like "here is this random person, and what are we going to do with this one?"

When the dark days come, remember how much you mean to others and to God. There is no one who could ever take your place, and you are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress all at once.

I am smart! (Yes, you are!)

Many times in life, I feel overwhelmed and inadequate to tackle what comes my way, especially in my career. Staying frozen in this state does no good.

Confusion is stressful. I love this quote and I tell myself often:
"You are NOT confused, you are figuring it out."

By reframing the words, it puts the power back in my hands. I am growing and learning every day about what to do and not to do. It may take time, but I WILL figure this out.

The same is true for you. Give yourself credit and time to get this right, whatever it is you may be going through.

Often, life throws us real curveballs with no guidebook. We all need time and patience, but we will get there.

I will try my best! (That's all anyone can ask!)

Image by creativeart on Freepik

My mom used to say, "Do your best and let God do the rest." As believers, we have the true advantage of partnering with Christ in all we do. We try our best, but often we fall short, and that's okay.

Truth be told, I come to the end of myself often. I wonder if my best is even good enough many days. In those times, I am reminded that in God's word He promises to never leave us or forsake us, and reassures us that when we are weak, He is strong.

Jesus and I make a great team, and when I have done my best but there is still work to be done, I know He will do the heavy lifting in my situation. All I have to do is ask.

The same God we read about in the Bible is alive and well today and on our side.

Pretty incredible, don't you agree?

Call to Action:

If you found encouragement in these words, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, with a unique purpose only you can fulfill. When challenges arise, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and remind yourself that you are not alone.

Share your thoughts, struggles, and victories with someone you trust, and don't hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.

Let's continue to uplift and inspire each other.

Feel free to leave a comment below sharing how you navigate tough times or what keeps you motivated. Together, we can create a community of strength and resilience.

Until next time, Dana

Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here.

Tags: growth mindset, you are special, you are smart, problem solving, encouragement, class motto, classroom management

Copyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)

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The Overcomer Way

1/19/2025

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Photo by Leeloo The First at Pexels

To say that life can be a rollercoaster at times would be an understatement. Life can take us on incredible highs and exciting twists and turns. Other times, we have to close our eyes, hold on tight, and just weather the storm.

Learning to navigate life's challenging ups and downs can be very difficult, but we can approach our struggles with confidence, armed with a toolbox of strategies that will help us stay on top.

Let me elaborate on some precious truths and helpful skills I have acquired over the years. By practicing these strategies, you will be modeling what overcomers do.

Let me introduce you to The Overcomer Way.

Take one day at a time

Photo by Bich Tran at Pexels

There is a reason why it says in Matthew 6:25, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself." We have TODAY, and today is what we need to focus on. When we spend time worrying about the future, we rob ourselves of the joy of TODAY. We are not living with intention in the present moment but are lost in the perceived issues of the future. This is not the overcomer way.

Worry will not add one moment to your life, and much of what we worry about often never transpires. Think about that. We get all worked up for nothing.

Tomorrow is not promised, so let's make the most of today and find something in each day to celebrate.

Don't sweat the small stuff

Photo by Gustavo Fring at Pexels

I love my students dearly, but I have to laugh at what they get all worked up about sometimes. I realize they are only 8 and 9 years old (I teach second and third grade), but come on, people!

They still need to know that the world will not end if someone cuts in line, doesn't want to play with them for one recess, or takes the last sucker of the color they wanted. Oh my!

Sadly, we can follow their lead as adults sometimes. Someone cuts us off in traffic, empties the coffee pot at work without refilling it, or jams the photocopier.

Relax. BREATHE. This too shall pass.

To be an overcomer this year, you must keep perspective. Most of this stuff does. not. matter. Don't let these little things throw you into a frenzy. That is not the Overcomer way. Learn to be flexible and go with the flow. You will be so much better for it, plus a much more likable person as well.

Keep your sense of humour

Photo by BĀBI on Unsplash

Never underestimate the power of a great laugh to break the tension and turn the worst situation around. When my son Tyler was a little boy, he would often say, "Let's laugh about it," as he broke out into spontaneous giggles whenever things got too stressful at home. He was truly onto something there.

Laughter lightens up the mood and can make the most stressful situations bearable. I am not making light of serious and upsetting issues, but suggesting that certain trials could use a touch of humor to keep us moving forward.

Have a growth mindset

Photo by Kseniia Lopyreva at Pexels

Please know that change takes time. If you are working on issues, problem-solving, or learning new things, understand that things don't happen overnight and that you will get there on your timeline, not someone else's. Be your own cheerleader. Don't compare yourself to others. Tell yourself that you have not succeeded YET, but you will get there.

I have made a recommitment to taking better care of my body in all aspects, and one way is through regular exercise. I have been taking fitness classes, and some of them are more challenging than others.

I am trying my best, but guess who is last to finish each series of exercises EVERY time? You guessed it, ME! Shocking I know. Guess what though? I honestly don't care. I am only in competition with myself and am just working on doing the best I can each time I go.

I have never taken these fitness classes before. Even taking the class and actually finishing all the activities led by the trainer is something I NEVER thought I could do. I am getting better every week and more confident. The trainer even said so! In my books I consider that a HUGE win.

Find your people

Photo by fauxels at Pexels

There is something special about finding like-minded individuals who just get it and get you. The main reason they understand you is because they are in the same boat. They are walking through similar circumstances with the same goals, and they are who you need in your corner.

In your ups and downs, trials and victories, they will be your people—the ones who will dry your tears and cheer you on. We were not meant to do life alone; we need each other. Find those fine folk and hold them close always.

Partner with Christ

Photo by Alex P at Pexels

True overcomers need Christ as part of their problem-solving team. I am a big fan of Mandisa and was terribly sad to hear of her recent passing at the young age of 47. I followed her closely on American Idol and loved how she boldly shared her faith and gave God the glory for where she was in her professional life.

Her song "Overcomer" is one of my absolute favorites. Mandisa was not a stranger to adversity. She battled depression, thoughts of suicide, and a crippling addiction to food. God rescued her and put her on the path to victory, so when she sang the song "Overcomer," she felt every word because she lived it.

In her song she says:
Whatever it is you may be going through
I know He's not gonna let it get the best of you
You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight 'til the final round
You're not going under
'Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when He reminds you
That you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer

Thank you, Mandisa. I couldn't have said it better myself! I trust that you can use these strategies to move from being overwhelmed to living ...

THE OVERCOMER WAY!

Until next time,
Dana

Philippians: 4:13 ~ I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.

Little Lesson Learned: Life was never meant to be an overwhelming challenge. Know that you can be an OVERCOMER!

Tags: life strategies, winning ways, growth mindset, personal growth, life skills

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Life Lessons From the Caves

8/12/2024

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I just got back from the beautiful Bruce Peninsula. We were up at my brother’s gorgeous cottage, nestled right by the water. It was so delightful to wake up to the sounds of nature and soak up all the peace and serenity this incredible property offered. It truly filled my soul.

There are lots of attractions to take in in that area. We had enjoyed The Grotto, The Halfway Log Dump and the Tobermory boat tour last year, so we were on a quest to see what new adventures this area had to offer.

When the suggestion of exploring some local caves came up, I was quite intrigued as it sounded like something certainly interesting and new to try. I figured we would at the very least get some great pictures in these caves to share on social media. So, to my family’s surprise I enthusiastically stated “I’m in!”

It had rained the night before, but I truly thought nothing of it. I understood we were going to be inside the caves anyway, so it wouldn’t really matter. Would it?

Well here is where the story gets REAL interesting! Yes, there were caves to explore, but to access them you had to navigate some of the most treacherous, rocky, uncleared terrain known to man. Top that off with the fact that it had rained, and it was also incredibly slippery in so many spots.

I was clearly UNPREPARED! Ironically, I had worn a shirt that said "It's a good day to read a book." Trust me, I was so wishing I had chose that option. This was NOT what I or my family had anticipated. We were already knee deep in the hoopla when we came to the realization that conquering these cave trails would be no easy feat.

At first I decided I would bow out and wait in a cave and let the others go ahead. I am telling ya, I was terrified. The others were not having it. They had an "all for one and one for all and no man (or woman) would be left behind mentality" on this ordeal and I loved them for it.

Through this experience, my husband teased me about the great blog material I was gathering and he was absolutely right.

You know me by now, and as always, I figured there’s GOT to be a life lesson in this that goes beyond doing your research first before going on any cave adventures!

Here is what I gleaned from my ordeal on the slippery slopes of the cave exploration that you and I can apply to our daily lives.

Life is unpredictable

The rugged path. Photo: Little Lessons Learned by Dana

Just like the way the cave adventure unfolded, life is very unpredictable. We may have our ideas of how things will be, yet many unexpected turns, twists and obstacles can come our way. In these stressful times we could choose to bail out in fear like I wanted to or press on in faith with courage. I encourage you to choose option B. Press on my friend. YOU CAN DO IT!

Others are there for you

Phil helping me, step by step. Photo: Little Lessons Learned by Dana

I could not have completed this hike without my family and especially my husband Phil. He stayed behind and held my hand, leading the way step by step and encouraging me all the way. I was so thankful for his strength, patience and compassion towards me on this very unique and memorable day.

We are all in this together

Find your people. Photo: Little Lessons Learned by Dana

Life is a roller coaster ride at times, but it is meant to be shared. We were all going through this dangerous hike together and we were truly there for each other. At one point we got lost on the trail, but together we figured it out. We all had a mutual goal of completing the trail and getting back to the safety of the nearby parking lot. We knew we would truly have a story to tell, so we were committed to seeing it through.

Life is like that too. Look around you. Many people are going through the same struggles as you and they can be a wonderful source of comfort and strength for you as you go through tough times as well. They truly understand as they have navigated the rugged trail ahead of you and they will support you with open arms.

Take good advice

Others help you along the way, Photo: Little Lessons Learned by Dana

My kids and our friend Rick were further ahead. They made the difficult decisions of which paths to take and would call out with great wisdom paths to avoid and the slippery spots and pitfalls of the precarious path.

Those that have walked the treacherous paths ahead of you, have great advice to share. It may be what to do or perhaps what NOT to do, but their insights are so extremely valuable to those who are not experienced in this type of trial.

Listen to them. They have great advice to share.

When life is hard, there is still beauty

My husband Phil and I. Photo: Little Lessons Learned by Dana

As scary as the path was, it was impossible to disregard the beauty all around us. There were gorgeous forests, beautiful skies, spacious caves and incredible rocky landscapes. As nervous as I was, I often stopped to take pictures as I KNEW this was a journey I never wanted to forget. These photos would be a lasting reminder of a very noteworthy day. Despite being WAY out of my comfort zone, there were lots of smiles and memorable moments amongst the stress we dealt with.

No trial lasts forever

WE DID IT! Photo: Little Lessons Learned by Dana

I was never so glad when my kids called out and said “I see the parking lot!” It was like water in the desert. We did it! We had overcome! It reminded me that we should never lose faith when going through tough times because they are temporary. With a positive attitude, courage, and good people by your side, your test can become your testimony in the end.

So my cave story has a happy ending after all. I was proud of myself and all that was learned on a deeper level that day.

Until next time,
Dana

Psalms 32:8 ~ I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Little Lesson Learned: Don't let the fear of a new experience, overshadow the thrill of completing something amazing.

Copyright: © 2024, littlelessonslearnedbydana

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. Dana desires to "love God and love people" whole heartedly. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much needed encouragement. Dana lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or blogging, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.

Tags: summer vacation, overcoming fear, new adventures, Bruce pennisula, family fun, personal growth, believe in yourself, taking risks

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Say Geronimo!

7/29/2024

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Photo by Daniel Torobekov

"Bravely overcoming one small fear, gives you the courage to take on the next."
~ Robin Sharma

I am happy to say I am one, proud pool owner. For years our family had dreamed about having a pool to enjoy during the hot summer months, so when the home we purchased several years ago just happened to already have a pool, to say we were very happy would be an understatement.

Floating in the pool is such a nice escape from the busyness of life and it provides a great outlet for relaxation and opportunity to visit with friends and family.

It is very interesting and somewhat amusing to watch how people enter a pool. Many like myself like to ease in gradually, testing the waters, little by little. Then there are those like my daughter, Shannon who just throw caution to the wind and jump right in.

It has a lot to do with peoples’ personalities and comfort levels, but I always find it entertaining to see each person’s approach and style.

Photo by Christopher Sardegna on Unsplash

Dealing with Fear

I have found people approach challenges in life or issues that invoke fear this way as well. Problems and concerns in life can make us nervous to “test the waters.” Fear can creep in and uncertainty can make us unsure if we even want to go “swimming” at all.

Years ago I made the decision to quit my job as a librarian, and go to teacher’s college. It was not an easy decision for me. Our kids were the ages of 5 and 7, and I was unsure if the timing was right. Many people were happy for me, yet many others were skeptical and voiced their opinions openly and unapologetically about the “foolish move” I was making. Teaching jobs were very scarce at the time and many made sure they reminded me of this often.

I was also afraid that I would be like a fish out of water going back to school, as a mature student. At the age of 34, I felt so old. (LOL)

As you can see I had lots of doubts and fears, yet, still my husband and I felt that this was the right decision for myself and my family. It took some time to complete, but I am happy to say I have been teaching for twenty years now and haven’t looked back.

The road to my teaching career was not free of challenges or struggles, but through patience and perseverance I have made it to where I am today. Had I listened to the skeptics, my story could have been very different.

Also to my surprise when I went to teacher’s college it was refreshing to see that there were many mature students like myself, so rather than standing out, I blended in very well.

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva

Fear is a very powerful thing, yet sometimes we just have to take that leap of faith. I read a quote recently by Robert Schuller that said “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” It is interesting to ponder, because fear can hinder our true potential so often if we allow it.

I love to call on students who don’t raise their hands. They look at me all bewildered and say "I didn’t have my hand up!” I reply “I know, but could you try to answer the question?” Sometimes this is too overwhelming for them and they decline, yet other times something absolutely magical happens. That shy and fearful student musters up the courage to actually take a risk and share an answer.

Sometimes they are right and sometimes they are wrong, yet that doesn’t matter. I love it when they answer, as it shows that a fear is being conquered.

Many of us are so afraid of getting the wrong answer that we won’t even try. Contrarily though, making mistakes are great learning opportunities and taking risks is so important to grow as people. Even if students’ answers are wrong, I always applaud their bravery for trying, to encourage them to keep on sharing. They put themselves out there and that is so commendable.

Photo by Peter Fazekas

Failure can be good

Sometimes failure can be just what we need to put us on the right path.

Years ago I remember when I was going to get my driver’s license. I proudly announced to all my friends that we would go out "cruising" later, never once entertaining the fact that I might not pass.

Overconfident and somewhat arrogant, I went for my test and was sadly informed at the end that I had failed as I violated a traffic law. It was inconceivable to me that I had failed and I remember going home sobbing feeling that my teenage life was most definitely over!

This failure in hindsight caused me to take my driver training much more seriously, and I ultimately became a much better driver due to this disappointment. Not the path I would have chosen, yet a helpful one in the end.

Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash

Fear does not own you

Life is filled with disappointments and trials. We all have them, yet it is how we respond to them that truly makes the difference. Some folks may let the negative people, fear, and failure immobilize them, while others will let the same circumstances invigorate them and leave them even more determined to succeed.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, yet I am trying to be more like those who jump right in more often. We don't have to always test the waters first. I am not trying to encourage foolish or reckless behaviour. My advice is to instead have the courage to try new and sometimes scary things that in the end are ultimately for our betterment.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." God wants us to face our fears while believing that with him by our side anything is truly possible.

So I ask you, how are things in your corner of the world?

How’s the water? Calm? Choppy?

Why not take a deep breath and decide today to no longer let fear and disappointment hold you back.

Say Geronimo and go for it!

Believe me there are lots of others in the pool right there with you and they will be so proud you did.

Until next time

~ Dana

Psalms 56:3 ~ When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

Little Lesson Learned: Never let yesterday’s fears and disappointments rob you of tomorrow’s hopes and dreams.

Copyright: © 2024, littlelessonslearnedbydana 2nd edition, first edition, 2015 Say Geronimo!

Tags: fear, failure, overcoming fear, growth mindset, keep trying, God has not given us the spirit of fear

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Five Ways To Have a Gold Medal Lifestyle

7/21/2024

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Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

"Excellence is the gradual result of always trying to do better." ~ Pat Riley

The Summer Olympics will be starting soon and I for one will be watching with great excitement. I just watched the new Netflix documentary about Simone Biles entitled Rising. I highly recommend it. I am so proud of the progress she has made in her mental health journey. She has stepped back from the spotlight to focus on her healing and I can’t wait to see her in action at this year’s Olympics.

I feel she is in such a better place in all aspects and it is wonderful to see her have another chance at Olympic gold, since having to step aside at the Tokyo Olympics.

It is especially memorable to see the athletes achieve gold. I can only imagine how that must feel after years and years of training, to stand on the podium, see your flag raised and hear your national anthem played in your honour. Wow! I get goosebumps just thinking about it!

It is the moment these athletes have dreamed of and to see it become a reality must be so satisfying and yet completely overwhelming all at once.

That type of success does not come easily. It requires day after day, month after month, and year after year being faithful in tasks that at times may seem insignificant. Putting consistent effort forth each and every day however, has tremendous potential to compound itself into a powerful, positive force to be reckoned with.

In the book The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, he talks about the truth that there is no real secret to being successful. He shares that success just naturally comes when people repeat positive and productive habits over and over.

It makes complete sense. If you want to lose weight, you must eat healthy and exercise consistently. Having one good day and expecting the scale to move is ridiculous. Being consistent is the key. It sounds simple, yet life sometimes gets in the way even with our best intentions.

So how can we go for the gold in our everyday lives and see profound, lasting change?

Here are 5 tips to help you get to the top of your podium.

Photo by cottonbro studio

Determine your "why"

Your why is the core motivation and/or people behind your reasons for wanting to better your life. You need to clearly define why you want to make changes and who it will affect the most.

When times get tough, a strong why will keep you going. A friend of mine was building a home business and her goal was to eventually quit her corporate job. She would get up early and stay up late working her other job in between. She was exhausted, but laser focused on her goals.

Her why kept her going. She wanted to be more present in her kids' lives. She wanted to be at the bus stop every day for her kids when they became school age and staying focused on that kept her going even through the hardest times.

She did eventually quit her corporate job and her home business is absolutely thriving due to her having a clearly defined why that kept her motivated.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Envison your end goal

If your goal is to be 40 lbs thinner, envision yourself as such and imagine what that type of healthier life will provide you.

If you wish to be more financially fit and are working towards that, picture yourself debt free and what that will look like for you and your family.

If you are wishing to become pregnant, decorate the nursery and imagine rocking that precious baby in your loving arms.

Create a dream board of all that you aspire to achieve. Put it out there and speak positively about what you hope to achieve.

Visualization is a very power tool. Keep picturing the life you will have when you attain your goal, envision it and dream it into reality.

Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

Speak and think positively

Phrase what you want to become as if you have already achieved it such as: "I am a healthy, fit calm and relaxed mom" or "I am a highly successful business woman with a large team under me."

Speak in absolutes like "WHEN this happens not IF this happens. This shows belief in yourself and your abilities.

Don't let negative thoughts or self doubt creep in. Be your best cheerleader, not your worst critic.

By speaking positively and putting it "out there "with confidence, it is your way of being accountable and saying, "Mark my words everyone, I am making this happen in my life."

Photo by Susan G. Komen 3-Day on Unsplash

Surround yourself with positive people

They say you become like the five people you hang around with the most.

Choose those five people very carefully. Make sure they are upstanding people of substance who keep you moving towards your goals, not against them.

Gravitate towards people who edify you and fill your cup so you feel doubly inspired to pursue your dreams when you are with them.

Photo by Andres Ayrton

Get a success partner

Find someone who is on a similar journey as you, with the same goals and partner up with them. Maybe you both want to start a home business or lose weight or save money. Work on it together and check in with each other often to see how each other is progressing.

Share honestly how things are going even if you are struggling. These people will help you stay accountable too as you each day get a little closer to your goals.

Remember that God is the greatest success partner and he wants to see you become all you can be. Call on him for strength, patience, and wisdom.

Striving for a better life is a continuous process. We should all be striving to better ourselves in many areas as no one is ever too old to learn new things and all of us are truly works in progress.

Life can get pretty comfortable, but nothing ever grows in a comfort zone. We need to want better things for our lives. I know I want better for my life each and every day.

Don't lose heart.

I believe in you.

Keep being faithful.

If you do, you will see results. It is the compound effect in action.

Envision it with me. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes and see it.

I see your flag being raised and I can hear the national anthem being played in your honour. Can't you see it and hear it too?

Until next time
~ Dana

Proverbs 16:3 ~ Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Little Lesson Learned: Gold medal lifestyles are created by being faithful in the small, positive things each and every day.

Copyright: © 2024, littlelessonslearnedbydana 2nd edition, first edition, 2016 Go For the Gold

For more information on the book referenced in this blog please see: Hardy, D. (2011). The compound effect. Vanguard Press.

Tags: Olympics, medals, podium, Summer Olympics 2024, Paris Olympics 2024, gold medal lifestyle

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4 Comments

Some "Weeds" of Wisdom For You

7/8/2024

6 Comments

Photo by Logan Isbell on Unsplash

“Don’t let the tall weeds cast a shadow on the beautiful flowers in your garden.”
- Steve Maraboli, Life, The Truth, and Being Free

The other day I went out to take on one of my most dreaded summer tasks: weeding. This is an activity I have always disliked as it is dirty, time consuming and very hard on my back. Do you feel sorry for me yet?

Looking at the size of the overgrown weeds, I could not help but scold myself for not getting out there sooner. It is truly incredible how fast and resilient those nasty bad boys are.

I honestly had weeded not long ago. Yet much to my dismay there was still this vast green forest of unwanted foliage staring at me, taunting me, up in my face needing my immediate attention.

As I was feeling very sorry for myself, I started to think of life applications around weeds and weeding, and realized as much as I would like to think otherwise, we can actually learn a lot from these pesky plants.

In our lives we need to do "weeding" on a regular basis. Taking a moral inventory of what should and should not be in our lives is extremely critical to our personal growth. When we get proactive and responsibly address these “weeds” we are putting ourselves in a much better position to become all that God has created us to be.

Here are some “Weeds of Wisdom” to consider.

"Weed of Wisdom #1"
Weeds grow where we don’t want them to and stifle the true beauty trying to emerge.

Photo by hans middendorp

How many times have you seen beautiful flowers struggling and unwanted weeds thriving? I’m sorry but what is wrong with this picture? Weeds like negative things in our lives can take deep root in areas where we are trying to grow in healthy aspects.

For instance, where we are trying to be more physically fit, the weed of unhealthy food choices and inactivity can keep us stuck. We need to look at what is holding us back from thriving in certain areas and make major changes. Sometimes this is a difficult and painful process, but it is very necessary.

When I was a substance abuse counselor, a client of mine who was caught in the grips of alcoholism one session was sharing his new and "exciting" goal with me. Proudly he declared that he had decided to become a “social drinker” and would strictly limit himself to one or two beers each time he met with friends.

He did not like it when I told him that with his severe alcohol problem, this was not a viable option for him. The thought of him weeding out alcohol entirely from his life was so terrifying that he thought social drinking would be a good and comfortable compromise.

To say I burst his bubble would indeed be an understatement. He was clearly unhappy with me; however, alcohol was such a huge weed in his life. It was literally choking any chance for a healthy life he had. Unfortunately, he just wasn’t ready to recognize it yet.

"Weed of Wisdom #2"
Weeds have deep roots, and we need to get to the bottom of them and uproot them as soon as possible.

Photo by Sasha Kim

It is not enough to just cut off the tops and hope no one will notice. We can all be guilty of this at times. We try to use the least intrusive methods. It is more comfortable for us.

An example might be if you are trying to cover up a smoking problem, you spray perfume all around you. This will not cover it. You are truly fooling yourself.

I had to literally wrestle with some real weeds in my backyard garden. I tell you; they did not come out without a fight. The weeds were huge and were becoming very noticeable.

It is like that in life as well with our problem areas and struggles. A subtle small habit or activity can seem quite innocent at first, yet before we know it, that issue has a stronghold in our lives. What could have been easily treated, has now become a much more difficult issue to address. We must get to the root of the issue and not choose a bandaid solution for issues that run deep.

"Weed of Wisdom #3"
Many weeds are quite beautiful, but don’t be deceived as they are still harmful.

Photo by Dagmara Dombrov

I have received many dandelion bouquets over the years from my sweet students. As they think they are giving me a wonderful bouquet of flowers each time, I have never quite had the heart to tell them differently. I cannot tell you how many times I have found a mug and water and put them on my desk to recognize the love that came behind them.

Pretty “weeds” in our lives can be difficult for us to see as well. They may be things that we perceive as harmless or they may even be healthy activities, yet our lives may be way off balance.

For example, exercising is wonderful, but if you are spending hours at the gym and minutes with your family, something is terribly wrong. Likewise, if you invest much time and energy into keeping a clean house, yet will not respect those who live in it, take a hard look at the situation. Changes are obviously necessary.

"Weed of Wisdom #4"
Weeding is an ongoing process.

Photo by Kampus Production

As mentioned, you do not weed once and think your job is done. I truly wish it was that easy. We need to check in on our progress regularly in our areas targeted for growth to ensure we are on track.

Old habits can creep back slowly just like those troublesome weeds and before we notice it, they are a force to be reckoned with once again. You do not want to ever let that happen. Be self aware and honest with yourself to stick with your growth plan.

"Weed of Wisdom #5"
Stay with the flowers.

Photo by Secret Garden

Don’t surround yourself with those who are continuing in the behaviours you are trying to avoid. If you are trying to become less critical, don’t hang out with critical people, or if you are attempting to overcome an addiction, don’t associate with people who are actively involved with what you are trying to avoid. This clearly makes no sense.

Likewise, if you are trying to stop drinking, don’t hang out in bars, or if you are trying to eat healthier, don’t frequent the junk food aisles of the grocery store. Some people or settings may need to be weeded out of your life permanently for you to become truly successful.

People who are winning the victory over their “weeds” and avoid relapse recognize their individual triggers and make a conscious effort to change their routines so they can make better and lasting progress in their recoveries.

Making changes can be very difficult. The weeds you need to address may have been a part of your life for years. They may even seem comfortable and familiar to you. They may in your opinion have been a coping mechanism for a period of time.

You may have the desire, but do not even know how or where to begin. You may lack the proper tools. Well, the good news is you are not alone and I am here to help.

Many people want and need to make changes. God’s words says, “He gives us beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning.” In other words, God specializes in giving us beautiful flowers in our lives instead of those ugly weeds.

You are so valuable, and you deserve to bloom in all the beauty that was intended for your life.

If those weeds are especially troublesome perhaps you could also benefit from professional help. Please be open to this option if your situation warrants it. Such options could include addictions counselors, pastoral care workers, marriage and family therapists and self-help groups such as AA or NA. This help can really assist you on your journey of positive change.

Your journey of positive change begins with the first step. Don’t be afraid to step out in faith. A whole new life awaits you!

So my friend, grab a hat. Go get out your gardening gloves and tools. Prepare to get a little dirty and off you go! Happy "weeding!"

Trust me, when you have the courage to do weeding, you will be amazed at what manifests in your life when all those nasty weeds are a thing of the past. It is a thing of beauty I tell ya!

Right there with you,
~ Dana

Hebrews 12: 1-2 Therefore since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

Little Lesson Learned: Personal weeding is a necessary and healthy process so we can truly grow into the healthy, uninhibited people we were meant to be.
© 2024, 2nd edition, 1st edition, 2014, Weeds of Wisdom, littlelessonslearnedbydana

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement. She lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or blogging, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.

Tags: gardening, weeding, moral inventory, personal growth, getting honest, goal setting

6 Comments

Why Not Today, My Friend?

4/14/2024

2 Comments

Photo by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow’s a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt.

There are some things in life we all love to do and then there are those tasks that require much more effort. You know those tasks that you try to ignore as long as possible, as you simply do not have the time or energy for them?

We all have some of THOSE TASKS that is certain. The tidying of my clothes closet was one of them. I had been avoiding organizing it for months, as let’s face it, the tidying up of a cluttered closet, can be a very daunting task. Just looking at it drained my energy, yet how liberating it felt to put it in order and send a few bags of clothes off to the local thrift store. It was a long and tedious task, but such a great feeling when it was finally done.

As a teacher early in my career, I used to have a very messy, cluttered desk. I could never find anything and I felt like I was a terrible example to the students. I have since changed my ways and now pride myself in keeping a very orderly desktop. It is my belief that it is not fair to get after kids to tidy their desks, if mine is an absolute disaster, so I am glad I have improved in this area.

It is quite humorous when we do desk cleanouts in my classroom I must say. I do them on a regular basis to help keep the students organized and it is funny because of what they find! The one who never has a pencil suddenly has six, or the missing notebook that couldn’t be found anywhere suddenly makes an appearance, or the permission form that they swear they never got, is there in all its glory. Certain kids dread this task more than others because their desks are more untidy, yet all of them have such grins of satisfaction on their faces when their desks are tidy. It is priceless to witness as they are so proud to show me their neat and tidy work space, and you can tell they “get it,” that the tidy desk option is so much more appealing than the messy one!

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

I have worked with so many people in the past in my social work career who had a “when I - then I " mentality. This is explained with examples such as “when I find more time, I will start exercising,” or “when my life gets a little less stressful, I will try to make time for positive changes.” The problem is that if you wait for the perfect opportunity, it will never come.

An example of this is a young mom who repeatedly kept telling me that she “really wanted to get her family out to church,” but she had every excuse under the sun. “It is our only family day, and the kids are too young for the service and we don’t have proper church clothes…” You know how it goes and I did totally understand her concerns. I explained to her however, that we had a program for every age group and that church attire is more casual these days. No matter what I said though, she just explained that when they were older, she would bring them.

Well I bet you can guess what happened? Sadly that day has never come and her kids have really gone through some incredibly hard times. Her and her husband are great people and parents, but she shared with me later in life that she had so many regrets in this area. She confided that she wished she would have committed to regular church attendance when the kids were younger, as she knew it would have greatly benefited them and then they would be in the faithful routine of coming.

Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano A

Sometimes hindsight is 20/20 as they say, yet it is never too late to start something new. My mom always wanted to learn to play piano, but never learned as a child. She took piano lessons at age 40 and was so thrilled to be able to sit down at the piano and play church hymns and her favourite songs as she had always imagined. I always respected her so much for this. She decided one day that she was not going to put it off another day, but she was going to learn to play piano NOW.

Procrastination is a problem for many people. The bigger issue is as we choose to put off things for “another” day, the dreaded tasks just pile up and before we know it, what was once a molehill, is now a mountain. In addition, the “another” day never seems to present itself. This then leaves us feeling more discouraged, so it becomes a vicious circle. Many addictions are like that and what was once a little habit, now holds people captive without them realizing. Change is a process and it begins with little steps. Hopes, dreams, recovery steps, and new pursuits can become reality when we decide not to embrace the “when I - then I,” mantra but rather the anthem of "why not today? "

What’s been on the back burner in your life? Could it be Bible reading, exercising, eating better, more time for self care, looking for a good church, or spending more time with friends? There is no time like the present to start looking at it again. The Bible says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. The cool thing is when we decide to make positive changes in our lives not only is God our greatest cheerleader, but he also promises to be right beside us giving us increased strength to do so.

I have had times where I have made sincere commitments to make positive change in some area of my life and then it seems life steps in and derails me. Despite my best intentions, I can feel like I am on the hamster wheel, going nowhere fast. I have made a commitment to exercise more regularly, eat better and read my Bible more often. I am happy to say I am doing much better in my eating and Bible reading, but my exercising definitely needs to improve.

Reflecting on that however, I have not been feeling well, but have still gone for walks and even tried pickle ball this week with my friends for the first time. That is a huge WIN in my books. Change takes time. I am choosing to be patient with myself, and you should too.

The bottom line is we all can have some big, legit reasons or excuses to put us off track, but looking at the big picture is key. I have learned that if today was not the best than all is not lost, as I know I can turn it around tomorrow or another day.

All too often we can let one bad day, spiral out of control and take us away from our goals. Don’t allow that to happen as every morning, with every sunrise, we get a fresh, new start. I would love to hear what area of your life you are working on right now in the comments.

It is very exciting to think of where you can end up when you make a decision that today is the day that I begin putting positive steps into action in my life.

Don’t let seeds of doubt or discouragement creep in. You can do it! Why not today? Today feels like a great day for positive change don’t you agree? I am cheering for you all the way.

Until next time,

~ Dana

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Little Lesson Learned: Don’t put off for tomorrow what you could do today. There is no better time than the present.

One of my favourite groups, Rascal Flatts who I had the pleasure of seeing in concert, has a perfect song to encourage us in our positive changes called "Feels Like Today." Enjoy!

Tags: procrastination, goal setting, self improvement, start today, growth mindset

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, social worker, blogger, author, motivational speaker and recording artist. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement. She lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or blogging, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.

Feel free to reach out to Dana
at: [email protected]

Copyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana, revised edition, First edition, © 2014 entitled: Why Not Today?
(Dana Romualdi)
Dana Romualdi, the copyright holder reserves all rights to the content on the blog and website Little Lessons Learned by Dana, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and display the content. No content or photographs may be reproduced or modified. Blogs may be shared on social media platforms in their entirety only with full credit given to the owner. Any photographs used by other photographers are used with permission and are also protected. All Rights Reserved.

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Six Ways to Be Your Best Self

3/16/2024

10 Comments

Photo by Johannes Plenio

"No one is you and that is your superpower." ~ Unknown

It is something I will always remember. In she came proud as a peacock, in clunky high heeled shoes way too big for her tiny little feet clickety clacking across the tiled classroom floor. Grinning from ear to ear, she eagerly announced “Mrs. R. I have brought you a birthday present today, and I want everyone here to know I spent TONS of money on it!” I couldn’t help but smile as the first thing that caught my eye was the beat-up Christmas bag was filled with a purple balloon already blown up. Underneath were other interesting treasures that included a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy, a plastic flower, and some shiny bracelets of various sizes. She could hardly contain her excitement, and it was clearly evident. Her kind gesture really touched me. She was beaming as I thanked her repeatedly for her thoughtfulness, and her classmates watched with interest.

Later, that morning as others scurried off to recess, she curiously lingered behind looking quite sheepish. She then proceeded to ask if she could speak to me “privately.” As we chatted, a confession poured out like water overflowing from a tiny cup. Teary eyed she shared, “I must be honest with you. I didn’t spend a ton of money on your gift I, well I…. found all this stuff in my room and I am so sorry. I just wanted so badly to give you something.”

Our eyes met and hearts connected. I really felt for her. Her generosity reflected truly the best she had. I thanked her for her honesty and assured her that I found her gift very meaningful. It was truly the best she had and was given with such love. It was so obvious she gave her best, and had even dressed up for the occasion to show up as her best self for someone she dearly loved.

Next I recall another little boy I had in Room 21 one year. Whenever he was faced with a challenge in class, he was known to always say “I will try my best.” He clearly lived up to that motto, as no matter what came his way at school, following that premise, day after day he consistently gave his all. In doing that, he was very successful. He clearly gave his best day after day, and the results came.

Giving our best and being our best means different things for different people. The smallest gesture can have the greatest impact, especially when we know that there has been a sacrifice involved. Recently we celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day. There is a great book by Emily Pearson called Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed that I love to read to my class. In the book the "extraordinary deed" that Mary did was placing a bowl of fresh blueberries on her neighbour's porch. Not very extraordinary, but it was the best Mary had and she wanted to bless her neighbour. The extraordinary part of the story is this loving gesture then launched a chain of events where her neighbour made blueberry muffins for her friends and then they did kind deeds for their friends. It went on and on. The little deed launched a momentous chain of kindness that created a very positive impact on so many in the end. It truly showed how the smallest deed can have a very big impact at times. Sometimes it is more than we could even imagine. Being our best selves can start by simply being kind to others.

People may wonder: how do we keep striving for personal growth day after day when life is just plain hard at times? I have some helpful suggestions to share with you.

Limit screen time

Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash

We need to make a commitment to strive to give our best to each other. One way we can do this is by limiting our screen time. Almost everyone has cell phones these days, but life goes on beyond the tiny screen. I am trying to be more mindful of this and more emotionally present for my family and friends. Facebook and Instagram can’t hold a candle to honest and meaningful conversation with those you love, trust me. Giving others our undivided attention and quality time is certainly indicative of being our best selves.

Accept your limitations

As we strive to be the best we can be, it means accepting our limitations and learning to be content with what life brings our way. It is easy to get discouraged when things aren’t going according to schedule, or things are not going as we planned. During those times, we must remind ourselves that doing our best each day, and striving to be our best self is all anyone can ask of us. It is our responsibility to keep pressing on, knowing that life brings ups and downs, but we can overcome them one day at a time.

Photo by Prateek Katyal

Share encouragement

To work towards being our best, involves offering others hope and encouragement and sharing our insights on the life lessons we have learned. Helping others brings out the best in all of us, as it helps us shift our focus to someone else. We grow and change in a positive way, when we help others.

Learn from mistakes

Having a goal of being the best versions of ourselves means we must learn from our mistakes. I once had a boss who would always say “You made a mistake. Great! Let’s celebrate it! There is so much to be learned here!” I have never forgotten that perspective and do believe it does make sense and has helped me through some tough times. Becoming our best self is a process and does not happen overnight.

Take care of yourself

Photo by Taryn Elliott

Being our best means taking time for proper self-care. We are useless if we are used up. Working ourselves to the point of exhaustion will never get us to where we want to go. Rest, book a massage or pedicure. Read, watch movies, exercise or catch up with friends. Do what feeds your soul. It feels great to indulge a bit and recharge our batteries. We have people depending on us which includes family, and friends and in my case, even a sweet group of little people at work. Offering others our best self is impossible if we are empty. So fill your cup, whatever that looks for you.

Invite God’s strength into your life

Finally, striving to be our best self each day means realizing that we do not have to do it alone. We can choose to have God empower us to reach our true potentials each day. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The Bible also talks about that when we are weak, He is strong. That is so reassuring to know that we can choose to include God in our daily lives, and He will work to truly bring out the best in us for others.

Giving our best, striving to be the best we can be daily is not always easy, but one day at a time it truly can be done. We are only human, and we will all have ups and downs, but knowing that each new day that comes brings us a fresh start is very reassuring. Keep on doing your best each day. As they say, life is a marathon, not a sprint. We are all works in progress. I believe in you!

Until next time,

Dana

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Little Lesson Learned: Becoming our best self is a process. You are allowed to be a masterpiece and work in progress simultaneously. Remember that.

Author

Copyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana, revised edition, First edition, © 2015 entitled: Giving Our Best
(Dana Romualdi)
Dana Romualdi, the copyright holder reserves all rights to the content on the blog and website Little Lessons Learned by Dana, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and display the content. No content or photographs may be reproduced or modified. Blogs may be shared on social media platforms in their entirety only with full credit given to the owner. Any photographs used by other photographers are used with permission and are also protected. All Rights Reserved.

Tags: self improvement, growth mindset, work in progress, best self, self improvement tips

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Tags: teaching, careers, taking risk, stepping out of comfort zones, open-minded, new things, growth mindset, elementary teacher

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Tags: healthy lifestyle, healthy eating, exercise, goal setting, motivation, growth mindset, small steps, limiting beliefs, believe in yourself, lifestyle change

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I am special! (Yes you are!)

I am smart! (Yes, you are!)

I will try my best! (That's all anyone can ask!)

Tags: growth mindset, you are special, you are smart, problem solving, encouragement, class motto, classroom management

Copyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)

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Take one day at a time

Don't sweat the small stuff

Keep your sense of humour

Have a growth mindset

Find your people

Partner with Christ

Tags: life strategies, winning ways, growth mindset, personal growth, life skills

Want to hear more from Dana?

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Life is unpredictable

Others are there for you ​

​We are all in this together

​Take good advice

When life is hard, there is still beauty

​No trial lasts forever

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Tags: summer vacation, overcoming fear, new adventures, Bruce pennisula, family fun, personal growth, believe in yourself, taking risks

Dealing with Fear

Failure can be good

Fear does not own you

Tags: fear, failure, overcoming fear, growth mindset, keep trying, God has not given us the spirit of fear

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Determine your "why"

Envison your end goal

Speak and think positively

Surround yourself with positive people

Get a success partner

Tags: Olympics, medals, podium, Summer Olympics 2024, Paris Olympics 2024, gold medal lifestyle

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"Weed of Wisdom #1" Weeds grow where we don’t want them to and stifle the true beauty trying to emerge.

"Weed of Wisdom #2"Weeds have deep roots, and we need to get to the bottom of them and uproot them as soon as possible.

"Weed of Wisdom #3"Many weeds are quite beautiful, but don’t be deceived as they are still harmful.

"Weed of Wisdom #4"Weeding is an ongoing process.

"Weed of Wisdom #5"Stay with the flowers.

Author

Tags: gardening, weeding, moral inventory, personal growth, getting honest, goal setting

Tags: procrastination, goal setting, self improvement, start today, growth mindset

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Limit screen time

Accept your limitations

Share encouragement

Learn from mistakes

Take care of yourself

Invite God’s strength into your life

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Want to read more blogs and devotionals from Dana? Subscribe here.

Tags: self improvement, growth mindset, work in progress, best self, self improvement tips

Categories

Archives

Others are there for you

We are all in this together

Take good advice

No trial lasts forever

"Weed of Wisdom #1"
Weeds grow where we don’t want them to and stifle the true beauty trying to emerge.

"Weed of Wisdom #2"
Weeds have deep roots, and we need to get to the bottom of them and uproot them as soon as possible.

"Weed of Wisdom #3"
Many weeds are quite beautiful, but don’t be deceived as they are still harmful.

"Weed of Wisdom #4"
Weeding is an ongoing process.

"Weed of Wisdom #5"
Stay with the flowers.