HELLO/AANII,
Welcome to the July 2022 edition of our newsletter dedicated to the topic of negative self-talk.

Negative self-talk is, unfortunately, present in most people’s lives. I, actually, do not know of anyone who has never heard the nagging voice of the inner critic set on making us feel small, inadequate, and unworthy of happiness.

Below you will find resources that will help you better understand the negative self-talk phenomenon and provide you with tools to decrease its influence. If you have any resources on this topic that you would like to share with our Early Years Community, please send them my way.

You will notice that a new section titled Recipe Corner has been added to our newsletter; I am hoping that many of you will contribute to it by sending my way your favourite recipes.
On a personal note, I am sharing with you a photo of beets harvested from my vegetable garden in Rosseau. I love them roasted!


Stay in touch,
Baa Maa Pii Gaawaabmin (I’ll See You Later)
Kasia Oxley, Children’s Services Community Facilitator, Children’s Programs and Services
Work Cell: (705) 644-1533
Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. 
Removing Negative Self Talk | Abria Joseph | TEDxYouth@NIST

Time commitment: 17 minutes, 58 seconds
Areas of interest: negative self-talk, stories we tell ourselves
Format: video

What are the words you choose? Do they give you power, or fill your future with negative energy? In this talk, Abria helps us become aware of how to be present and mindful in both thought and action in order to actualize dreams and live in positivity. Abria Joseph was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. He began learning yoga at 16 and in completed his first training program, a 700-hour vinyasa training in Thailand. He went on to teach vinyasa classes across the US, Canada and Mexico, and earned a degree in exercise science and wellness from Bastyr University in Washington state. Aria founded Pranaforce Yoga in 2010, an international yoga lifestyle company offering yoga retreats, teaching training, workshops and community events. He is also an experienced TEDx speaker who encourages others to practice and live their dreams within each moment.

'Clean Speech' by Taylor Swift - Hyde Park 2015

Time commitment: 6 minutes, 28 seconds
Areas of interest: negative self-talk, honoring oneself, perceptions
Format: video

4 Ways to Stop Beating Yourself Up, Once and For All

Time commitment: 5 minutes
Areas of interest: negative self-talk, honoring oneself, perceptions
Format: article

Positive Self-Talk

Time commitment: depends on level of exploration
Areas of interest: positive self-talk, thought tracker, self-talk planner
Format: worksheet

Please write to Kasia to let her know your thoughts on Negative Self-Talk or any other topic for a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50)
EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS IN MUSKOKA
Shawna Biamonte
What is your current job, and how did you arrive at it, in other words, why do you do what you do?
Currently, I am a programming & staff Supervisor at Stepping Stone Early Learning Academy. I became a mom at 20 years old and realized very quickly that working with children was my calling. I began working as a supply staff at a licensed child care centre in Gravenhurst while obtaining my diploma in Early Childhood Education at Georgian College. Since my graduation, I have worked as an RECE as an Early Years Facilitator, educator at a childcare centre (10 years), educator with school-age programs, and have even been a centre cook. During Covid, I was given the opportunity to become Supervisor.  Through the many roles in my career, the common thread was the soulful feeling that I get when I connect with children. I genuinely enjoy exploring the world with the children I work with, involving the community, the wonderful world of nature, and wholesome learning experiences.
Without disclosing confidential information, please tell me how your involvement within the early years profession created a better outcome for a child/family.
Throughout my work with children, I feel that I have had a positive influence on many children and families. Connecting families with resources in our community like EarlyON drop-in programs has made a world of difference for a family who felt isolated after moving away from a violent home. The single parent of two children under the age of three made friendships with families that positively impacted all of their lives. She became empowered.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy hikes with my dog and anything outdoors; camping, canoeing, and hiking. This summer, I will be enjoying being on the water with my new stand-up paddle board. SUP yoga anyone?

Who inspires you and why?
The artist Pink inspires me because she is an independent woman who is not afraid to be exactly who she is. She inspires me to always be my true self.

In the last couple of years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit, or item, has most improved your life?
Over the last couple of years, I have made it my priority to have a positive outlook. I believe that what you put out into the universe will be offered back to you. I have made it a habit to be kind. Always.

What advice would you give your teenage self?
I would tell my teenage self to be brave, try new things, and don't give up on your goals. Obstacles will always be there for you to overcome, and you are beyond capable!

What would you take with you to a desert island?
I would bring my dog Beau to a desert island; I can't go without my sidekick. Otherwise, my two hands and some perseverance should do!
Fun Corner!
Click here ,or the picture above, to answer the poll about feedback!


June 2022 Poll winner:
Angela Mainville
Congratulations Angela!

INSPIRATION CORNER
Recipe Corner!
This is a lovely recipe for scones. I made them during Wimbledon finals that took place this month and they were delicious. If you decide to try the recipe, make sure that you add ¼ tsp of salt to the mixture, salt is not included in the ingredient list, however it is mentioned in step 1 of the recipe description. 
For a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50), please submit a reflection of yours to Kasia on a topic of your choice that you would like to be considered for publication in one of the upcoming newsletter editions. 

Your submission does not have to be in a form of an essay, other forms of expression are welcome, such as: poetry, video footage, note, opinion piece, interview, photos accompanied by a short text, review, etc.  
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