Real Life Positivity with Amy and Jaime
By Amy Johnson and Jaime Lyon
Real Life Positivity with Amy and JaimeSep 23, 2021
Radical Kindness [Ep. 25]
On this episode we are talking about living life with Radical Kindness. By definition, we are talking about an unusual way of being thoughtful and how starting with being kind to ourselves is the key to being radically, authentically kind.
There is no doubt that our lives, our homes, our schools, and our whole world benefits from kindness. It’s obvious, but how can we make it a natural part of our culture?
We’ve got some great strategies like discovery (asking good questions), Noticing (Noticing the goodness in ourselves and others), and proactively practicing confidence (individually and culturally) to help us live and lead in a radically kind way!
We celebrate you and your kindness!!! AND …We hope you’ll join our movement to choose to be radically kind to yourself and others.
We Are All Just Taller Middle Schools [Ep. 24]
In this episode we are talking about finding our brave.
No matter our age, we all find ourselves dealing with the uncertainties of life from time to time. Whether it’s an unfamiliar social situation, applying for a new position, or needing to find a partner during a PD, we can all benefit greatly by having some positive strategies in place.
Middle School is such an amazing time of growth, and with rapid growth often comes the experience of growing pains. Here’s the thing though … we don’t stop growing once we leave middle school. Life is full of opportunities to stretch and grow, and live, and be the best versions of ourselves. There are so many things that we can learn from the bravery of middle schoolers, and when we employ the same strategies that they are using to navigate life with positivity we get to experience the joy of living with confidence.
I Am Tired. [Ep. 23]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy + Jaime we are talking about the power of positive I AMs.
"I am tired." -- That is the number one response that we are hearing from people of all ages when we ask the question, "How are you?".
We understand. The unpredictability of the past two years has left many of us with a sense of fatigue, but tired may not be the only answer to that question.
When we are tired, fatigued, or experiencing negativity, it is so important that we have positive strategies and just as important that we remember to choose to use them.
Our self-talk directly impacts our confidence and mental wellness, and it directly impacts those around us.
Positive I AMs are a critical part of the I AM Noticed Cycle because individual confidence leads to cultural confidence, and when we practice positive I AMs, we get to choose how we answer the question "How are you?".
Belonging [Ep. 22]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy + Jaime we are talking about belonging, and the value that having a sense of belonging can have for us as individuals and as cultures.
We have all felt it before - that feeling we get when we know we don't belong somewhere. It can feel unsettling and even unsafe. From a dinner party where you just don't feel like people want you to be there to a classroom or teachers' lounge where not everyone fits in, when we tap into the sense of not-belonging we can quickly realize the value that creating a culture of belonging has for the individuals and the culture as a whole.
The perspectives, openness, and skill sets needed for creating a culture where a sense of belonging it "just the way it is" are directly tied to those we teach and practice with I AM Noticed. Encouraging individual and cultural confidence and belonging goes hand in hand, and the value is exponential!
Proactive vs Reactive [Ep. 21]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy + Jaime, we are diving into the duality of using positive tools from a proactive and reactive lens. Especially in light of the past 21 months of chronic unpredictability, we are taking a look at the value of intentionality. The skills needed for mental wellness and continued social emotional learning help us thrive when practiced over time. In this episode, we are talking about how those same skills help us recover, regroup, and react in way that help us live with real life positivity.
Mental Wellness [Ep. 20]
On this episode of Real Life with Amy + Jaime we are unpacking the very important topic of mental wellness. In a way that is very true to the vibe and the practicality of these episodes, we are looking at how we can apply positive strategies to proactively help ourselves and others create and maintain our positive mental wellness. We hope to validate the place that each listener is at with their own mental wellness. Just like I AM Noticed is tier 1, for everyone, we want to invite everyone to this positive conversation. We also know that this conversation has prompted a great awareness for some that mental health support beyond these positive strategies is needed. If you or someone you know is looking for mental health supports we want to remind you that you are not alone. You can find many positive resources on our website, including a link to First Step 4 Help at www.iamnoticed.org/resources We whole heartedly believe that everyone matters and that includes YOU! So thank you for being you!! We want you to feel encouraged to keep your own "oxygen" at a healthy level so that you can continue to live confidently and create positive ripples in the lives of those around you. ~Amy + Jaime
What is your Why? [Ep. 19]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity, Amy & Jaime are talking about the value of authentically tapping into our whys. Knowing our why allows us to enjoy it even more when life is going well, and it makes it worth it when we are in challenging times. Like gratitude, this is a tool that can help us refuel and rekindle our want-to and help us show up as the best versions of ourselves no matter what the circumstances. With practical tools and intention, we can increase our individual confidence and, in turn, increase the confidence of the cultures we are a part of. Choosing to live this way creates so many positive ripples, and, as you can imagine, that is one of our biggest whys!
You Can Not Not Do Culture [Ep. 18]
As we are looking back over the past year … there is A LOT!!! On this episode of Real Life Positivity Amy & Jaime are reflecting on what we have learned during this unprecedented time. We are more convinced than ever about the importance of confidence, and the power of being intentional about creating positive culture.
Here are a few highlights from our chat:
Even if we are not intentional today; the culture of the future is going to happen. That is the reason that creating positive culture must be a priority if we are going to thrive.
Confidence is a key factor in sustaining a positive culture.
Confidence can be built over time no matter what the climate is like.
And a culture becomes a confident culture when the members of it have built up their own interior confidence.
We are so excited to be partnering with so many educators to make sustainable positive culture a priority! Because hey, if we cannot not do culture, let's be intentional about doing it well!!!
Gratitude [Ep. 17]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy + Jaime, we are talking about gratitude and how it is the special sauce to every part of the I AM Noticed practice.
As we have been sharing in our workshops for years, gratitude is an important tool when it comes to choosing a positive attitude and having "want-to" in our lives, but the power doesn't stop there! Gratitude can also aid us in our practices of positive I AM 's, Noticing goodness, receiving goodness, and creating positive ripples! We think that is so cool and we hope you find it encouraging as well!!!
Gratitude is a simple, yet powerful practice. It can be applied in good circumstances and in hard times. That's why we are calling it the special sauce and that's why it's a perfect topic for a Real Life Positivity chat!!!
Choices [Ep. 16]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy & Jaime, we are encouraging everyone to be intentional about the small choices because we know they add up to be big. We know that if we are being real we need to acknowledge the hard, and then we want to be intentional about the choices we make from there. We want to be intentional about what we choose to practice. If you have attended an I AM Noticed workshop you may remember the "What do you practice" video that we share. Here's a link to the video for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp6N7tKxUjg
We also talk about the importance of recognizing if you or someone close to you does not feel like Noticing goodness is a choice. This can be an important indicator of a need to get support. If this resonates with you please know that you are not alone. First Steps 4 Help is a very helpful resource that we recommend. The are a multilingual service that is operated 24/7 by Masters Level clinicians. https://www.firststepforhelp.com/ We are so grateful that you are joining us! We are excited and ready to be real, and choose positivity in 2021!!!
Dragons [Ep. 15]
Yes, on this episode we are talking about we are talking about Dragons. Those things that may have grown big and may be hard to Notice goodness in, BUT with with some real life, positive tools and practices we can embrace the goodness and be confident and resilient. We were inspired to talk about dragons because of the amazing children's book "There's No Such Thing as a Dragon" by Jack Kent.
Overdrive [Ep. 14]
Have you ever experienced overdrive? Yeah-- us too LOL. Especially as people of excellence, it's an easy state to find ourselves in. On this episode of Real Life Positivity, we are taking a look at how (and why) we flip into overdrive and how confidence and self awareness can help us be the best versions of ourselves.
Navigating the New [Ep. 13]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy & Jaime, we are having a very timely chat about Navigating the New. As our I AM Notice students, staff, & families are embarking on the 2020-21 school year we wanted to have a positive conversation about how we can navigate the real life reality of education in new and sometimes even unknown ways.
Listening [Ep. 12]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy & Jaime, we are taking a look at one of the most important components of positive communication and relationship building ... listening. It is one of those vital skill sets that can often be overlooked, but is especially important to learn and/ or remember when we are trying to lean in, learn from, and connect with those around us.
What does it mean to be Authentic? [Ep. 11]
A BIG part of the I AM Noticed Philosophy is to encourage people of all ages to show up as the best and most authentic versions of themselves. And over the past few years, Amy & Jaime have found themselves in many conversations with participants about what it really means to be authentic, and how being authentic impacts our confidence and resilience.
On this episode we are taking a look at the actual definition of the word authentic, and then we set aside some time to unpack it a little bit to help understand how embracing our own authenticity can help us create more confidence, stronger relationships, and even more positive ripples.
Embracing that Everyone has a Story [Ep. 10]
On this episode, we are talking about how the trauma informed-language and way of looking at things can help us find compassion and empathy in our relationships. No matter if it's an internal conversation, a quick interaction with someone on social media, or a deep conversation with someone you love, embracing that we all have a story and that story impacts how we show up in our relationships is really important.
People Over Process [Ep. 9]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity, we are talking about how being confident and practicing the I AM Noticed Cycle can help us be in a place to engage with the people around us in a positive way (even when the circumstances are unpredictable :). The process, or the way we do things, is important, and even more important than that is how we treat ourselves and each other along the way.
We Are Enough [Ep. 8]
Today on Real Life Positivity with Amy & Jaime we are taking a look at how feeling like we are enough can impact our sense of confidence and resilience. This is HUGE! When we create a fortified database of humble gratitude for who we are, and we believe that we are enough, we can survive (and even thrive :) in good times and in hard times-- like a pandemic.
Positive Connections [Ep. 7]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy & Jaime, we are taking a look at the importance of making positive connections with others. We all need connection, and especially right now when we are physically distanced, it is so important for us to check in with ourselves and make sure that we are getting the connections that help us feel good. Amy & Jaime want to make sure that there is space to Notice those positive connections and tools to help us if we are feeling stuck or disconnected.
Difficult Conversations [Ep. 6]
On this episode Amy & Jaime dive into how we can use the tool of discovery and the practice of the I AM Noticed Cycle to navigate difficult conversations. In this candid conversation we are talking about how we can choose to connect even when skies are gray, circumstances aren't ideal, or conversations are difficult. Difficult Conversations are a part of real life and so is positivity :) so thank you for being a part of the conversation.
The Art of Discovery [Ep. 5]
On this episode of Real Life with Amy & Jaime we are talking about getting curious, asking good questions, and being ready to listen. Discovery is a foundational tool and an art form. It can be as simple as asking someone how they are doing, and it can be a powerful relationship builder.
Perfectionism [Ep. 4]
In this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy & Jaime we are talking about how we can live as people of excellence rather than letting perfectionism rob us of our creativity. If you've ever thought of yourself as a perfectionist, or if you know a perfectionist, this episode may offer some great perspective.
Time [Ep. 3]
On this episode of Real Life Positivity with Amy & Jaime we are talking about time. How are we using our time? What is the right way to be using our time? (Here's a hint - in whatever way is serving you and your people :) What comparison, confidence, discernment, and joy have to do with it? And what it might feel like to stay fluid and non-judgmental to ourselves and others when it comes to our time and how we are using it.
Self Care [Ep. 2]
Amy and Jaime discuss how they personally self-care and invite you to take care of yourself in whatever way you need.
Current Reality [Ep. 1]
Amy and Jaime discuss the current reality during the COVID-19 pandemic and search for the good amidst the difficult times.