Instill Your Life

01/10/2025

✨ I feel so honored today. A teacher from Maplebrook School in New York, USA, reached out and shared that she has been using my coloring books in her mindfulness sessions with students. She told me the pages give her kids the chance to slow down, create, and breathe. That is exactly why I made them in the first place.

My intention has always been more than just giving kids something to color. I wanted to create a space where they can pause, notice how they feel, and connect with themselves in a calm and positive way. Hearing that my books are being used in this way fills me with so much gratitude.

What makes it even more meaningful is how this connects to the mission of Maplebrook School. Their focus on helping students grow as whole people, with emotional strength and a sense of belonging, is the same vision I hold for every child who opens my books.

🌱 When kids color, my hope is that they are:

slowing down enough to feel,

learning patience with themselves,

building trust in who they are,

practicing resilience and kindness,

and filling their minds with positive affirmations that remind them they are capable, worthy, and enough.

Thank you to this amazing teacher for trusting my work with your students. We are both working toward the same goal: raising emotionally strong, connected, and confident humans.

🌈 If you are incorporating mindfulness with your students or kids at home, I would love to hear your stories in the comments. And if you share photos of their pages or your own moments with the books, tag so I can celebrate with you.

With gratitude,
Shannon | Instill Your Life

30/07/2025

They say it takes a village....let us help you!

19/07/2025

07/02/2025

I'm beyond excited to share some BIG news —I'm officially published on Amazon! After two decades in education, my passion for enhancing the emotional wellness of our little ones has led me to this dream moment.

I've poured my heart into a series of mindful coloring books designed to promote Social Emotional Learning and a Growth Mindset. Whether you're looking for a calming corner tool, a thoughtful gift, or a way to add some mindfulness to your home, these books are for you! Check out:

• I Am Awesome: A Growth Mindset Coloring Book
• I Believe in Me: A Positive Affirmations Coloring Book
• Color Me Kind: A Mindful Coloring Book

Each page is crafted to inspire confidence, kindness, and creativity—perfect for sparking meaningful conversations and joyful coloring moments.

I can't wait for you all to explore them here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW68B6YD?binding=paperback&ref=dbs_dp_sirpi

Let's keep inspiring our kids and families to shine brighter every day!

Visit Amazon's The Empowered Minds Coloring Series Page and shop for all The Empowered Minds Coloring Series books. Check out pictures, author information, and reviews of The Empowered Minds Coloring Series

11/01/2025

💖 Mark your calendars—January 17th is a day to celebrate! My incredible nephew Jackson, one of the most inspiring humans I know and one of my absolute favorite people on this planet, is turning 21! 🎉

🎉 Born with Cerebral Palsy, Jackson faces daily challenges head-on with courage and determination. His unwavering strength and infectious smile light up every room, teaching us all about the power of resilience and kindness. 🌟
To honor Jackson’s remarkable journey and this special milestone, I’m offering 21% off all custom Valentine’s Day cards in my Etsy shop with the code JACKSON21. 💌

These cards aren’t just greetings for kids—they’re a powerful way to spread the same love and kindness Jackson radiates daily. His smile has the ability to uplift and inspire, and now you can share that spirit with others. Whether you brighten a colleague’s day, tuck a note of encouragement into a lunchbox, inspire a classroom of students, or offer a gesture of kindness to a stranger, each card becomes a ripple of positivity.
The potential to make a difference, just like Jackson, is boundless. ❤️

Every bit of the proceeds will be gifted to Jackson as a birthday surprise. And here’s the best part—if you leave a review in my shop, I’ll match the amount, doubling the love and support for this extraordinary young man. 🥰
Let’s make Jackson’s 21st birthday unforgettable. Your support will not only honor his incredible spirit but also spread love and kindness far and wide. Together, we can make this celebration as impactful and heartwarming as Jackson himself. 🎈

Thank you for joining me in celebrating Jackson’s inspiring life.

🔗 https://instillyourlife.etsy.com?coupon=JACKSON21

12/12/2024

As both an educator and a parent, I’m actively navigating how to build a culture of upstanders both at school and at home. Recently, I've witnessed harmful behaviors like bullying and exclusion thrive in silence, reinforcing my belief in the importance of teaching kids to speak up—even when it’s tough.

When I was in middle school, I was an upstander, and it wasn’t easy. The fear of retaliation or being ostracized was real, but looking back, I know it was the right thing to do. That’s why I’m passionate about creating an environment where children feel empowered to stand up for what’s right, no matter the challenge.

In my latest blog post, I explore the crucial role that both schools and parents play in fostering a culture where upstanders are celebrated, and silence is no longer an option. It’s not just about stopping bullying—it’s about instilling lifelong values of justice, empathy, and bravery.

The Courage to Speak Out in a World of Silence

13/11/2024

Happy !

Today, we celebrate the profound impact of kindness and the transformative role it plays in shaping resilient, compassionate communities. As an expert in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), I know that kindness is more than just a simple gesture; it’s a powerful skill that adults can intentionally model for the next generation.

When we, as adults, demonstrate kindness consistently, we’re not only enhancing our own relationships and well-being but also setting a blueprint for children. They learn to respond to the world with empathy, patience, and respect. Research shows that children who witness kindness in action—especially in challenging moments—develop stronger social connections, better emotional regulation, and a greater sense of belonging.

So on this , let’s commit to being intentional with our actions. By modeling kindness in our workplaces, homes, and communities, we give children a lasting gift: the skills to build meaningful connections and lead with empathy. Together, let’s make kindness a daily practice that uplifts us all. 🌍💫

Type KINDNESS in the comments for a free gift on me!!

08/11/2024

🌟 The 5 Puzzle Pieces of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) 🌟

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is like a puzzle, with each piece—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—helping children and parents build the emotional tools to thrive. For kids, SEL means greater confidence, fewer tantrums, and improved problem-solving. For parents, it brings more peaceful days, reduced power struggles, and deeper family connections. When these pieces come together, families experience more harmony and resilience.

✨ Want to reduce tantrum-related exhaustion? Comment “CALM” below, and I’ll send you a free guide with quick strategies to manage those big emotions and make family life smoother!

01/05/2024

Let's talk about PATIENCE!!!

🌟 Teaching our children the art of patience is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. In today's fast-paced world, patience is a virtue that can empower them to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.

As parents, we are our children's first and most influential teachers. Modeling patience in our own actions and interactions is the most powerful lesson we can offer. Whether it's waiting calmly in line, handling frustrations with composure, or persevering through setbacks with determination, our children learn by watching us.

Patience isn't just about waiting; it's about maintaining a positive attitude and staying focused on our goals, even when faced with obstacles. By demonstrating patience in our daily lives, we show our children the importance of perseverance, empathy, and self-control.

Let's commit to being mindful of our own patience and cultivating this invaluable skill within our children.

Together, we can raise a generation of resilient, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent individuals who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world. 💫

Share your strategies for teaching the art of patience in the comments!

26/04/2024

Hi Ya !

Instill Your Life is all about sparking those lightbulb moments and guiding you toward transformative change. 🌟 So here's a little secret: while the world chants "self-care" like a mantra, let's whisper to a slightly different tune. Yes, self-care matters, but let's talk about the magic ingredient that often gets overlooked: self-awareness.

🌿 It's about tuning into our inner voice, recognizing our triggers, and understanding the patterns that keep us Mamas stuck in burnout mode. It's about peeling back the layers and rediscovering who we are beneath the roles of mother, partner, and superhero.

💪 And guess what? I've crafted "The Blueprint for Burned-out Mamas" just for us special mamas—a quest into self-awareness that will illuminate our paths to reclaiming our own power and finding balance in this parenting journey!

Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey with me?
💫


https://www.instillyourlife.com/the-blueprint-for-burned-out-mamas

12/03/2024

Engaging in negative self-talk often prompts a necessary conversation within our minds, encouraging self-compassion. This internal dialogue is especially crucial when it comes to our children, who are always watching and listening. The way we talk to ourselves directly impacts them.

Negative self-talk becomes a silent but powerful teacher for our kids. They absorb our language and attitudes, influencing their emotional growth and self-esteem. Constant exposure to negativity can hinder their ability to face challenges, build healthy relationships, and develop a positive self-image.

Remember, what we say to ourselves echoes in our children's minds. So, fostering a positive internal dialogue isn't just about our own well-being; it's a vital lesson we pass on to shape confident, resilient, and emotionally intelligent individuals.

11/03/2024

Parenting is an extraordinary journey filled with highs and lows, and it's time to have an open and honest conversation about a shared experience: parental anxiety. Regardless of our backgrounds or parenting styles, the challenges we face often unite us.

Parenthood brings immense joy, but it can also bring moments of uncertainty, worry, and anxiety. Today, let's come together to share our insights, lend support, and build a collective resource of wisdom on dealing with anxiety in our parenting journey.

🌱 Coping Strategies: How do you cope with parental anxiety? Share your strategies for self-care and maintaining a positive mindset amidst the challenges.

🌱 Family Communication: How do you approach conversations about anxiety with your children? Let's exchange ideas on creating an open and understanding environment for discussing emotions and life's difficulties.

🌱 Mindfulness Practices: What mindfulness or relaxation techniques have been beneficial for you in managing parental anxiety? Let's explore various practices that contribute to a sense of calm and balance.

🌱 Community Connections: How do you seek support from your parenting community during times of anxiety? Share your experiences of building connections and finding solace in the shared journey of parenthood.

Remember, we're all in this together. Let's turn our collective experiences into a source of strength and encouragement. Share your stories, lessons learned, and any valuable resources that have helped you on this adventure called parenting.

Our community is a space of understanding, compassion, and shared growth. Let's foster a supportive environment where every parent feels seen, heard, and supported. 💙🤝