#nataliam

We often frame our goals from the mindset of reduction. Goals I often hear include reducing: stress, workload, loneliness and conflict. However, the opportunity presents itself to address what we really want, and to intentionally seek this. When we name what we actually do want, we open to the door to mobilized action. 

A crucial starting point, is narrowing down what we want. There are multiple means to accomplish this. Vision boards, value card sorts, therapy, and journaling are just a few options to help gain clarity. A trick, if you find yourself stuck in a reduction mindset, is to name what you’re gaining from the goal. For example, decreased workload means delegation of tasks or time spent on passion-projects. Begin to frame your goals in this way, (be specific!), and see if this feels different for you. 

• Vision boards can take the form of collage, or cutting out images that draw you in and placing them onto a blank canvas. It can be helpful to choose instinctually, and then later reflect on what aspects of that image appeal to you. 

• Journaling can also be useful. Processing your thoughts regularly on paper, helps us gain enough distance to begin to notice patterns and identify wants within ourselves. 

• Therapy can serve a similar purpose. Having an objective party assist with navigating self-reflection. As well as the having unwavering support throughout the process. 

• Value-lists or cards can be easily found online, and offer a launching point in narrowing down priorities. 

Another way to build momentum in attracting what we want, is through guided visualization. First, start out by sitting in a comfortable position, taking a few slow, deep breathes, and then allow your mind to wander to the realization that you have successfully attained what you are seeking. Let yourself sit with this desired reality and imagine what your world will look like, feel like, what you will be doing and feeling in this new way of living. Pay special attention to how your body reacts to this visualization, and what emotions you begin to sense and experience as a result. Think of this like a warm up, so that we will be more open and accepting when opportunities begin to present themselves. 

What does it mean to set boundaries, especially thoughtful ones?

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of interpersonal boundaries, boundaries dictate how you utilize emotional, physical, financial, and time resources. Resources that are finite. If you’ve never stopped to think about how you a lot these resources, this probably means that they are being utilized without your awareness or conscious choice. The beauty of boundaries is that they allow us to be thoughtful with how we share, and what we want to maintain or even gain. It is that thoughtfulness that is even at the core of compassion. 

Where I notice many people get stuck, is when we focus on boundaries as limiting or taking away resources. We start to see boundaries as limiting the time we provide others, limiting emotional support our friend is seeking, or even seeing a boundary as limiting how and where we spend our hard-earned income. However, this perspective does not take into consideration the intentional gain that accompanies keeping healthy boundaries. Ultimately, the ability to sustain our relationships in a way that honors us, and serves the relationship long-term. You are not taking away from something, but rather choosing to pour into another aspect of your life. 

Healthy boundaries give us the opportunity to find true balance in sharing aspects of ourselves, in a way that makes us able and willing to return back and pour into these relationships and commitments time and again. So when we are offering someone our time and attention for example, we are choosing to do so knowing that we have specifically allotted this purpose, for that amount of time. We are choosing to invest this set-aside time in the relationship and this allows us to be more engaged and present friend/partner/coworker. I.e: “I have one hour to devote to catching up with X. Then I need to leave to get my errands completed. 

On the other hand, if we are not thoughtful with our time, it can be easy to get stuck in over-committing. This often results in follow-through that lacks heart, such as: going through the motions, secretly thinking about something else in the back of your mind, or even dreaming of phasing out the relationship or responsibility as a whole. All signs slowly pointing to burnout. Imagine what you actually stand to lose, if this becomes your norm? 

Here are some questions you can use to assess the thoughtfulness behind your boundaries with people/places/responsibilities/ etc. 

- Am I able to be mentally present and engaged with this_________? - Do I see clear purpose in what I am doing with this __________? - Am I feeling motivated to engage with this _________? Why/why not? - Do I find myself walking way from ______, feeling energized or further drained? 

- Is there anything I could adjust about ______, that would feel better for me? - I am clear on why I am spending this amount of time/money/energy/etc. on this 

_______? 

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am first and foremost a mom of two girls. I grew up in a house where both my parents are wonderful teachers and instilled in me the passion for education from an early age. Since I was a kid, I used to assist my mom in the music school for children she ran, and ever since music has become an integral part of my life. Later in life, I earned my Bachelors degree in International Affairs in my native Venezuela and later obtained an MBA in Argentina. I’ve always lived my life around children, specializing my photography work on kids, producing TV shows for children, working on youth summer camps and volunteering to work with kids in indigenous communities in Venezuela. In the last two years the desire to create a nurturing educational environment for my girls, where they could also be exposed to Spanish language, led me to devote myself to be a full-time mom, teaching my daughters and their friends music, baking, gardening, arts and dance. Now that my daughters are going to school I want to share these skills with other kids in my community.

Tikitá Aftercare is a Spanish immersion aftercare for up to 6 kids that revolves around music. 

We plan activities aimed to developing logical thinking and awakening children’s curiosity through a variety of activities that include music, baking, dancing, gardening, photoshoots and arts and crafts. 

During our music time, we teach children to count beats with sticks, drums and body movements. Kids will be in constant participation through play and learn, being exposed to instruments sounds that invite them to recognize their names within an array of easy classical/jazz pieces. 

In the Tikita Spanish Playgroup, we respect every child's pace using their natural talents and interests to plan each activity accordingly. We have a lovely, comfortable kid-safe environment with a big outdoor deck to play and explore. 

You can join us everyday in our morning or afternoon sessions: 9am to 11:45pm (afternoon extension available, please inquire) Aftercare is from 2:30 to 5:15pm (pick-up available from certain local schools)

Nikita Spanish Playgroup is a Spanish immersion playgroup for up to 6 kids that revolves around music. We plan activities aimed to developing logical thinking and awakening children’s curiosity through a variety of activities that include music, baking, dancing, gardening, photoshoots and arts and crafts. During our music time, we teach children to count beats with sticks, drums and body movements. Kids will be in constant participation through play and learn, being exposed to instruments sounds that invite them to recognize their names within an array of easy classical/jazz pieces. In the Tikita Spanish Playgroup, we respect every child's pace using their natural talents and interests to plan each activity accordingly. We have a lovely, comfortable kid-safe environment with a big outdoor deck to play and explore. You can join us everyday in our morning or afternoon sessions: 9am to 11:45pm & 2:30 to 5:15pm.

Additional details

Days/times : September-June 2014, 9-11:45am Tuition: 2-day: $4500 3-day: $6500 4-day: $8000 5-day: $9,000 Ages: 18 months-3 years  

Once a bookworm, always a bookworm. Natalia Matthews can vouch for that. Photo cred: Aramis Darcy