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    Essentialism

    Personal Curriculum Ideas: How to Find Your Perfect Topic

    In this series of posts, I’m covering what a personal curriculum is, how to design one unique to you, personal curriculum ideas for skills to learn and topics to research, where to find high-quality educational content, and effective study tips for self-study as an adult with a busy life.  When I started seeing the trend of the personal curriculum getting traction online, I knew I needed to write about it. Not only do I have a blog devoted to personal development, but my career is in adult education. It’s so great to see people active on social media taking a stand against “brain rot” and promoting things to do instead of doomscrolling.  I previously provided a step-by-step…

  • Essentialism

    How to Make a Personal Curriculum: Your Step-by-Step Guide

    When the idea of the personal curriculum started gaining popularity online, I was pumped. As the topics of this blog show, I’m all about personal development and helping others achieve their potential. Plus, my day job is in adult education.  So, I love that so many people, especially young people, are finding creative ways to fight “brain rot”  and keep learning new things outside of school.  As I explored other guides on the topic, though, I noticed some advice that will set people up to fail with their first personal curriculum. I wanted to do a series to share some of my specialized knowledge in the field of education to help others design and implement a personal curriculum that will actually work for them.  In this series of…

  • Essentialism

    What Is a Personal Curriculum and Why Should You Make One? 

    I’ve been so excited to see the personal curriculum trend gaining popularity online. As someone with a Master’s in Education and a blog dedicated to personal development, I was thrilled to find such a positive movement that supports personal growth getting traction on social media. And this is a trend I can lend some expertise to!   The movement began on TikTok. And it’s incredible that those on TikTok – which celebrates a short attention span – are recognizing the drawbacks of social media platforms and making plans to combat the “brain rot.”   However, in my exploration of the topic, I’ve seen some advice that will set people up for failure. Those of us with experience creating an adult curriculum can spot these pitfalls a mile away.  In this series…

  • Essentialism,  Seasonal Living

    How to Design an Mindful Morning Routine Checklist for an Intentional Day

    Do you believe you’re “just not a morning person”? Have you tried to build the perfect morning routine checklist, but you never seem to wake up early enough to follow it?  Does your morning routine include hitting snooze twice, rushing to get dressed, and hastily eating processed food while you commute to work, raging at every other commuter because you’re already late?   If you have kids, your morning is likely even more chaotic.   Or maybe you’re passionate about personal improvement. So, you created a morning routine checklist that involves doing squats while you brush your teeth, taking a cold shower, and chugging a disgusting green juice powder. Despite following all the right self-improvement tips, you dread your mornings.  Here’s how to completely revamp your approach and join…

  • Seasonal Living

    How to Fight Seasonal Depression in Winter – and Even Enjoy the Season 

    The downturn in mood around when Daylight Savings Time ends in early November is like clockwork for many of us. Suddenly, the sun rises after you wake and sets before you leave the office. The wind hurts your face. You seem to be perpetually sick. You feel cold even in your house. Your skin is dry. No one organizes get togethers after the holidays. And simple errands that require going outside feel impossible. There’s a term for this change in mood: seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But is there a way to fight seasonal depression in winter? And beyond that, is it possible to even enjoy the season?   I’ve read and watched a lot of content on this topic over the years, because I…