A New You! A Comprehensive Self-Development Course (13-18) Part 1

**This class is split into two parts. I recommend taking part 1 first, but either can be taken independently**

I am including in this course many of the activities, handouts, and resources that I myself was given while getting certified as a holistic health coach. 

Just like a tree, we are unable to give fruit in our lives if our roots are dying. We need nourishment in all areas of our life in order to really thrive. I have outlined a clear path for you to be able to find the success you are looking for! I know that these tools can help you go from feeling trapped, insecure, or just unsure to confident, happy, and purpose-driven. It just takes the understanding and effort on your part. I'm with you every step of the way!

Classes are separated into different categories, following a tree analogy. The categories are as follows (Part one of the course covers up to the "Mind" section, and part 2 finishes the rest):

Soil (Setting the Environment for Growth)
Roots (Body, Heart, Mind, and Soul)
Trunk (Systems & Structure)
Branches (Purpose & Passion)
Fruit (Producing things that benefit other people)


A detailed syllabus of part one of the class is below:
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Week 1: Introductions and "Come to Yourself" (SOIL)
     We will get to know one another through fun activities, and begin class with a simple and optional assessment on where you are starting from. You can rate yourself in different categories of your life (social, emotional, physical, etc) to see what you want to focus on in the coming weeks. We will participate in an activity to uncover your real "why" of wanting to grow, and discuss what you hope to gain from the class.

Week 2: Proactivity & Steps to Healing (SOIL)
     We will discuss the steps to healing that we will cover in this course. We will discuss the principle of proactivity and how to step into the power that you have to change your own life. Activities will be provided to practice changing your mindset from reactive to proactive and to change stumbling blocks from your life into stepping stones.
     Homework: Choose one thing you can do to be proactive rather than reactive this week.

Week 3: Self-Care & Body Basics (ROOTS - BODY)
     The role of self care will be discussed, and you will pinpoint 10-20 things you can do to have more joy in your life. A brief presentation on the importance of exercise and sleep will be given along with a suggestion for healthy eating. A simple and optional evaluation can help you see your own exercise, sleep, and eating habits and choose goals to improve in the coming weeks.
     Homework assignments (choose one): complete a body image board to improve your body image, implement one thing from your "joy" list, or set a goal to take better care of your body.

Week 4: Emotions/"Cleaning Up" Your Life (ROOTS - HEART)
     Just as we would never try to rebuild a city on top of a mess after a natural disaster, we should not expect to rebuild our lives on top of a mess without cleaning things up first. The heart section is about how to heal and "clean up." This class will provide a feelings sheet designed to help you narrow down your emotions, writing tools, and a discussion about healthy ways to cope with your feelings. Forgiveness will be discussed (of ourselves and others) and tools will be given to help in the forgiveness process.
     Homework: "On the Inside" box (described in class)

Week 5: Relationships: Proactivity & Giving Love (ROOTS - HEART)
     We will discuss the role that you play in relationships as well as what is in vs. out of your control. We list the people who mean a lot to you and make plans to strengthen the bonds you have in your life. We will end class with a discussion on the importance of listening and empathy.
     Homework (choose one): Try and think, say, and do as many loving things as you can for one day, the "love letter" assignment (for forgiving someone else), or the "I see you" assignment (to help see a difficult person in your life more positively).

Week 6: Relationships: Vulnerability & Receiving Love (ROOTS - HEART)
     We can't be loved if we don't allow ourselves to be seen and understood. Practical tools to help you open up to others will be suggested, and we will will end class with a round of compliments and good feelings!
     Homework (choose one): Watch the Brene Brown TED talk on vulnerability and write a paragraph about what you learned or choose one way that you want to be vulnerable this week.     

Week 7: Being Still and Mindfulness (ROOTS - MIND)
     We clear a calculator after using it before entering another problem in. Likewise, our minds must be cleared continually to have space and clarity for new experiences/problems in our lives. We will discuss the power of being still as well as tools to help you practice this. We will try writing exercises to clear your head and discuss removing negativity from your mind and life.
     Homework (choose one): Practice intuitive writing, remove something negative from your life, or practice participating in less mindless activities.