Overcoming Challenges Archives

30 Oct 2025

Gratitude in the Unexpected

When you choose to only focus on what you expected to achieve or what you wanted to occur, a mindset shift for gratitude helps you notice the learning and opportunities that can come from life’s detours.

When I was travelling to BC, I expected that my holiday would be stress free – a time to relax and have fun.

Then the detour happened…my purse with all my ID was stolen. I was sad, angry, disappointed and overwhelmed.

Awhile later my mum suggested I write 3 things I could be grateful for from this disheartening incident.

I was shocked. What could I possibly appreciate?

I decided to give it a try.

I took pen to paper and wrote:

1. The kindness and generosity of the people around me who wanted to replace the items in my purse.

2. My brother-in-law (a police officer) immediately started to find ways to get me new identification so I could board the plane home.

3. A fun shopping trip with my mum to replace my purse.

When I chose to focus on what I appreciated rather than what I expected, a mindset shift for gratitude made it easier to let go of the tough emotions I was experiencing, and I was able to bounce back much quicker than I normally would.

Next time your child is facing a challenging time or a tough emotion, ask them to write or tell you 3 things they are grateful for to help them bounce back to move forward.

This is what I know: A mindset shift for gratitude works – not only for kids but also adults!

Until next time…

26 Feb 2025

The #1 Mindset that Helps Kids Win in Life

Winning brings success—so does learning. When kids embrace a win-or-learn mindset, they recognize that every experience has value. Whether they achieve their goal or gain new insight, both outcomes help them grow stronger, wiser and more confident.

This perspective teaches them that success isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s also about the skills, knowledge and resilience they develop along the way. When kids understand this, they become more willing to take on challenges, push through difficulties and trust in their ability to improve.

Encourage them to reflect on these questions:

✔️ What worked well for me?

✔️ What new skill or understanding did I gain?

✔️ How can I use this experience to keep improving?

A win-or-lose way of thinking can create fear and self-doubt, making kids hesitant to try. But a win-or-learn mindset develops courage, motivation and perseverance.

This is what I know: Whether in school, sports or friendships, remind your kids that every challenge, setback or loss is progress on the path to success.

Until next time…

18 Apr 2024

How Powerful is Self-Talk in Shaping a Child’s Resilience?

Recently, I had a conversation with my 11-year-old son about his self-talk during challenging moments—whether on the ice or in everyday life.

I asked him, “What do you tell yourself when things don’t go as planned? How do you bounce back?”

His response was simple yet powerful: “I tell myself, ‘I got this.’ And I keep repeating it.”

When his self talk is, “I got this,” it not only impacts his confidence and determination but also influences the path he will choose to take.

Whenever your child is facing a challenging time, the words they repeat matters. It’s the difference between perseverance and belief in themselves or self-doubt and defeat.

I encourage you to ask your child what they could tell themselves that would give them the power and confidence to bounce back from mistakes, misplays and challenging circumstances.

Here’s What I Know: In teaching them the power of self-talk, you will equip them with a valuable tool for navigating life’s inevitable challenges with courage and resilience.

Until next time…