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!