How it is August already?! It is a period of time when people are squeezing in their last vacations and gearing up for a busy fall routine. Before you jump into the next season, I encourage you to slow down. Delegate your energy and time to the things that you believe are of value to you. It is ok to say no, set boundaries and change the way you have spent your time in the past. I once heard a phrase that said, "when I say no to X then I can say yes to Y." For example, when I say no to work travel then I say yes to my son's soccer game. These boundaries are not always in your control but when they are, don't let guilt or pressure persuade you to do something that feels out of alignment with who you are or want to be.
My wish for you this fall season is to say no to the things that do not align with your values and say yes more often to the things that do. I know I will be practicing this in my own life and I hope you can too.
Good luck easing back into "real life" ;)
Audrey
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What's Happening This Month |
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Simply Bee at Safety Town Commanders Camp
August 12th
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Simply Bee's Resident Yoga Instructor Stephanie Bersh, RYT200 is partnering with the Gordon Center in Lake Forest for their annual Safety Town Commanders Camp. This is modeled after the original Safety Town, but with a curriculum built for the next level, ages 8-10. Topics will cover many categories pertinent to this age group including what to do if your alarm goes off, walking home alone, fire safety, poison/medicine safety, bullying/cyber bullying and mindfulness.
Stephanie's workshop will include yoga and a mindfulness jar activity. These are great tools to support kids in regaining control of their mind and body during times of high stress or anxiety when they may feel a lack of control or inability to stay calm.
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True to You: A Body Positive Workshop For Teens
August 25th
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If your teen needs a confidence pick me up in their morning routine and clothing style then this workshop is for them!
Join Simply Bee's Annie Peck, LPC & Stylist for a fun and supportive workshop where she will provide your teen with solutions to start their day filled with self love. Teens will start with a therapist-led discussion about what styles means to them, create style looks off the rack, create their own style profile, follow art therapy directives to create personal body positive affirmations, and set intentions for a new and improved morning routine.
Annie is a former stylist and the founder of her own styling business, as well as a Licensed Counselor. Through this fun and supportive environment she will combine both of her passions and provide your teen with an increased sense of trust in themselves as they choose outfits that portray their unique style and creativity. Additionally, they will each walk away with affirmation words/phrases that they can use each morning to increase their confidence as they get dressed and ready to conquer the day.
Space is limited so grab your spot now!
Event Details:
When: Wednesday, August 25th | 7:00-8:15pm
Where: Simply Bee, 977 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
Who: Open to ages 13-18; all genders
Cost: $25.00/person
*You will receive an email confirmation with additional information after registration
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Stevenson High School Wellness Week StreetFest
August 28th
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Stevenson High School is kicking off their school year with a goal to support the wellness of their students, staff and the community as a whole. The weeklong events will culminate in their annual StreetFest.
This event will include fireworks, live stage performances, interactive programs, food trucks, and activities from various Stevenson clubs and community agencies who all work diligently to support wellness. Simply Bee will have a booth - so be sure to stop by and say hello!
Event Details:
When: Saturday, August 28th | 5:00-9:00pm
Where: Stevenson High School, Parking Lot E
Who: Open to all members of the community
Cost: Free (donations of $10 is suggested & all proceeds benefit the wellness-based agencies of Elyssa's Mission, Rainbows for All Children, Shelter, Inc., and Loving Without Limits)
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Paws For Patrick Awareness Walk
September 26th
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Join the Simply Bee Team (including our therapy dogs in training Rosie & Jerry) for this event in support of Paws for Patrick.
This organization was founded by the Roemer family in memory of their son Patrick who lived with depression and anxiety for most of his young life; his illness took him from his loved ones just months before he would have graduated from Lake Forest High School in May of 2020.
Their mission is to connect young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. Utilizing their unique Wish Granter and Therapy Dog programs, they provide the funds and resources to bring the love of animals to the people who need it most. They also seek to raise awareness of mental illness and break the stigma that still exists.
Paws for Patrick will mark their one year anniversary with a Walk for Awareness & Family Fair that includes food trucks, live music and the opportunity to learn more about local community resources and organizations.
Event Details:
When: Sunday, September 26th | 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Center, Lake Forest, IL
Who: Open to all members of the community
Cost: Free
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Parents Role in Building Confident & Happy Athletes
Sports Psychology Tips For Parents
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We have two spots left to partner with high schools/organizations for this FREE 60 minute parent workshop. Our goal is to guide parents on how to best support their child effectively in sports so they can gain increased resiliency skills and confidence - both on and off the field.
As school resumes so will the exciting start of the fall sports season. Participating in a sport can influence a child in so many positive ways, from learning how to be a part of a team, to the importance of discipline & hard work, to even the more general mental health benefits of moving your body daily. However, like every coin, there are two sides. Sports can also be a place for unhealthy competition, internalized disappointment, and anxiety.
It can also sometimes result in a difficult relationship with parents, who have an important role in their child's sports performance. While often coming from a well-meaning place, sometimes the overlap of parenting and wanting to coach their child on "how to be better" can cause frustration, arguments or strain.
Eric Stevenson, LPC is a counselor and mental performance coach at Simply Bee who provides support to both athletes and parents regularly. He uses sports psychology skills and methods to help avoid situations like the dreaded car ride home or the quiet dinner table after a big loss or tough practice.
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We are offering this parent workshop for free to the next two schools/organizations who book for the Fall of 2021. For more information or to book now, please contact our
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More Peace & Less Stress: A Mental Health & Yoga Workshop
How to Integrate Breathing & Yoga to Cope With Stress
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On July 8th Simply Bee Therapist Jacqueline Ritz, LCPC, and Resident Yoga Instructor Stephanie Bersh, RYT200 led a workshop that shared meditation and breathing techniques with a goal to help people feel more calm and in control, even during times of overwhelm. Everyone walked away having mental and emotional clarity.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed with work, family and all of life's obligations. During those times of stress you might find yourself lost in thoughts and emotions. You've heard over and over again about the importance of breathing, meditation and moving your body when it comes to alleviating stress, but perhaps you've felt intimidated by learning a new breathing technique, or you've just been unsure of where to start. We're here to help!
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Community Partnership Event for Teens
Supporting Fill A Heart 4 Kids + Lydia Home
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On July 26th Simply Bee partnered with Fill A Heart 4 Kids as they support the children and teens of Lydia Home to provide an art therapy and mental health skills workshop led by Kerry Strzyzewski, LPC.
When asked what Kerry's favorite take-a-way was from this event she said, "Partnering with Lydia Home and Fill A Heart 4 Kids felt like an amazing opportunity to continue our mission at Simply Bee of helping others achieve and sustain personal wellness. Meeting with the kids who participated in our art therapy group was impactful for me as a clinician for many reasons. Having the space to engage, hear their stories, and learn more from them about the amazing work that these organizations do everyday in Chicago was an experience that has stayed with me long after we walked out the doors. I was honored to spend a few hours with such amazing teens and look forward to future events and opportunities to partner with these organizations."
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In Case You Missed It
Want More?
If you're interested in checking out our resources and programs designed to support wellbeing for educators, parents & students join our Simply Bee Classroom newsletter, The Bulletin
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Do you see an event you like?
Contact us and we will help bring mental wellness to you!
For more information on workshops, public speaking engagements & more...
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Looking for our counseling services? Check out our website for more info & fill out the form below to be contacted by our team.
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