• About Me
  • Quotes and Scripture

Kristen Seidl – Living an Intentional Life

Kristen Seidl – Living an Intentional Life

Tag Archives: EDGE

Cut the Bull!

10 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by Kristen Seidl in Friendship, Inspirational, LIFE Founders, LIFE Leadership, Relationships

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Bullying, EDGE, George Guzzardo, Harassment, LIFE Leadership, Orrin Woodward

“What if the kid you bullied at school, grew up, and turned out to be the only surgeon who could save your life?” Lynette Mather

My student moved from Zimbabwe to America two years ago; a smart, likable dark-skinned 15-year-old with a positive attitude and a low self-esteem. As he walked into class I over-heard one of his outspoken 17-year-old peers sarcastically comment, “Hey, Zimbabwe! What’s up?” …as he went to slap him a high-five and pulled his hand away just as they were about to make contact. The 15-year-old chuckled as the other students laughed under their breath but little did he know that his peers were laughing at him and not with him. Immediately I pulled my 15-year-old student aside and asked him if he was okay with his peers calling him Zimbabwe? These kids were all the same ethnicity so I wasn’t sure if it was a nickname or an insult. Sometimes it’s hard to tell with teenagers. But I thought I would ask just to be sure. In his sweet pre-pubescent voice he responded, “well…not really, but so many people do it now that I’ve kind of gotten used to it…”

Immediately I spent the entire class period wrestling with the words that I wanted to say to these particular students who I just knew were bullies. I didn’t want to humiliate my 15-year-old even more in front of class so I formulated a plan to talk to these students privately afterwards.

bullying (1)In my most choleric and serious tone I glared into their eyes with tears and anger as I told them about my friend in high school who committed suicide because of bullying, my brother who was humiliated and ridiculed in middle school and needed a restraining order against his bully (who today the guy is now dead from drug overdose) while my brother is a successful business owner and musician. I told them that people can get kicked out of school, get fired from jobs and go to prison for bullying and harassment.  I told them, “I don’t care if you think it’s a joke, if you think it’s funny or if you think it’s harmless…….because it’s not a joke, it’s not funny and it’s hurtful.” I told them I have NO TOLERANCE for bullying at any level and I would do everything in my power to stop it from continuing. Needless to say I have not seen or heard anything since.

BULLYPIC2This topic has and always will hit close to home for me. Not only have I seen and witnessed the effects of bullying and harassment in people who I care deeply about, I have personally dealt with it in my own life. Subtle comments that are remembered from my past: the tall girl, the tom boy, the girl with man hands, ghetto booty, the shy girl who doesn’t talk… probably the most hurtful was in high school people liked to ‘joke’ because I dressed in athletic clothes, played sports and rarely had time for a boyfriend that I was the single girl with a big question mark above my head. Stereotypes that were completely UNTRUE began as a joke which escalated to rumors all because one person wanted to be funny. In fact some of those comments were what led to my years of battling an eating disorder because of low self-confidence, insecurity, low self-esteem and poor self-image. I wanted to believe that I was strong and I could ‘handle’ their jokes but my heart was hurt as I began to get angry, depressed and isolated. One thing that is important to remember is that bullying doesn’t always look like bullying. We recognize that when we hear stories of parents verbally abusing their kids, friends teasing and spreading rumors about other friends, rampant gossip or inappropriate texts, e mails or social media messages about another person. It sometimes looks harmless but rarely is it actually harmless!

Bullying is a serious topic that needs more awareness and that is why I am posting this article. Just look at the statistics:

  • Over 3.8 million students are victims of bullying each year.
  • Approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying.
  • 90% of 4th through 8th grade students report being victims of bullying.
  • Almost 60% of those bullied early in life are also bullied in high school.
  • Approximately 30% of young people ADMIT to bullying others.
  • 70.6% of young people admit to seeing bullying in their schools.
  • 62% admitted to seeing bullying three or more times in the last month and 41% admit to seeing it at least once a week or more.
  • The MOST common types of bullying are verbal and social
  • According to one large study, the following percentages of middle schools students had experienced these various types of bullying: name calling (44.2 %); teasing (43.3 %); spreading rumors or lies (36.3%); pushing or shoving (32.4%); hitting, slapping, or kicking (29.2%); leaving out (28.5%); threatening (27.4%); stealing belongings (27.3%); sexual comments or gestures (23.7%); e-mail or blogging (9.9%).
  • Out of 100 – LESS THAN 20% of students who are bullied ever notify an adult about the bullying!

Don’t be mistaken, young people are not the only one’s who are targets for bullying. Many adults face similar challenges in the form of harassment, verbal and emotional abuse and physical harm. None of this should be taken lightly and if you see it and it doesn’t seem normal – it probably isn’t. It’s not okay to be a bystander or walk away!

Check out this video that is both disturbing and encouraging…but mostly disturbing:

 

Leadership is doing what’s right regardless of the consequences. If there were more people with a hunger for leadership we could not only stop bullying while it was happening but more importantly prevent it from starting.

I believe LIFE Leadership provides the best information to develop adults and young people into strong leaders who would not only recognize an inappropriate situation but sacrifice their own comfort and safety to help someone else. The Edge series was designed specifically for young people to develop their confidence, self-esteem, leadership and thinking. George Guzzardo stated recently in his article, Everything I Always Wanted for Christmas how important it is that we get the right information into people’s hands this holiday season and it starts with the Edge series for teens.

I truly believe it will be leaders who get the right information into the hands of the right people who will make a difference in their schools, communities, churches and professions. It will be leaders who sacrifice the comfort of their own lives in order to change someone else’s life and it will be leaders who spread the message of bullying prevention across the nation and the world.

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18

God Bless,

Kristen

Young Entrepreneurs will Shape the Future

08 Thursday Aug 2013

Posted by Kristen Seidl in Freedom, Inspirational, LIFE Leadership

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

45 year plan, Allie Ganswindt, Chris Brady, EDGE, George Guzzardo, LIFE Leadership, LIFE LIVE, Next generation leaders, Orrin Woodward, Self directed education

Sir Walter Scott said, “All men who turned out worth anything have had a chief hand in their own education.”

full libraryThe parking lot at the library was much like the Christmas season mayhem at the mall. What were all these ‘kids’ doing here? It was a beautiful day in the middle of summer. I hadn’t been to the library in a while – just needed access to a printer. As I found a space, plugged in my laptop and started to work, I took a moment to look around. Most of my fellow library nomads were between fifteen and twenty-five years of age. As I relished the silence of the room I observed something that was worth noting. These ‘kids’ were here to work. Sure, some were playing games on their laptops or chatting on Facebook, but most were working or reading. There was no school and no assignments due. Suddenly I realized that I was sitting amongst the do-it-yourself generation.

45 year planWe younger people have been raised to do these things by ourselves. Need a restaurant? Google It. Where was George Washington born? Look it up. Our generation is expected to find things out for ourselves. A lot of it has been thrust upon us because of where technology has gone, but this is where we are. We find a way. Our generation is different, no doubt. However, different doesn’t mean bad. We know how to work. Most of us know by now that there isn’t a lifelong corporate job waiting for us. No watch at the retirement party after thirty years of service. We know those days are over. If we want to find a path, we will have to chop some brush to clear it. I have witnessed this as I have gone out and talked to other young people about LIFE Leadership. There is an entrepreneurial spirit about our generation. A spirit that is needed.

In the Spring of 2009 (my first year of teaching) I was motivated to instill these entrepreneurial principles into the lives of my students. It was a bold move at the time because I was only a few years older than the very ‘kids’ I was trying to influence. However, I was not much older than them when I started to learn the same principles. I was a physical education teacher so as you can imagine the response to reading books on personal development in gym class was not real welcoming. But my goal as a high school teacher was not to develop their frisbee throw or their volleyball serve; my goal was to develop young leaders.

Recently I connected with one of my former students, Allie Ganswindt. She was a freshman at the time and 15 years old. As we were catching up she mentioned the ‘reading assignment’ we did in her class. Today she is 18 years old and just graduated high school. I asked Allie (who is not connected to LIFE leadership) to answer a few questions as a 3rd party to help us understand the importance of leadership education for the next generation:

  • What was your first reaction to receiving a ‘leadership book’ as a young adult in physical education class?

As a Freshman receiving this book it was a little weird. At first I didn’t think it was going to help me at all. I was like why are we reading in gym class???? We have to sit all day in desks and gym is supposed to get you energized and active and I knew reading was not going to do that. Since we were only freshman we didn’t really listen well and Ms. Seidl would have to force us to read for 15-20 minutes. I think now though looking back it helped develop good reading habits and the stuff I learned I have been able to use as I prepare for the future. 

  • Prior to reading that book, did you ever consider yourself a leader? What qualities do you think defines a leader? Now that you are older do you see yourself as a leader?

I did not consider myself a leader. I thought that I may be a leader to someone but I didn’t look at myself as someone who could lead. I think a leader is someone who is a good motivator, knowledgeable, dedicated, willing to get there hands dirty and a good communicator. I think I am a leader now, especially in my family and with my baby brother Josh who I am able to teach right from wrong. 

  • What principles have you applied in the last few years after reading that book and do you think looking back it has helped you at all with decision making and thinking differently?

When I read that book it talked about thinking through your decisions and preparing for the future with stories that related to us as teenagers and how just doing the little things over a period of time will make a big difference. It helped me think about college and what I wanted for the future and how much different life will be like if I make the right decisions now – talking about the slight edge principle. 

  • What are your current aspirations and passions and where do you see yourself in the future?

My dream is to be in the medical field. I love to help people and I want to make a difference in someone’s life so being a physical therapist, a surgical assistant or a nurse would be so AWESOME!!! I am passionate about making a difference and helping people. 

  • Do you think leadership education/information is important for young adults and why?

Yes, I have realized that in order to be successful in any field leadership qualities are a must. I believe it will give you an edge in any field you pursue.

  • Have you ever received this type of information in formal schooling?

Except for a brief discussion about ethics in my health occupations class I have never received this type of information before. 

  • At what age do you think it is important to start learning and applying these principles?

I think 6th grade – the earlier the better!!

Leadership education is self-directed education. It is personalized. Not only did my students read but they reflected on how they could apply the information into their lives. Matters of leadership or entrepreneurship are often seen as distant or irrelevant to the day to day lives of young people and I believe it’s because most adults don’t regard young people as ‘leaders.’ We just see them as young people. But the shift is among us. Leadership education or self-directed education is just as important, if not more important, for young people as it is for adults. After all, it is the next generation that will be leading our country. That being said, it is critical we give young people the same opportunity as adults to receive a leadership education.

I am very proud of Allie and extremely optimistic about the do-it-yourself generation. The very concept screams leadership. When I was a teenager learning these principles I never would have imagined the impact it would have on me as an adult. The genius of Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, George Guzzardo and all the LIFE founders have taken LIFE Leadership and self-directed education to a whole new level by bringing in the young people. By offering subscriptions to the EDGE series; allowing teenagers to attend LIFE LIVE seminars and showing parents that it’s important to be a model for leadership in the home, the future is bright indeed!

God Bless,

Kristen

A Leadership Revolution for the Next Generation

16 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Kristen Seidl in Community and Leadership, Freedom, Inspirational, LIFE Leadership

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Chris Brady, EDGE, George Guzzardo, Orrin Woodward, teaching leadership in schools, the-life-business.com, the-team.biz

One thing I love so much about the-life-business founded by Orrin Woodward is the impact it is making in so many people’s lives. We no longer have to fear what other people will think based on the mission and purpose of LIFE. It is so attractive that nearly every walk of life is a fit. Recently, the-life-business launched a new product called EDGE. The purpose of this product was to bring leadership to the youth in a fun and educational way. LIFE founder, Chris Brady says, “Let’s face it, if we adults need this information, how much more might our younger ones need it? Our world is bombarding them with inappropriate, incorrect, and incoherent messages and we need to fight back with the truth!” That is exactly what EDGE is designed to do. So with this in mind, I asked myself, how can leadership be brought to public education? The system has been knocked down in more ways than one and it is affecting our future generations.

Being that I have a degree in education (that is currently not being used) I was searching for ways that I would be able to influence teenagers with the assistance of the LIFE materials and the new EDGE audio program. About a month ago a request for proposals was sent out via e mail from the District Office where I used to teach (in Waukesha, WI). They were requesting ideas for potential summer school courses at the high school level that students could take for credit in their graduation requirements. I knew it was God’s timing that I had to obey and submit a proposal. The course was titled “Action Based Leadership.” The purpose was to influence and develop the next generation of leaders. Course requirements recommended were: community based leadership projects, mental fitness challenges, group book discussions and assignments using the book Launching a Leadership Revolution by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady, guest speakers and community service involvement. The students would also be required to study the 8 F’s of LIFE (faith, family, friends, finances, fitness, following, fun and freedom) and present on one of the “F’s” they plan to grow in during the 5 week summer school course. While the write up was quick and the ideas barely planned, the proposal request was APPROVED!

So imagine the possibilities of bringing leadership to the conveyor belt system of education. Could there be a way that we expand beyond just teaching a summer school leadership course (that students get credit for) but taking it to more school districts and looking at a more long term leadership education program in public and private school education? Imagine the impact that can be made! The-life-business has opened so many doors to truly change this country. All it requires is each of us to play our part. The course will run from June 25th to July 27th for 4 hours a day, 4 days a week. For 16 hours a week at 5 weeks these students will understand the importance and their role in becoming a leader in the 21st century. I will reveal more details as the course is being created. As Chris Brady says, “Everyone will be called upon to lead at some point in their life. The question is, will you be ready?” It’s time to truly launch this leadership revolution and bring the next generation with us on our way to 1,000,000 people.

Blessings,

Kristen

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 3,493 other followers

Blog Stats

  • 97,684 hits

Kristen Seidl

Archives

Follow me on Twitter

  • RT @beachsharon: The character of a man is determined by what it takes to stop him/her. #tlyaw @RascalTweets https://t.co/EE70R1k6TV 1 month ago
  • RT @beachsharon: Mic 🎤 drop by Terri Brady! “I made you, stop insulting me!” -GOD #tlyaw @TerriMBrady https://t.co/R7QICif59T 1 month ago
  • RT @LifeLeadrship: Today's the day! Get out and serve and #makeadifference in your community! Remember to share your experience with #LOLDa… 3 months ago
  • RT @RevKevDeYoung: Almost anything bad can be sweet with friends, and almost anything good can be terrible without them. 4 months ago
  • Never pray for an easier life... pray to be a stronger person. Never pray for tasks equal to your strength... pray… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 4 months ago
Follow @kseidl34

Recent Posts

  • Delivered: An Encounter with Jesus
  • Only One Life, ‘Twill Soon Be Past – A Poem by C.T. Studd
  • There IS a Too Late: What I’ve Learned From Regret
  • I Grow Up to Be a Loser! (Another Lesson on Perspective)
  • Perspective: Through a Child’s Eyes
  • Change and Faith: Mile Mark 3-1-6
  • Hope Outlasts the Passage of Time
  • To Obey…or To Stray: Let Down Your Nets
  • A Grateful Heart Doesn’t Need a “Restart” Button
  • Top Quotes at the 2015 LIFE Leadership Summit

Follow my blog by subscribing here

  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Quick Click

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Search

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy