Nurturing Self-Love: A Collection of Resources for You
Welcome to my carefully curated resources for cultivating self-love, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. If you're looking for quality materials to enhance your practice, free, available for purchase, or valuable finds from other creators, this page offers something for everyone. All of these resources are designed to inspire, support, and nurture your journey.
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Jennifer Gillingham
Walking Through Rain
Walking Through R.A.I.N. is a fantastic guide for both educators and parents seeking tools for fostering self-regulation in children. This story illustrates the Recognize, Allow, Investigate, & Nurture (R.A.I.N.) created method by Tara Brach, providing clear examples of how adults can guide children through each step.
As children move through this gentle yet powerful process, they can rediscover a sense of safety and comfort, helping to calm their minds and bodies. This versatile approach works for all ages, including adults. While best suited for children in grades K-5, this guided meditation story is an engaging and accessible way to introduce self-regulation practices.
Enjoy it for free by simply clicking 'Yes Please' and making a copy of the Google Slides.
Releasing The Complain Dragon
Uh Oh…
Timmy woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning!
As he yawns and opens his eyes, his difficult feelings grow stronger and take the shape of three dragons.
Join Timmy as he learns how to cope with tough dragons."
‘Releasing the Complain Dragon’ includes helpful pre-reading and post-reading
questions, as well as support to guide children through Timmy’s story.
This story focuses on social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. Through Timmy’s journey, children will learn to identify their emotions, express their feelings, anchor themselves in the present moment, and develop self-awareness. They will explore the source of their stress, discover how to meet their needs, and learn how to move forward with a positive mindset.
Click the image or 'Buy Now' to visit Amazon and purchase
‘Releasing the Complain Dragon'
Jack, the Squirrel
Jack is a squirrel with only one eye; but he doesn’t let that stop him from living his best life! Join Jack as he busies himself about the neighbourhood trying to steal a delicious treat.
As the first book in the Neighbourhood Woodland series, Jack the Squirrel is based on a true story that will bring laughter and warmth to readers of all ages. The joy of reading this playful tale is, in itself, an act of self-love—a moment of fun, relaxation, and connection that reminds us of the simple joys of life.
In addition to the fun story, this book includes mindfulness prompts and self-reflection questions that align with Social Emotional Learning (SEL), as well as inquiry-based questions tied to Social Studies, Science, and Outdoor Education curricula. The photo album of the real Jack adds an authentic, personal touch.
Through Jack’s adventure, readers are encouraged to consider and celebrate their uniqueness, and embrace the joy of a good story—because taking time to enjoy life and laugh is an important part of loving ourselves.
Click the image or 'Buy Now' to visit Amazon and purchase ‘Jack, the Squirrel'
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A Year of Yoga in Oak Town
A Year of Yoga in Oak Town is a captivating 12-book children’s yoga series, one for each month of the year. Each story is thoughtfully aligned with both the natural rhythms of the seasons and the familiar cycles in a child’s life—such as the start and end of school. The themes resonate with these ever-changing patterns, offering a sense of connection to both the world around them and their personal experiences. Every book begins with breathwork to invigorate both mind and body, followed by a gentle spinal warm-up that moves the spine in all six directions. As the story unfolds, young readers can follow along with fun poses that mirror the adventures of the characters, capturing the essence of the story’s events. In each story, you'll find helpful tips for postures, adjustments, and images to guide children in their practice. Each book concludes with a calming cool-down, allowing children to integrate their practice, refocus, and prepare for the day ahead.
Purchase Individually or receive a discounted price for all 12!
September
September: Embracing Beginnings
In this sweet September adventure, join Mama Hedgehog and her six curious hoglets as they experience their first day out of the nest. With each stretch and pose, they explore the world around them with wide-eyed wonder and excitement. This story celebrates the theme of a fresh start, inviting children to follow along with playful poses that help them embrace new beginnings—just like the hoglets. From deep breaths to joyful discoveries, this story encourages mindfulness and movement while exploring the beauty of a new day.
January
January: Progressing Toward Your Goals
In this snowy adventure, Anna and her best friend Charlotte spend a weekend at a ski resort, where Anna is inspired by the music she hears, to begin her own journey of writing and singing. With Charlotte’s encouragement, Anna learns to embrace her fear and excitement, and together, they break down her big dream into small, achievable steps. Through skiing, brainstorming, and reflecting by the fire, Anna starts to realize that progress doesn’t need to happen all at once—it’s a series of small, brave actions that will get her closer to her goal. This story invites children to take their own dreams and turn them into manageable steps, all while embracing the flow of progress at their own pace.
May
May: Igniting Your spark
As the young dragons discover their own unique way of creating fire, they learn the power of individuality and the importance of patience. Oscilly's journey reminds us that while it may take time to spark our own energy, the moment will come when we embrace our own light. Through yoga and mindful movement, young readers will be inspired to connect with their inner fire, understand that everyone shines in their own way, and celebrate their personal growth with confidence and joy.
October
October: Embracing Change At Harvest Time
As the sun sets on their perfect beach day, the boy and his family bask in the warmth of the day they've shared. Through laughter, play, and the peaceful rhythm of the waves, they discover how joy can be found in every corner of life. This story reminds young readers that joy is all around us, and with every new day, there's always an opportunity to embrace the happiness that comes from simple, beautiful moments.
February
February: Spreading Kindness
In this heartwarming winter story, Aarav and his family embrace the spirit of kindness by welcoming new neighbors to their community. As they create handmade scarves and mittens, they learn the power of simple gestures and the joy that comes from sharing love and warmth with others. Through mindful breathing, movement, and acts of kindness, this story reminds readers that even the smallest acts can create big, beautiful connections.
June
June: Closing A Chapter
As the summer rain continues to fall, Olivia learns that closing one chapter doesn't mean the end of the memories or the joy that comes with them. Follow along with Olivia as she discovers the magic in letting go of one story to make room for another. Olivia embraces the bittersweet beauty of transitions, finding comfort in knowing that happiness and memories can continue to live on, ready to be revisited or transformed into new adventures. Young readers are reminded that every ending makes space for something new, that the memories we make can live on in our hearts, ready to be revisited or transformed into fresh adventures.
This story encourages reflection upon the end of the school year.
November
November: Remember Your Inner Peace
As autumn begins to close and winter fast approaches, Bear rushes through his preparations for hibernation, feeling restless and unsettled. As he faces the overwhelming tasks ahead, Fox gently reminds him that true peace comes not only from external actions but from within. Through mindful movements and breathing, Bear reconnects with his inner calm, learning to observe his feelings without judgment. In the quiet moment of remembrance, he discovers that peace has always been within him, ready to be embraced. This story invites children to explore how they can find and remember their own inner peace, even when life feels chaotic.
March
March: Cultivating Your Inner Garden
Under the light of the spring moon, Mama Raccoon guides her little ones and their friends on a journey to explore the deep connections between all living things. Through nature’s wisdom, they discover how balance, care, and support help them grow strong and healthy. As they learn to cultivate their own garden, this educational story about the Three Sisters method invites young readers to explore the importance of nourishing themselves with self-care, supportive relationships, and healthy habits to thrive.
July
July: Soaking Up The Sun
As the sun sets on their perfect beach day, the boy and his family bask in the warmth of the day they've shared. Through laughter, play, and the peaceful rhythm of the waves, they discover how joy can be found in every corner of life. This story reminds young readers that joy is all around us, and with every new day, there's always an opportunity to embrace the happiness that comes from simple, beautiful moments.
December
December: Embrace Your Inner Chill
In this winter wonderland escape, Miles and Chance race outside to enjoy the fresh snow, but as excitement builds, Miles starts to feel rushed. With the help of his brother, Chance reminds him to stay calm and embrace the moment, letting go of the rush and finding peace in the process. As they work together to build their snowman, they learn the importance of taking things slow and enjoying the journey. Through mindful breathing and movement, the boys practice embracing their inner chill, learning that there’s always time to enjoy the present, to take things one step at a time, even when the world around them is filled with excitement
April
April: Letting Go
The storm passed, and in its wake, it left a powerful lesson about letting go. In this story, Leena learns to allow her worries to be carried away, like leaves rushing down a stream. Through the flow of the water, Leena realizes that while things may disappear, there’s always room to create, explore, and find new sources of happiness. In this heartfelt journey of release and renewal, young readers are reminded that letting go can bring peace and open the door to new beginnings.
August
August: A Mindset For Adventure
As Daisy, Matthew, and Vira embark on their unexpected wilderness adventure, they quickly learn that being prepared in life isn’t just about having the right gear, but having the right mindset for adventure. When you approach each day with curiosity and the willingness to embrace whatever comes your way, every moment becomes an opportunity for courage, adaptability, and discovery. From crossing mud pits to scaling rocks, this story reminds young readers that sometimes the best part of an adventure is not knowing what’s ahead, but being open to whatever surprises await, knowing that with the right mindset, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Complete Collection
I Am Enough
" This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it"
When reading this aloud in my Grade 3 classroom, the students and I were engaged in a rich dialogue about our unique and worthy selves.
Click the image to purchase on Amazon
or
Listen to the read aloud on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyE7-qivLMc
Self Compassion Break for Kids
This short, 3 minute video walks your child through 3 steps
of self compassion. This gentle and informative approach
can be used again and again to help your child with feelings
of sadness, anger, loneliness, and other uncomfortable
sensations.
Click the image to listen to the read aloud on Youtube: