“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”          Buddhist proverb

The inspiration for this project began four years ago while 1,300 miles from home. A multitude of blessings had culminated into the actualization of a longtime dream. Our family of four took a three month trip to the west coast and back. Memories were forged, minds were expanded and lives were forever changed.

Midway through the trip, with divinely perfect timing, my teacher arrived. I had been battling the re-entry of work related stress into my life across the miles. We had rented a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico for five nights. As was my usual morning routine at home, I awoke early and tiptoed downstairs to embrace quiet moments of reflection and inspiration. My hand traced over the spines of books present on the shelves. It was on that morning that The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz found me.

This book is a must-read! I engulfed its pages within 36 hours and took 27 pages of notes. Its concepts and core principles resonated so clearly with me. I had given previous nods to the four core energy sources throughout my life and career but was not managing my energy well. I needed to set firm boundaries between work and the rest of my life. We had allowed technology to become a fifth member of our family, one that eroded away at our true presence with one another.

My commitment to life and work balance was forever changed on our trip. I have bought and given away dozens of copies of my teacher. I have always believed that when you are inspired by new knowledge it is your duty to give back and share with others. I have designed and facilitated many small and large group sessions on managing energy. I hope for many, my sharing has been the teacher they needed because they were ready. It has become my life’s passion to contribute toward healthy life and work balance for others.

It was at this intersection of new knowledge and building frustrations with society’s work norms that The Hozho Project was launched. After 23 years in urban education and non-profit leadership I knew firsthand the importance of leadership in setting the tone for a school or organization. I had grown increasingly frustrated over the years as I watched the culture of high stakes accountability testing negatively impact teacher and student perceptions of self-worth. The societal norm had become to carry work with you on a device around the clock.

Prior to our trip my family became captivated by the Navajo concept of balance and inspired living, Ho‘zho. That inspiration contributed greatly to The Hozho Project’s mission to uplift, inspire, educate and empower others through personal growth that encourages professional excellence. It is with great passion that I work to help others manage their energy, inclusive of self-care, so that they can excel at work and beyond. We must commit to being our best selves so we can be our best for others.

Thank you for your presence. Please subscribe below to receive the weekly blog. I look forward to our engagement moving forward.