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COUNSELLOR TALK

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Explore our blog for thought-provoking content, innovative ideas, practical insights, and creative strategies to elevate your work. Each post offers something unique, from actionable tools to personal reflections, all designed to support you and inspire meaningful connections.

Starting your day with a positive mindset can shape how you approach challenges and opportunities. One simple yet powerful way to encourage positivity is by placing a compliment mirror in your home. I recently created a personalized compliment mirror using Canva Code and my hope is that it will make a noticeable difference in your daily routine.



Why a Compliment Mirror Matters


Mirrors are more than just reflective surfaces; they can influence how we see ourselves. A compliment mirror is a mirror that features positive affirmations or compliments tailored to you. When you look into the mirror, you don’t just see your reflection—you also see words that boost your confidence and brighten your mood.


Many people struggle with self-doubt or negative self-talk. A compliment mirror interrupts that pattern by offering reminders of your strengths and qualities. This daily reinforcement can help build self-esteem and encourage a more optimistic outlook.



How Compliment Mirrors Impact Your Daily Life


Having a compliment mirror in your space can influence your mindset in several ways:


  • Boosts Self-Confidence

Reading positive affirmations first thing in the morning can set a confident tone for the day.


  • Reduces Negative Self-Talk

Compliments help counteract critical thoughts by reminding you of your worth.


  • Encourages Mindfulness

Taking a moment to read and reflect on compliments promotes self-awareness and gratitude.


  • Creates a Positive Environment

The mirror becomes a small but powerful source of encouragement in your home.


You can add this link to your notes app to look at this daily and then choose or create the affirmation that works for you and put it on your mirror.


Tips for Making Compliment Mirrors Work for You


To get the most out of your compliment mirror, consider these practical tips:


  • Choose Compliments That Feel Genuine

Select words that truly reflect your personality and values.


  • Update Regularly

Change the compliments every few weeks to keep the messages fresh and relevant.


  • Place the Mirror in a High-Traffic Area

Position it where you will see it often, such as your bedroom, bathroom, or hallway. Add a sticky note to your mirror or just use erasable markers.


  • Combine with Other Positive Habits

Use the mirror alongside journaling or meditation to deepen your self-care routine.


  • Involve Family or Friends

Encourage others to add their own compliments to the mirror, creating a shared positive space.


Examples of Compliments to Use


Here are some examples of compliments that work well on a mirror:


  • You have a beautiful smile that lights up the room.

  • Your kindness makes a difference every day.

  • You are capable of amazing things.

  • Your creativity shines in everything you do.

  • You handle challenges with grace and strength.


Feel free to personalize these or come up with your own based on what motivates you.


Research in psychology supports the idea that positive affirmations can improve mental well-being. Studies show that affirmations help reduce stress, increase resilience, and improve problem-solving under pressure. While a compliment mirror is a simple and fun tool to create using Canva Code ( if I can do it so can you) , it taps into these benefits by making affirmations a visible and regular part of your environment.


You are so amazing , don't ever forget it!




In case you didn't know, I love this quote because it taps me on the shoulder in the gentlest way and says, “Okay, now what are you actually going to do?”


I know what it’s like to have a heart full of good intentions and a day full of noise — emails, errands, worries, fatigue. I mean to call a friend. I meant to check in on a student when I was working. I mean to send that encouraging message, to donate, to follow up.


And then the day ends, and all I’ve really done is think about doing something good.


If you’re reading this, you probably know that feeling too.


Where Real Change Actually Lives


I am someone who dreams big. Programs, projects, books, ideas to help people — the list is long. Maybe your list is long too.


But here’s the honest part: big visions are inspiring… and sometimes paralyzing. When someone is tired, overwhelmed, or just trying to keep their head above water, those grand plans can feel so far away that it’s easier to do nothing at all.


That’s where this quote matters.


Because the power isn’t in the grand intention. It’s in the tiny, almost invisible action that actually happens.


  • A quick text: “Thinking of you today. No need to reply.”

  • A genuine, “I’m glad you’re here,” in the hallway.

  • A sticky note of encouragement left on a desk.

  • A short email: “In case you forget, I love that you are my friend.”


These aren’t headline moments. They don’t look heroic. But for the person receiving them, they might be the bright spot in a really dark day.


Small Deeds, Real Limits


Like you, I get exhausted too. I hit my limits. I wish I could help everyone, fix everything, or be available all the time.


Neither can you.


This isn’t about becoming some kind of kindness machine who never stops. It’s about holding two truths at once:


  • You want to live in line with your values.

  • You also have a nervous system, a body, and a life that needs care.


Some days, the smallest good deed will be reaching out to someone else. Other days, it will be finally drinking some water, taking a breath, or choosing not to speak harshly to yourself. I still need to work on this even though I know better.


Both are acts of goodness. Both count.


A Little Rule to Turn Care Into Action


Here’s a tiny practice I use, and you’re welcome to steal it:


If you think a kind thought about someone, turn it into a small action as soon as you can.


  • If you think, “They did a great job,” actually tell them.

  • If you think, “I’m grateful for that person,” send a quick message.

  • If you think, “They seemed off today,” make a note to check in or say, “You seemed a bit quiet — how are you really?”


Not perfectly. Not every time. But more often than before. That’s how intentions slowly become habits.


One Tiny Good Deed, Today


You don’t need a perfect plan, more time, or a whole new version of yourself. You just need one honest question:

“With the energy I have today, what’s one small good deed I can actually do?”


Maybe it’s:


  • Sending that text.

  • Offering a sincere compliment.

  • Letting someone go ahead of you in line.

  • Being kinder to yourself than you were yesterday.


Tiny, simple, easy to overlook — but real.


Because in the end, the world isn’t only moved by grand gestures and big announcements. It’s quietly reshaped by people like you — doing small, doable good, over and over again.


The smallest good deed really is better than the grandest good intention. And you’re capable of more of those small good deeds than you think. Just for today, put aside those grand intentions and do one small good deed.


The Ripple Effect of Kindness


When we engage in small acts of kindness, we create a ripple effect. Each small deed can inspire others to act in kind. Imagine a world where everyone took a moment to perform one small act of kindness each day. It could transform our communities, one heart at a time.


The Importance of Connection


In our busy lives, we often forget the importance of connection. A simple gesture can strengthen our bonds with others. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. We all face challenges, and a little kindness can go a long way in making someone feel seen and valued.


The Power of Gratitude


Gratitude is a powerful force. When we express appreciation for others, we not only uplift them but also enrich our own lives. A heartfelt thank you can brighten someone’s day and foster a sense of belonging. It’s a small action that can yield significant rewards.


Building a Culture of Kindness


Imagine if we all committed to fostering a culture of kindness. What if we made it a priority to encourage one another? By sharing our small acts of kindness, we can inspire others to join us in this movement. Together, we can create a world where kindness is the norm, not the exception.


Conclusion: Your Small Deed Matters


Remember, your small good deed matters. It may seem insignificant, but it has the potential to create a positive impact. So, let’s embrace the power of small actions. Let’s commit to making kindness a part of our daily lives. Together, we can build a brighter, more compassionate world.


In the end, it’s not about the grand gestures. It’s about the small, meaningful actions that make a difference. So, what will your small good deed be today?


if you’ve ever wished you could bottle up your best lessons, your calmest counselling moments, and your most student-friendly supports… Book Creator is basically that bottle—with glitter, voice, photos, video, and a big “make it yours” button. I love this tool and see so many possibilities for teachers and counsellors.


Why Book Creator just works in real schools

Book Creator isn’t “one more tech thing.” It’s a flexible, low-barrier space where people can create meaning, not just click answers. had i known about this tool I would have used it often.


1) It gives students more ways to say what they mean

Some learners shine with text. Others need voice, images, or video to show what they know (or what they’re feeling). Book Creator is designed for that kind of multimodal expression—and it’s a game-changer for anxious writers, ELL learners, and students who freeze when the page looks “too blank.” Book Creator app+1


2) It’s built for collaboration (without chaos)

I love collaborating with others . It makes things so much better. You can co-author books in real time, and you can even add a co-teacher to help manage the same library—perfect for team teaching, shared caseloads, and counsellor–teacher partnerships. So exciting don't you think? Book Creator app+2Book Creator app+2


3) It supports accessibility in truly practical ways

  • Speech-to-text is built in (hello, tired hands and busy brains). Book Creator app

  • Text-to-speech can read text (and even PDFs) aloud—great for learning differences and reducing barriers. Book Creator app

  • Auto-captions for audio/video support Deaf/HH learners and language learners. Book Creator app


4) Privacy + control are baked in

Books are private by default, and teachers control sharing (including private links). Book Creator also states it doesn’t sell user data or advertise, and highlights updated privacy/security commitments. Book Creator app+2Book Creator app+2


How counsellors can use Book Creator (without it feeling like “homework”)


Think of Book Creator as a digital comfort binder—but way more engaging.

Here are counselling-friendly ideas that students actually use:

  • My Coping Menu: “When I feel ___, I can try ___.” Add voice notes for reminders in their own words.

  • Stress Reset Plan: breathing tools, grounding tools, safe people, safe spaces, “what helps at school.”

  • Strengths & Wins Portfolio: tiny victories count—collect them like trading cards.

  • Friendship + Boundaries Mini-Book: scripts, reminders, reflection prompts.

  • Identity & Values Pages: “What matters to me,” “What I’m growing,” “What I want adults to know.”


And because Book Creator naturally supports SEL-focused projects and reflection, it fits beautifully with counselling goals around self-awareness, emotional language, and connection. Book Creator app+2Book Creator app+2


How teachers can use Book Creator (and keep engagement high)


Book Creator is the ultimate choice-and-voice tool. A few classroom-ready wins:

  • Interactive journals (reading, science observations, wellness check-ins)

  • Student-made “teach it back” books (the best retrieval practice doesn’t feel like studying)

  • Group books for inquiry projects (real-time collaboration makes this smoother) Book Creator app+1

  • Class anthologies (poetry, “Where I’m From” writing, community stories)

  • Library collections & resource hubs with embedded links, PDFs, and videos that students can actually navigate Book Creator app


Spotlight: Counsellor Talk: Be Your Own Hero

This book is in Book Creator—because the platform is free and supports the heart of the message: students don’t need to be “fixed,” they need tools, language, and hope.

Be Your Own Hero fits perfectly as:

  • a guided reflection resource,

  • a small-group companion,

  • a student-friendly “keep going” book for tough weeks,

  • and a gentle reminder that progress is still progress—even when it’s messy.


You can check out this book here and feel free to share it with your classes.

Try this today

Make a one-page template called “Hero Check-In”:

  • What’s heavy right now?

  • What’s one strength I’ve used before?

  • Who’s on my support team?

  • What’s my next tiny step?


Just for today: pick one Book Creator feature you’ve never used (voice, captions, or text-to-speech) and build a single page around it. Small moves. Big ripple. Or if you have never used it as a teacher or counsellor , start today.

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