I LIVE MY LIFE IN INCHES

 

March 2026: Cherokee Month of the Windy Moon

 "One day . . . or day one.” -- Anonymous

SEL: #1 Self-Awareness     #3 Self-Management     #5 Responsible Decision Making    

Digital Learner:                    #1 Empowered Learner  #3 Digital Citizen

 

A kind word to one in trouble is often like a switch in a railroad track. . .an inch between wreck and smooth sailing.                                                                                                                         – Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

 

Sports figures play their games in inches. I developed patience decades ago as an organic gardener. Screaming at my pumpkins did not turn them orange nor ripen my tomatoes. Emerson said, “Every pumpkin in the field goes through pumpkin history."

So, it has been with me. I’ve changed careers twice since the age of 30. I thought long and hard about making those changes and I am glad I did. I’d do it again: take the classes, do the work, get the license.

I now have a sustainable career as an indie-author from which I do not have to retire. I can do this work in my office for decades to come. I’m building intellectual-property assets, investing my time and money wisely, and creating a plan for retiring out of my day-job.

I live my life in inches, every day. When opportunities for growth happen, as they always do, I remember this, “Wind can’t blow down a mountain. Be the mountain.”

Aloha love,

Carla

Mission Statement: I am committed to being an effective member of the global digital community. Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, LLC publishes children’s picture books for ages 4-8, on earth science; emotions and feelings; and social-emotional learning (SEL). These books work to help children understand themselves, their place in the world through animal characters and human companions, and to find their authentic voice. They provide Learning-to-Learn Skills for Early Readers, sight-words, and phonics for academic enrichment. My chapter books, Lexile Measure 840L, are WWII Holocaust historical fiction and help students to read between-the-lines while using critical thinking skills.

The 5 SEL Competencies:  Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. CASEL.org

I Have Digital Literary Skills: I can locate information: I use digital technology to effectively search for relevant and reliable information sources. I can evaluate sources: I analyze sources of digital information for credibility, bias, and influence. I can interpret meaning: I determine meaning from various digital sources that represent multiple perspectives. I can express my ideas: I create digital content to express myself and voice my ideas. I can communicate with others: I safely and responsibly collaborate with and learn from others online, including those who think differently than I do. I can navigate technological ecosystems: I’m aware that my online actions influence my digital landscape, I leave a trail, and impact my privacy.   getdigitalskills.com  ISTE.org

Commitments of a Digital Citizen: I am inclusive: I engage with others online with respect and empathy. I am informed: I evaluate the accuracy, perspective, and validity of online information. I am engaged: I use technology for civic engagement and to be a force for good. I am balanced: I prioritize my time and activities online and offline. I am alert: I know how to be safe online and create safe spaces for others.  digcitcommit.org  ISTE.org   

The 7 Competencies for Technology in Education: Empowered Learner: I use technology to set goals, work toward achieving them, and demonstrating my learning. Global Collaborator: I strive to broaden my perspective, understand others, and work effectively in teams using digital tools. Digital Citizen: I understand the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world. Creative Communicator: I communicate effectively and express myself creatively using different tools, styles, formats, and digital media. Knowledge Constructor: I critically select, evaluate, and synthesize digital resources into a collection that reflects my learning and builds my knowledge. Computational Thinker: I identify authentic problems, work with data, and use a step-by-step process to automate solutions. Innovative Designer: I solve problems by creating new and imaginative solutions using a variety of digital tools. ISTE.org  

 Disclaimer for Blog This site cannot and does not contain social-emotional learning (SEL) or technology in education advice. These materials are provided for general informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for professional advice on any concerns or circumstances involved. This Blog: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) For Everyone! aims to share ideas and best practices, in good faith, only. Any information sent to Carla Chapin, or to Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, LLC, through the website, Internet, or email is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis. The original content of the websites Carla Chapin, Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, LLC and the Blogs: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) For Everyone!  and Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, are copyrighted materials and are subject to the restrictions and protections set forth in the Copyright Act.