It took me many years to realize that I had to become that safe harbor for myself. And that part of becoming that safe harbor was not about avoiding life, but rather developing the confidence and coping skills to know that I would have what it takes to find my way through life's inevitable trials and tribulations. -Jaeda DeWalt

Research-Backed Practices and Strategies

Hero’s Journey - Joseph Campbell
This journey outlines the base human journey we all take. It outlines the steps necessary and the order in which we are able to complete our growth and learning. 

Change Your Story - Stephanie Tolen
The power of story is not just in expressing our experiences but in creating them. 

The Growth Mindset - Carol Dweck
When students believe they can get smarter, they understand that effort makes them stronger, therefore, they put in extra time and effort leading to higher achievement. 

Kindness Research - Nel Noddings
The memory of being cared for gives rise to the ideal self, so as we learn to care about our own story, we inherently learn to care about others, creating empathy, and compassion. 

Drama Triangle - Stephen Karpman
The three dysfunctional drama roles: persecutor, rescuer, and victim.

The Brain Model - Dan Siegel
This model explains how the brain works using a hand as a model for the brain. The power of this easy to use, personal model, allows for effective application of key principles.

Maslow’s Hierarchy - Abraham Maslow
The five-tier model of human needs, physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

Learning Dip (or pit) - James Nottingham
Supports challenge, curiosity, reflection and resilience. Encourages questioning and metacognition.
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Circle of Control - Steven Covey
Teaches how to focus on things that are within your control while acknowledging things that you are concerned about.

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Principles

• Principle 1: The Harbor of Choice & Commitment
  • Choose to commit to captain your story.

• Principle 2: The Harbor of Focus
  • I am in control of creating my story.

• Principle 3: The Harbor of Language
  • I am an effective communicator.

 

• Principle 4: The Harbor of Surrender
  • I surrender to the process of becoming my best self.

 

• Principle 5: The Harbor of Community
  • I create communities that support my vision.

• ​Principle 6: The Harbor of Help
  • I ask for the help I need from the right communities.

 

• Principle 7: The Harbor of Identity
  • I create the vision for the rest of my life.

 

• Principle 8: The Harbor of Response
  • I choose to remain in control of my response.

 

• Principle 9: The Harbor of Learning
  • I choose to learn from all my experiences and choose growth moving forward.
    

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• Principle 10: The Harbor of Balanced Goals
  • I choose to set goals that keep me balanced and aligned to my vision.

 

• Principle 11: The Harbor of Story
  • I choose to share my champion story and learn from the stories of others.