Olivia Wahl
@olivia-wahl.bsky.social
My expertise is in PreK-12 leadership, coaching, and culturally responsive practices. I partner with administrators, coaches, and teachers to align research and beliefs with daily practices, using data-driven decision-making to ensure all students thrive.
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Sarah Tesar taught kindergarten for 12 years, building theme-based units that integrated everything. Admin didn't stop her because kids were engaged and learning.
You don't need permission to innovate. You need courage to use your professional judgment.
Sarah Tesar taught kindergarten for 12 years, building theme-based units that integrated everything. Admin didn't stop her because kids were engaged and learning.
You don't need permission to innovate. You need courage to use your professional judgment.
December 26, 2025 at 9:07 PM
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Sarah Tesar taught kindergarten for 12 years, building theme-based units that integrated everything. Admin didn't stop her because kids were engaged and learning.
You don't need permission to innovate. You need courage to use your professional judgment.
Sarah Tesar taught kindergarten for 12 years, building theme-based units that integrated everything. Admin didn't stop her because kids were engaged and learning.
You don't need permission to innovate. You need courage to use your professional judgment.
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How An Apple Stand Became The Ultimate Classroom
"They were more proud of those books than they were of the muffins."
Sarah's daughters ran an apple stand. They wrote how-to books (How to Make Muffins, How to Make Applesauce) and gave them to customers.
How An Apple Stand Became The Ultimate Classroom
"They were more proud of those books than they were of the muffins."
Sarah's daughters ran an apple stand. They wrote how-to books (How to Make Muffins, How to Make Applesauce) and gave them to customers.
December 24, 2025 at 2:52 PM
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How An Apple Stand Became The Ultimate Classroom
"They were more proud of those books than they were of the muffins."
Sarah's daughters ran an apple stand. They wrote how-to books (How to Make Muffins, How to Make Applesauce) and gave them to customers.
How An Apple Stand Became The Ultimate Classroom
"They were more proud of those books than they were of the muffins."
Sarah's daughters ran an apple stand. They wrote how-to books (How to Make Muffins, How to Make Applesauce) and gave them to customers.
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Sarah Tesar taught kindergarten for 12 years in a high-needs district.
She left not because she stopped caring, but because she cared so much she had nothing left for her own family.
Sarah Tesar taught kindergarten for 12 years in a high-needs district.
She left not because she stopped caring, but because she cared so much she had nothing left for her own family.
December 23, 2025 at 10:55 AM
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Sarah Tesar taught kindergarten for 12 years in a high-needs district.
She left not because she stopped caring, but because she cared so much she had nothing left for her own family.
Sarah Tesar taught kindergarten for 12 years in a high-needs district.
She left not because she stopped caring, but because she cared so much she had nothing left for her own family.
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E17 Why This Teacher Left Public School (But Still Believes in It)
After 12 years teaching kindergarten, Sarah Tesar left. Not because she burned out, but because she couldn't stop giving everything to students while her own cup stayed empty.
#schoolutionspodcast S5E17 Why This Teacher Left Public School (But Still Believes in It)
After 12 years teaching kindergarten, Sarah Tesar left. Not because she burned out, but because she couldn't stop giving everything to students while her own cup stayed empty.
December 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E17 Why This Teacher Left Public School (But Still Believes in It)
After 12 years teaching kindergarten, Sarah Tesar left. Not because she burned out, but because she couldn't stop giving everything to students while her own cup stayed empty.
#schoolutionspodcast S5E17 Why This Teacher Left Public School (But Still Believes in It)
After 12 years teaching kindergarten, Sarah Tesar left. Not because she burned out, but because she couldn't stop giving everything to students while her own cup stayed empty.
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E16 BONUS: Mindful Waiting: A Secret to Better Student Engagement
MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW told herself "I don't know you" every morning—with her OWN children. The ones she literally created and raised.
Here's why that matters for educators
#schoolutionspodcast S5E16 BONUS: Mindful Waiting: A Secret to Better Student Engagement
MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW told herself "I don't know you" every morning—with her OWN children. The ones she literally created and raised.
Here's why that matters for educators
December 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E16 BONUS: Mindful Waiting: A Secret to Better Student Engagement
MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW told herself "I don't know you" every morning—with her OWN children. The ones she literally created and raised.
Here's why that matters for educators
#schoolutionspodcast S5E16 BONUS: Mindful Waiting: A Secret to Better Student Engagement
MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW told herself "I don't know you" every morning—with her OWN children. The ones she literally created and raised.
Here's why that matters for educators
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How much practice time do students really need?
Visited a classroom today where a teacher tried fishbowl discussions for the first time. His patience with reluctant learners was incredible.
My younger son's trumpet teacher says: "Get the music under your fingers."
How much practice time do students really need?
Visited a classroom today where a teacher tried fishbowl discussions for the first time. His patience with reluctant learners was incredible.
My younger son's trumpet teacher says: "Get the music under your fingers."
December 18, 2025 at 12:27 PM
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How much practice time do students really need?
Visited a classroom today where a teacher tried fishbowl discussions for the first time. His patience with reluctant learners was incredible.
My younger son's trumpet teacher says: "Get the music under your fingers."
How much practice time do students really need?
Visited a classroom today where a teacher tried fishbowl discussions for the first time. His patience with reluctant learners was incredible.
My younger son's trumpet teacher says: "Get the music under your fingers."
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E16 Find Your Inner Calm in the Classroom
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen:
pod.fo/e/366b19
📺🎙 Watch: youtu.be/sM5N4zaWtG8
#schoolutionspodcast S5E16 Find Your Inner Calm in the Classroom
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen:
pod.fo/e/366b19
📺🎙 Watch: youtu.be/sM5N4zaWtG8
December 15, 2025 at 12:27 PM
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E16 Find Your Inner Calm in the Classroom
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen:
pod.fo/e/366b19
📺🎙 Watch: youtu.be/sM5N4zaWtG8
#schoolutionspodcast S5E16 Find Your Inner Calm in the Classroom
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen:
pod.fo/e/366b19
📺🎙 Watch: youtu.be/sM5N4zaWtG8
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E15 BONUS: What Happens When You Break Teaching Traditions?
After talking with @sarahmzerwin.bsky.social about "Step Aside," I can't stop thinking about "phantom policies"—the teaching traditions we follow just because we've always done them.
#schoolutionspodcast S5E15 BONUS: What Happens When You Break Teaching Traditions?
After talking with @sarahmzerwin.bsky.social about "Step Aside," I can't stop thinking about "phantom policies"—the teaching traditions we follow just because we've always done them.
December 12, 2025 at 2:15 PM
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E15 BONUS: What Happens When You Break Teaching Traditions?
After talking with @sarahmzerwin.bsky.social about "Step Aside," I can't stop thinking about "phantom policies"—the teaching traditions we follow just because we've always done them.
#schoolutionspodcast S5E15 BONUS: What Happens When You Break Teaching Traditions?
After talking with @sarahmzerwin.bsky.social about "Step Aside," I can't stop thinking about "phantom policies"—the teaching traditions we follow just because we've always done them.
Reposted by Olivia Wahl
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Three moments this week reminded me why teachers need to DO the work we're asking students to do. 🎯
Let me share what made thinking visible…
Three moments this week reminded me why teachers need to DO the work we're asking students to do. 🎯
Let me share what made thinking visible…
December 11, 2025 at 5:56 PM
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Three moments this week reminded me why teachers need to DO the work we're asking students to do. 🎯
Let me share what made thinking visible…
Three moments this week reminded me why teachers need to DO the work we're asking students to do. 🎯
Let me share what made thinking visible…
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This insight from s
@sarahmzerwin.bsky.social flips the script.
Her driving course metaphor: you don't toss kids the keys—you strategically position yourself to support their navigation.
@stenhousepub.bsky.social
This insight from s
@sarahmzerwin.bsky.social flips the script.
Her driving course metaphor: you don't toss kids the keys—you strategically position yourself to support their navigation.
@stenhousepub.bsky.social
December 11, 2025 at 12:42 PM
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This insight from s
@sarahmzerwin.bsky.social flips the script.
Her driving course metaphor: you don't toss kids the keys—you strategically position yourself to support their navigation.
@stenhousepub.bsky.social
This insight from s
@sarahmzerwin.bsky.social flips the script.
Her driving course metaphor: you don't toss kids the keys—you strategically position yourself to support their navigation.
@stenhousepub.bsky.social
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The Truth About Student-Driven Learning
🎧🎙 Listen to the Full Episode: www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/epis...
📺🎙Watch the Full Episode: youtu.be/bsiNQiIn5DQ
The Truth About Student-Driven Learning
🎧🎙 Listen to the Full Episode: www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/epis...
📺🎙Watch the Full Episode: youtu.be/bsiNQiIn5DQ
December 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM
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The Truth About Student-Driven Learning
🎧🎙 Listen to the Full Episode: www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/epis...
📺🎙Watch the Full Episode: youtu.be/bsiNQiIn5DQ
The Truth About Student-Driven Learning
🎧🎙 Listen to the Full Episode: www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/epis...
📺🎙Watch the Full Episode: youtu.be/bsiNQiIn5DQ
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"Craft a path toward that third thing—the beautiful content—that students can drive and explore on their own."
Sarah Zerwin on Parker Palmer's wisdom: student-driven learning means knowing your content BETTER, not less.
"Craft a path toward that third thing—the beautiful content—that students can drive and explore on their own."
Sarah Zerwin on Parker Palmer's wisdom: student-driven learning means knowing your content BETTER, not less.
December 9, 2025 at 12:25 PM
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"Craft a path toward that third thing—the beautiful content—that students can drive and explore on their own."
Sarah Zerwin on Parker Palmer's wisdom: student-driven learning means knowing your content BETTER, not less.
"Craft a path toward that third thing—the beautiful content—that students can drive and explore on their own."
Sarah Zerwin on Parker Palmer's wisdom: student-driven learning means knowing your content BETTER, not less.
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E15 Launching Students into High-Level Work They Care About with @sarahmzerwin.bsky.social
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen: pod.fo/e/361fbb
📺🎙 Watch:
youtu.be/bsiNQiIn5DQ
#schoolutionspodcast S5E15 Launching Students into High-Level Work They Care About with @sarahmzerwin.bsky.social
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen: pod.fo/e/361fbb
📺🎙 Watch:
youtu.be/bsiNQiIn5DQ
December 8, 2025 at 10:10 AM
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E15 Launching Students into High-Level Work They Care About with @sarahmzerwin.bsky.social
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen: pod.fo/e/361fbb
📺🎙 Watch:
youtu.be/bsiNQiIn5DQ
#schoolutionspodcast S5E15 Launching Students into High-Level Work They Care About with @sarahmzerwin.bsky.social
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen: pod.fo/e/361fbb
📺🎙 Watch:
youtu.be/bsiNQiIn5DQ
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E14 BONUS: One Skill Art Teachers Say Matters More Than Technique
In my latest bonus episode, I unpack why this simple approach could transform any classroom—art, math, or anything in between.
#schoolutionspodcast S5E14 BONUS: One Skill Art Teachers Say Matters More Than Technique
In my latest bonus episode, I unpack why this simple approach could transform any classroom—art, math, or anything in between.
December 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E14 BONUS: One Skill Art Teachers Say Matters More Than Technique
In my latest bonus episode, I unpack why this simple approach could transform any classroom—art, math, or anything in between.
#schoolutionspodcast S5E14 BONUS: One Skill Art Teachers Say Matters More Than Technique
In my latest bonus episode, I unpack why this simple approach could transform any classroom—art, math, or anything in between.
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Two teachers nearing 30 YEARS in education who still show up excited about their content and their kids every single day.
One sees teaching as solving puzzles - conveying history's story while being responsive to each group.
Two teachers nearing 30 YEARS in education who still show up excited about their content and their kids every single day.
One sees teaching as solving puzzles - conveying history's story while being responsive to each group.
December 4, 2025 at 11:24 AM
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Two teachers nearing 30 YEARS in education who still show up excited about their content and their kids every single day.
One sees teaching as solving puzzles - conveying history's story while being responsive to each group.
Two teachers nearing 30 YEARS in education who still show up excited about their content and their kids every single day.
One sees teaching as solving puzzles - conveying history's story while being responsive to each group.
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Kate Driscoll, an art educator, on why she prioritizes Australian contemporary artists over historical "masters":
When students study living, local artists instead of distant historical figures, art transforms from something untouchable to something possible.
Kate Driscoll, an art educator, on why she prioritizes Australian contemporary artists over historical "masters":
When students study living, local artists instead of distant historical figures, art transforms from something untouchable to something possible.
December 4, 2025 at 10:04 AM
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Kate Driscoll, an art educator, on why she prioritizes Australian contemporary artists over historical "masters":
When students study living, local artists instead of distant historical figures, art transforms from something untouchable to something possible.
Kate Driscoll, an art educator, on why she prioritizes Australian contemporary artists over historical "masters":
When students study living, local artists instead of distant historical figures, art transforms from something untouchable to something possible.
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Why Local Art Matters for Kids!
🎧🎙 Listen to the Full Episode: www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/epis...
📺🎙Watch the Full Episode: youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI
Why Local Art Matters for Kids!
🎧🎙 Listen to the Full Episode: www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/epis...
📺🎙Watch the Full Episode: youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI
December 3, 2025 at 10:18 AM
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Why Local Art Matters for Kids!
🎧🎙 Listen to the Full Episode: www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/epis...
📺🎙Watch the Full Episode: youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI
Why Local Art Matters for Kids!
🎧🎙 Listen to the Full Episode: www.buzzsprout.com/1890886/epis...
📺🎙Watch the Full Episode: youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI
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Kate Driscoll, an art educator, captures what truly matters in teaching:
"If there's one thing that I want the kids to be able to do when they leave me is to notice how many colors are in that leaf... art's all around us."
Kate Driscoll, an art educator, captures what truly matters in teaching:
"If there's one thing that I want the kids to be able to do when they leave me is to notice how many colors are in that leaf... art's all around us."
December 2, 2025 at 1:23 PM
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Kate Driscoll, an art educator, captures what truly matters in teaching:
"If there's one thing that I want the kids to be able to do when they leave me is to notice how many colors are in that leaf... art's all around us."
Kate Driscoll, an art educator, captures what truly matters in teaching:
"If there's one thing that I want the kids to be able to do when they leave me is to notice how many colors are in that leaf... art's all around us."
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After flying home from NCTE 2025, my brain is buzzing. Three practices teachers are using to reclaim responsive teaching.
The power of "confianza" between families and schools.
And why we need to see the world through children's eyes again - with wonder and curiosity.
After flying home from NCTE 2025, my brain is buzzing. Three practices teachers are using to reclaim responsive teaching.
The power of "confianza" between families and schools.
And why we need to see the world through children's eyes again - with wonder and curiosity.
December 2, 2025 at 1:58 AM
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After flying home from NCTE 2025, my brain is buzzing. Three practices teachers are using to reclaim responsive teaching.
The power of "confianza" between families and schools.
And why we need to see the world through children's eyes again - with wonder and curiosity.
After flying home from NCTE 2025, my brain is buzzing. Three practices teachers are using to reclaim responsive teaching.
The power of "confianza" between families and schools.
And why we need to see the world through children's eyes again - with wonder and curiosity.
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E14 Why This Art Teacher is Making Kids LOVE Creating
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen: pod.fo/e/35d7ae
📺🎙 Watch:
youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI
#schoolutionspodcast S5E14 Why This Art Teacher is Making Kids LOVE Creating
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen: pod.fo/e/35d7ae
📺🎙 Watch:
youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI
December 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E14 Why This Art Teacher is Making Kids LOVE Creating
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen: pod.fo/e/35d7ae
📺🎙 Watch:
youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI
#schoolutionspodcast S5E14 Why This Art Teacher is Making Kids LOVE Creating
📣 New Podcast Episode Alert!
🎧🎙 Listen: pod.fo/e/35d7ae
📺🎙 Watch:
youtu.be/wWpZsQCFHvI
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🎙
Why "doing less" creates more learning.
✔️Kate Driscoll opens eyes to art everywhere
✔️Sarah Zerwin creates student-driven spaces
✔️MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW teaches calm through noticing
✔️Sarah Tesar breaks free from traditional schooling constraints
✔️Chrissy Beltran coaches with flexibility
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Why "doing less" creates more learning.
✔️Kate Driscoll opens eyes to art everywhere
✔️Sarah Zerwin creates student-driven spaces
✔️MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW teaches calm through noticing
✔️Sarah Tesar breaks free from traditional schooling constraints
✔️Chrissy Beltran coaches with flexibility
November 30, 2025 at 4:31 PM
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🎙
Why "doing less" creates more learning.
✔️Kate Driscoll opens eyes to art everywhere
✔️Sarah Zerwin creates student-driven spaces
✔️MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW teaches calm through noticing
✔️Sarah Tesar breaks free from traditional schooling constraints
✔️Chrissy Beltran coaches with flexibility
🎙
Why "doing less" creates more learning.
✔️Kate Driscoll opens eyes to art everywhere
✔️Sarah Zerwin creates student-driven spaces
✔️MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW teaches calm through noticing
✔️Sarah Tesar breaks free from traditional schooling constraints
✔️Chrissy Beltran coaches with flexibility
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E13 BONUS: How to Raise a Kind, Empathetic Child
That kid laughing during your serious lesson isn't being disrespectful. They're dysregulated.
Eli Harwood taught me:
• Nervous laughter = body's response to horror
• Use reaction journals, not forced empathy
#schoolutionspodcast S5E13 BONUS: How to Raise a Kind, Empathetic Child
That kid laughing during your serious lesson isn't being disrespectful. They're dysregulated.
Eli Harwood taught me:
• Nervous laughter = body's response to horror
• Use reaction journals, not forced empathy
November 28, 2025 at 3:52 PM
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#schoolutionspodcast S5E13 BONUS: How to Raise a Kind, Empathetic Child
That kid laughing during your serious lesson isn't being disrespectful. They're dysregulated.
Eli Harwood taught me:
• Nervous laughter = body's response to horror
• Use reaction journals, not forced empathy
#schoolutionspodcast S5E13 BONUS: How to Raise a Kind, Empathetic Child
That kid laughing during your serious lesson isn't being disrespectful. They're dysregulated.
Eli Harwood taught me:
• Nervous laughter = body's response to horror
• Use reaction journals, not forced empathy
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“Confidence believes YOU deserve good things AND so does everyone else. Arrogance believes in a hierarchy of deserving.”
This distinction from Eli Harwood is everything. True confidence isn't zero-sum - it's abundant. You can believe in your worth without diminishing others'.
“Confidence believes YOU deserve good things AND so does everyone else. Arrogance believes in a hierarchy of deserving.”
This distinction from Eli Harwood is everything. True confidence isn't zero-sum - it's abundant. You can believe in your worth without diminishing others'.
November 28, 2025 at 1:43 PM
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“Confidence believes YOU deserve good things AND so does everyone else. Arrogance believes in a hierarchy of deserving.”
This distinction from Eli Harwood is everything. True confidence isn't zero-sum - it's abundant. You can believe in your worth without diminishing others'.
“Confidence believes YOU deserve good things AND so does everyone else. Arrogance believes in a hierarchy of deserving.”
This distinction from Eli Harwood is everything. True confidence isn't zero-sum - it's abundant. You can believe in your worth without diminishing others'.
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Mind-blowing insight from attachment expert Eli Harwood: Babies literally don't have consciousness of self.
They're born 100% dependent, experiencing life only through who touches & feeds them.
Mind-blowing insight from attachment expert Eli Harwood: Babies literally don't have consciousness of self.
They're born 100% dependent, experiencing life only through who touches & feeds them.
November 25, 2025 at 1:26 PM
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Mind-blowing insight from attachment expert Eli Harwood: Babies literally don't have consciousness of self.
They're born 100% dependent, experiencing life only through who touches & feeds them.
Mind-blowing insight from attachment expert Eli Harwood: Babies literally don't have consciousness of self.
They're born 100% dependent, experiencing life only through who touches & feeds them.