Reflection #13: Choose and Impart Joy in Uncertain Times with Jillian DuBois

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Jillian DuBois teaches 2nd grade in Clearwater, FL, as a learner and infuser of JOY. Education has been her passion and heartbeat for 20 years where she loves guiding and partnering with her littles and colleagues to help them be all that they can with diligence and patience.

For me, the goal is simple. To be a voice that can start change.

Your Background

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and have Texas roots that run deep. I have been in Clearwater, Florida for 30 years after I got married. I am a second-grade teacher and why I love the kids because they are old enough to be independent and still get that teacher look. You know what that is.. That look to get their attention. Jillian shared a fun story on Matthew X. Joseph’s podcast You Can’t Make This Up Episode #11 on “Lizardpops.” Her kids were outside with their jackets on because it was cold one day. They were picking up some sticks and putting them in their pockets. Listen to find out what happened next.

 Jumping into Social Media right before Covid

I had the time and have met the most amazing people online. When you find your Personal Learning Network, you will see that social media doesn’t have to go negative. You’re there to support and encourage each other. I’ve grown, I’ve stretched. I’ve learned to be vulnerable, to accept myself for who I am, and to put myself out there with my own voice to spread hope and joy. I joined a Book Zoom and mentioned I was interested in writing. I heard from Cris Saldana @saldanact that I just needed to start writing, so I started my blog. Then I started my podcast with three-minute clips of anecdotal stories and moments of Imparted Joy.

Open your heart. Watch it grow.

Writing and Illustrating Your Children’s Book

I grew up in a very artistic family. My aunts, uncles, and cousins loved art. My aunt who was an artist who did watercolors and all types of paintings taught me lessons on how to draw and do watercolor since I was 10. Art was a hobby for me. When my book was accepted by my publisher, Codebreaker, they asked me if I had an illustrator. I asked my aunt and told me that I can do it. She helped me brainstorm the look of the character. I used the app Procreate on my iPad to create the illustrations. I wanted to write about a social-emotional lesson that everybody has a story and things that are broken and make them unique. It’s about embracing who we are. 

Liv’s Seashells: What Makes Us Unique Makes Us Extraordinary

When young Liv visits the seashore, she comes to life soaking in the salty air and sparkling sun. Her adventure takes her on a journey to discover uniquely different seashells as she sets out to show them all a special kind of compassion.

Available from Amazon 

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

Jillian’s Contact Information

Website: bit.ly/impartedjoy

Website: https://jilliandubois.com/ 

Email: jilliande412@gmail.com 

Twitter: @JillDuBois22 #impartEDjoy #LivWithJoy

JOY – the seemingly ordinary becomes extraordinary + extravagant.

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