Part 1 is NOT required to take this course.Journaling is one of the few places where we get to listen to ourselves. In Part 2, we will explore more of what’s going on in our own heads in an effort to get to know ourselves. We will use guided prompts, write letters to ourselves, and work to develop the routine of journaling. A $25 workbook is included.NOTE: The workbook is required; however, if you took Part 1 and still have your workbook, you may use the promo code WORKBOOK at checkout and receive a $15 discount. The instructor will provide the additional pages to the workbook during the class. Instructor: Jill Carlen is a Rockford native, retired English teacher, and lifelong journal writer. People often tell me they aren't writers, and I always smile. You should see my journal; I'm not a writer either. It's messy and full of misspellings. Because I only write in pen, you'll see every mistake I make: it's just like the inside of my head. My journal is the place where I dump every thought and idea; I process events and emotions there too. I invite you to take a look inside my head, in hopes that you'll spend some time inside yours.

What if you could walk into a room and feel comfortable talking with anyone? Some people seem to have a gift for conversation, while the rest of us wonder why it can feel so awkward. The truth is, good communication isn't something you're born with; it's a skill you can learn. In this three-part workshop, you'll learn simple, practical techniques to help you start conversations, keep them going, and feel more confident talking with others. We'll practice together in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you're meeting new people, networking, talking with friends, connecting with grandchildren, or navigating conversations with aging parents, these skills can make everyday interactions feel easier and more enjoyable. As a bonus, I'll share one of my favorite memory tricks for remembering the names of people you've just met. The class fee includes a $20 workbook.Instructor: Jill Carlen is a Rockford native and retired public school teacher with a lifetime of conversation experience, both awkward and amazing. She held leadership roles throughout her career and has mentored many in the art of communication. She struggles in everyday conversations, just like you, but has learned a few tricks and would like to share them. This course is built on a mixture of research, including Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People, Oz Pearlman's Mastering the Mind, and Amy Cuddy's Presence.

Our surroundings influence our mood, shape our thoughts, and reinforce the stories we tell ourselves. Because we spend so much of our lives in our homes, let’s refresh them once in a while without spending any money. This class will show you how to reimagine the spaces you already have using what you already own. Whether it's your home office, bedroom, living room, closet, kitchen cabinets, garage, basement, or even your car, you'll learn practical strategies to create spaces that feel functional, peaceful, and refreshed.Before class, participants are invited to email photos of one or two spaces they'd like help with. Selected examples may be used during class to demonstrate practical solutions everyone can apply.This is not a decorating class. It's about rearranging spaces. Participants interested in additional personalized support may also request one-on-one consultations with the instructor.Instructor: Jill Carlen is a Rockford native, retired teacher, and lifelong rearranger. Rearranging spaces started in childhood as she watched her mother do it to their home each time she wanted to deep clean. Jill began by doing it to her own bedroom and found something she enjoyed and has continued to present day. Often times she finds herself unable to focus or complete tasks because her space is in chaos. She's learned to take the time to rearrange. When her physical space is clear she has more mental space for the tasks that need to be complete. Now Jill helps others create spaces that feel fresh, functional, and personal.