This episode is all about the connections we make with ourselves during the holidays, personally and in the community. What is it to explore the emotions involved in celebrating the holidays? We will delve into the connections to family during a time of celebration and fellowship with those around us. Home for the Holidays is all about filling our lives with the things that matter most and the people we share them with.

Today’s Episode Overview:

What is home for the holiday?

A place to rest and be comfy with those we love and share life with.

Home

A physical place

A sense of well-being we create

The people we share life with

The experiences we share with those we care about

Honoring family traditions

Creating new traditions

What does home mean to you?

Nostalgia

Special Moments

“Home is not a place it’s a feeling” Cecilia Ahearn

Closing Thoughts

Reflection:

Our time spent with family duing the holidays is priceless. Remember that we can always create new memories and most importantly, what we hold most dear the relationships we cultivate all year long.

Call to Action:

Create a list titled December Memories. Make a list of things you enjoyed during the holidays or celebrations you share as a family or your own personal memories. One simple act will bring back the memories of experiences shared.

Show notes for In the Background of Life with Kelly Ramsey

The Crumpet Shop

https://thecrumpetshop.com/

You can learn more about Kelly Ramsey here:

https://www.developpeople.org/

You can find all My Favorite Podcast episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1LaSWXg7U5lAeUXykt7CNo?si=bed21ea1ddb045e6

After the show, join us for more conversation on our YouTube channel.

https://youtube.com/@inthebackgroundoflife3194?si=q6FTIzXkpYWi9ttS

Thanks for listening!

A look at gratitude everyday and how to make experiences highlight the things that are most important in our lives. Gratitude happens everyday of every year. This episode was recorded in November but can be used anytime of the year.

Today’s Episode Overview:

30 days of gratitude

A lifestyle of gratitude

Focusing on gratitude shifts how we engage in life and live a meaningful life.

Noticing with gratitude

Living with gratitude

30 days of gratitude - Family Friends and Community is an annual event that can be followed throughout the year, Stay connected to developpeople.org for each year's gratitude challenge.

Topics:

Week 1

Gratitude for family

Gratitude practices for the family

Weekly gratitude challenge

Week 2

Gratitude for friends

The science of gratitude and friendship

Weekly gratitude exercise and tips

Week 3

Gratitude for community

Importance of community

Community connections

Acts of gratitude for community

Week 4

Integrating gratitude into daily life

January - The gratitude habit carrying it forward

Closing Thoughts

Reflection:

Gratitude is essential to living a fruitful life.

Call to Action:

Join the gratitude challenge community on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DevelopingPeopleInc/

Create a gratitude ritual. Download our free guide at www.developpeople.org/gratitude

Show notes for In the Background of Life with Kelly Ramsey

Illustrated Faith - The art of noticing

https://www.illustratedfaith.com/shop/devotional-art-of-noticing/

Illustrated Faith - Gratitude

https://www.illustratedfaith.com/shop/gratitude-documented-2024-cards-set/

Goldmine and Coco Gratitude journal

https://goldmineandcoco.com/

You can learn more about Kelly's expertise here:

https://www.developpeople.org/

You can find all My Favorite Podcast episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1LaSWXg7U5lAeUXykt7CNo?si=bed21ea1ddb045e6

Thanks for listening!

Episode 12 Title: What is Hygge?

Today’s presentation is bringing in all of the warm feelings and focus on comfort. A danish word Hygee pronounced Hoo-gah is bringing all the vibes of Fall and comfort. The interesting thing is that we can create spaces and environments that support well-being no matter what the season.

Let’s delve into what brings us comfort and care in our daily lives as parents, leaders, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Today’s Episode Overview:

Finding comfort in simple things is a great way to navigate the world around us and to regain calm.

Resource links:

https://stampington.com/bella-grace-presents-the-cozy-issue-instant-download/

You can learn more about Kelly's expertise here:

https://www.developpeople.org/

You can find all My Favorite Podcast episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1LaSWXg7U5lAeUXykt7CNo?si=bed21ea1ddb045e6

Episode 10 Title: The Tapestry of Family in Community - Part 2

Today’s guest in studio Dr. Renea Butler King, a friend, colleague, and fellow sojourner for equitable systems for the families and children she serves.

Join us for a continuation of our discussion of family in the community. The community is made up of committed and dedicated people who are brave to create spaces for connection, vulnerability, and open and honest dialogue.

Today’s Episode Overview:

The image of the family in the community takes shape as we share our stories and experiences with Dr. Renea Butler King. This episode will continue to explore stories, learnings, and joys that come from being supported and acknowledged within our communities.

Community Stories:

Share stories of how communities have come together to support families in times of need, celebrating victories, and overcoming obstacles.

Discuss how these stories create a tapestry that weaves together the diverse experiences of families of color.

Learning and Joys

Lessons Learned:

Reflect on the lessons learned from these stories—how they shape our understanding of family, community, and identity.

Discuss the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the unique experiences of families of color.

Joy in Connection:

Highlight the joy that comes from being part of a supportive and acknowledged family and community.

Share examples of how this joy manifests in everyday life, from small moments of connection to larger community celebrations.

Closing Thoughts

Reflection:

Summarize the key takeaways from the episode, emphasizing the idea that our lives are woven together through every experience and interaction.

Call to Action:

Encourage listeners to share their family stories and reflect on the importance of community support.

Invite them to engage with your podcast on social media or reach out through your preferred platforms.

Show references and links:

Clifton Taulbert, Eight habits of the heart https://amzn.to/3zkqabl

Little Cliff and the Porch People by Clifton Taulbert https://amzn.to/4eepTFV

You can learn more about Kelly's expertise here:

https://www.developpeople.org/

You can find all My Favorite Podcast episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1LaSWXg7U5lAeUXykt7CNo?si=bed21ea1ddb045e6

Episode 9 Show Notes

Today’s guest in the studio is Dr. Renea Butler King, a friend, colleague, and fellow sojourner for equitable systems for the families and children she serves. As we settled into routines for school and work, we wanted to focus on support for families in the community. We know the phrase it takes a village to raise a child, but let’s delve deeper into what the village is composed of. It's a community, of committed and dedicated people who are brave to create spaces for connection, vulnerability, and open and honest dialogue.

Today’s Episode Overview:

Introduce the theme of the episode: the importance of family in the community, especially for African American families.

Explain that this episode will explore stories, learnings, and joys that come from being supported and acknowledged within our communities.

PART 1

The Role of Family in the Community

Family as a Foundation:

Discuss how families of color often serve as the bedrock of their communities, providing strength, support, and resilience.

Share stories or examples of how family bonds extend beyond the immediate household and into the larger community.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The historical significance of family in communities of color, drawing on cultural traditions, collective resilience, and the passing down of values.

The role of extended families, chosen families, and community elders in preserving cultural heritage.

Closing Thoughts

Reflection:

The richness of the tapestry of our lives is comprised of the relationships that nurture and grow us.

The power of reflection on who I am as an individual begins my identity formation. Investing in myself.

Storytelling: What do I tell? How do I craft my story

What is the tapestry of my life?

Call to Action:

Begin to share and write out your own story.

Reflect on what it means to be a family in the community.

What is the tapestry of my life?

Seek professional support as you unpack your story.

Show notes for In the Background of Life with Kelly Ramsey Episode 9

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas.html

2200 N. Classen Blvd. Ste 2-600

405.248.9200

People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond

https://pisab.org/

University of Oklahoma-Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work

https://www.ou.edu/cas/socialwork

Iyanla VanZant

https://www.ivsanctuary.org/

Rosa Hernandez-Sheets

Sheets, R. H. (2009). What Is Diversity Pedagogy?. Multicultural Education, 16(3), 11-17.

IThxT – Renea L. Butler-King

Butler-King, R. (2020). Identifying intergenerational transmission of historical trauma using the genogram psychosocial assessment tool.

Casey Family Programs

https://www.casey.org/contact/

2001 Eight Ave., Ste 2700

Seattle, WA 98121

206.282.7300

Bransford et al., 1999

Bransford, J.D., Brown, A.L., & Cocking, R.R. (Eds.) (1999). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Genogram

Dosani, S. (2009). Genograms: Assessment and Intervention (3rd edn). By Monica McGoldrick, Randy Gerson & Sueli Petry. Norton Professional Books. 2008. 400pp. US $27.00 (pb). ISBN: 9780393705096. The...

In this episode we talk about Balancing work and Summer trips with the family

Summer Trips with the Family

Discover something new about your kids. What are their favorite things are?

Everyday moments are what matter most.

How are you taping into your children’s interest?

Slow down and enjoy the journey. Make a pit stop on road trips to see the sights and experience new places.

On your journey, keep everyone in mind to include activities that everyone can engage.

What travel tools do you need as you travel? What’s a necessity? What creature comforts do you need?

Plan your rest breaks and pit stops.

Play car games on the road and create your own games. Be sure to keep the memory by capturing it in photos or writing.

Library Experiences from Childhood to Adulthood

What am I reading now?

Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin

All of our experiences in life should engage our hearts and minds.

References mentioned in the podcast

Erin Ramsey https://erinramsey.com/

Big Roots Farm https://bigrootsfarm.com/

Join us for our next podcast where we talk about effective

Routines and Back to School Tips.

Life Connection Activity: Reengage your senses

Make a list of your five senses

On the left hand side of the page, write down one thing you want to engage in.

How do my senses engage in the activity you have chosen?

If you discover, that a sense is not fully engaged start focusing on strengthening that sense with other activity.

Let's stay connected, follow us on social media:

Website- https://www.developpeople.org/

Clubhouse – In the Background of LIfe

YouTube In the Background of Life

Twitter: @developpeople

Instagram: @developpeople

Facebook: @developpeopleinc

Our Production Team: Possibilities Podcast Team

Executive Producers: Possibilities Podcast Platform

Producers: Bridgette and Santiago

See possibilitiespodcast.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Production Team: Possibilities Podcast Team

Executive Producers: Possibilities Podcast Platform

Producers: Bridgette and Santiago

See possibilitiespodcast.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we talk about Summer Fun: Memory making through the Years

How do we balance work life and Summer fun? Join us for ideas to engage your family during the Summer months.

Podcast Highlights:

Bringing our childhood experiences of Summer into our family plans.

Engaging activities to keep the family connected

Support your children through all the stages of childhood by engaging them with activities created just for them.

Visit your local libraries

Oklahoma Metropolitan Library System https://www.metrolibrary.org/

Pioneer Library Systems

https://pioneerlibrarysystem.org/get-started/library-cards

Keep learning fun by setting up learning spaces at home.

Create family outings for the whole family to enjoy

Write a list of things you want to do this summer.

Pick a journey to experience and go for it.

Prevent Summer slide by using some resources to keep learning going https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/summer-slide.print.html

Kiwi Co. Activities for all ages

https://www.kiwico.com/kiwi

Roadtrips

Cooking with kids

LIFE CONNECTION ACTIVITY

Try three things a week from your list

Post a snapshot on your social media with hashtag #childhood_summerfun

Let's stay connected, follow us on social media:

Website- https://www.developpeople.org/

Clubhouse – In the Background of LIfe

YouTube In the Background of Life

Twitter: @developpeople

Instagram: @developpeople

Facebook: @developpeopleinc

Our Production Team: Possibilities Podcast Team

Executive Producers: Possibilities Podcast Platform

Producers: Bridgette and Santiago

See possibilitiespodcast.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to my podcast, I’m Kelly Ramsey CEO of Developing People, Inc. sharing inspiration about life, parenting, living with intention, and sharing stories about how it all happens in the background of life.

In today’s episode Kelly revisits her journey map and shares lessons learned and the impact of the relationships in her life that support her and celebrate her identity.

Our identity is carefully defined by how we show up in relationships with others. Deciding to show up authentically defines the quality of our relationships.

In relationships, consider who we show up as and how we interact with those we treasure most.

Mutual friendships and relationships yield fruit that remains. At the roots, we nourish one another and provide nutrients to cause us to flourish. This nourishment is what we don’t see in the forefront of our lives but it’s what supports healthy relationship development. A celebration of 25 years of marriage is a vivid picture of how we are rooted in love and care for each other. Our tree is producing a harvest because of the constant care and attention to the soil of our lives through the seasons of life.

Let’s keep nurturing our relationships with one another, and see the benefit of our care and attention to each other.

Today’s Action Steps:

Place a circle around the relationships that you treasure the most. How do you continue to fuel the relationships you circled? Looking at those relationships creates action steps toward the goal you have set for yourself.

References:

For more on Kelly’s story of living through divorce and redefining her life as a wife and mother. You can check it out here: Loving and Living After Tragedy: Stories of Restoration and Renewal by LaTara Bussey https://a.co/d/0MdNLDX

You can learn more about Kelly's expertise here:

https://www.developpeople.org/

You can find all My Favorite Podcast episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1LaSWXg7U5lAeUXykt7CNo?si=bed21ea1ddb045e6

Be a part of the conversation after the podcast, join us here:

https://youtube.com/@inthebackgroundoflife3194?si=mIT82IbULyANtpEf