Are you operating above or below the line?

The answer to this question may change depending on when you ask. It may change yearly, daily or in some instances, by the minute. You may remember my column in November when I shared my experience I had during a training session.

This training featured an internationally known speaker, Willow Sweeney. Sweeney is also quick to tell you that she has local ties to our area.

Sweeney will be our keynote speaker at the second annual Positively Austin event. Her message during our community presentation is about how we manage ourselves! So, what does that mean to be living above or below the line?

That answer will be featured during the event that will be held at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center on Thursday April 25th. The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Who should attend? Everyone who has answered YES to my first question. Are you operating above or below the line? We have all experienced those times when we wanted to be positive but slipped below the line. Maybe it was that family member, co-worker or friend that just pushed the right buttons. Sweeney compares our lives to a straight line. Sometimes our actions are above the line and sometimes not so much.

Sweeney uses humor as she talks about our everyday experiences and offers tips on how to recognize when we are heading in the wrong direction. Sweeney explains that recognizing when we are dipping below the line is half the battle and staying above the line can be hard work. However, the rewards not only benefit us but the people around us!

If you would like to attend the event, please register on-line at Eventbrite.com, search for Positively Austin. The event will surely change the way you look at events that happen in your life. Complimentary hors-d’oeuvre will be served. Event is 6-8:30 p.m.

Bill Spitzer is the Planning and Implementation (P & I) Coordinator working closely with APAC (Austin Positive Action Coalition). APAC and Bill will be working with our schools and community as part of a 5-year grant focusing on Positive Community Norms. Feel free to contact him at the Austin High School 507-460-1800 ext. 0361 or via e-mail bill.spitzer@austin.k12.mn.us. This grant is made possible by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, ADAD and hosted locally by the PRC.

To learn more about the Parenting Resource, visit their website at www.familiesandcommunities.org