Description:
"Grow Your Why" is a collection of 23 heartfelt narratives from inspirational contributing authors. Each story demonstrates that if we live on purpose no matter where we are on our journey, nothing and no one can stop us.
Brief description: Barbara Bray, an author, coach, mentor, speaker, podcast host, and story weaver, has been on a mission for over 30 years to transform teaching so learning is authentic and meaningful.
Barbara hosts the Rethinking Learning podcast with over 160 episodes on her virtual porch with inspirational educators and innovators about their journey to discovering their purpose. These stories became the heart of her book, "Define Your Why: Own Your Story So You Can Live and Learn on Purpose." Barbara is co-host of the podcast "Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole" focusing on authenticity in a polarized society. Barbara offers presentations, keynotes, interviews, retreats, and workshops on growing your WHY through stories, rethinking teaching and learning, empowering learner agency, knowing the value of your story, and why now is the time to disrupt the status quo. Barbara is pursuing her Transformational Life Coach Certification to support aspiring authors, podcasters, educators, women, and anyone who wants to discover their purpose and build their dream.Review Quotes:
"Grow Your Why" has taught me that each of us has a unique story founded in that inner voice that grounds our choices in life-our why-and then grows it along life's journey. The heartfelt sharing of the life stories of each of the book's contributors left me with the feeling that we each have some untapped wonder and joy in our lives.
Rose Colby, Competency Education Specialist, Consultant, Author
This amazing book helps you recognize your WHY, highlights the value of your WHY, and reminds you of the impact of your WHY. Through true stories of struggle, success, discovery, and learning, "Grow Your Why" touches your heart, makes you smile, and reminds you that YOUR WHY is unique and meaningful. A must-read!
Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez, Director of Special Programs, Educator, Collaborator
By looking through the eyes of another person, we may discover parts of ourselves that will benefit us on our own personal journey of self-awareness. This book helps us to weave valuable lessons from the stories of others so we can also define, challenge, and grow our why.
Donna M. McCance, M.ED., Educational Leader, Teacher, & Advocate for the Wellness of Humanity
Barbara Bray's "Grow Your Why" shares dozens of examples of the nuanced exploration of personal purpose. Her book is a collection of diverse stories, each a journey of self-discovery, be it in discovering, journeying, or growing one's "Why."
Michael Bronder, Co-founder and CEO of K12Leaders
As a self-professed Story Weaver, Barbara threads together inspiring stories from educators around the world, shining a light on the power of living life with passion and purpose. Each section of her book illustrates the journey of self-discovery, resilience, and determination in a casual, "come-as-you-are" conversation that will inspire readers to reflect on their life journey.
Tamara Letter, M.Ed. Instructional Technology Coach and Author of a Passion for Kindness: Making the World a Better Place to Lead, Love, and Learn
"Grow Your Why" is a powerful compilation of stories from amazing educators. Reading their stories, the 'how' behind their 'why' allows educators of all levels of experience and concentration to center themselves around their stories.
Dr. Darrin Peppard, author, speaker, publisher, and founder of Road to Awesome, LLC