How do you start your online sessions?

I love to start my Chilipepper community sessions with a check-in, as it gives each group member a voice, and helps them to be present, seen and heard.

I ask a question (see below), and each member takes his/her turn to answer. One member starts and then throws an imaginary ball to another member,  or anyone chimes in when they’re ready.

Questions I might ask include:

• What’s one interesting thing you’ve been working on lately?
• How has your day been so far?
• Name one thing that brings you energy and joy.
• Do you have an interest that others in this group might not know about?
• What is something you came across recently that inspired you?
• What makes a great day for you? 

Are you looking for some inspiration? You’ll find lots of great questions here.

But perhaps you already have some wonderful check-in questions you’d be willing to share with us?

It sounds rather crazy, doesn’t it?

“Die With Me” is a chat app you can only use when you have less than 5% battery. You enter a chatroom full of people with a low battery who all have the same problem. (For iOS and Android.)

Hear more about it in this very short video clip and tell me if you give it a try.

You’re stuck with a problem? Try rubber-ducking.

Find someone to listen to you. It can be a partner, the dog or a rubber duck if no-one else is available.

Ask them to listen without making any comments.

Explain the problem in detail to them.

As you talk, you may find that a solution springs to mind. Thinking out loud focuses your attention and concentration, and can help you problem-solve better.

Perhaps this is something you already do or you’d like to try out?

Who doesn’t know the phrase, “The same procedure as every year!”?

Yes, Germans love the cult sketch “Dinner for One”, about the butler, the lady, lots of alcohol and a tiger skin rug. 

You don’t want to wait until New Year’s Eve? You can watch the sketch here. 

And read the text here.

“Luck is thinking you’re lucky. If you think you’re lucky, you are.”
John Mellencamp

Just a little reminder:

luck = das Glück
lucky = Glück haben
happy = glücklich sein

I found this test for 12-year-olds on welt.de.

So how good is your vocabulary. Do you know the 10 English words?

Good luck!