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    • Transforming opportunities into valueSeeing possibilities and turning them into valuable outcomes is essential for both businesses and individuals. CrossCountry Consulting, Clorox Scentiva, Slack, and Run Findlay all demonstrate the power of transformation and the importance of creating value in unexpected places.

      Creating value, whether for a business or an individual, involves seeing opportunities and transforming them into something new and valuable. CrossCountry Consulting helps businesses generate present and future value by solving challenges and providing tailored solutions. Similarly, Clorox Scentiva transforms cleaning routines into enjoyable experiences with its powerful scents. In the world of business, Slack streamlines work processes and saves time. Meanwhile, in the story of Run Findlay, turning a dirt patch into a vegetable garden not only improved his personal life but also revitalized his community. The common thread is the power of transformation and the importance of creating value in unexpected places. Whether it's through consulting services, cleaning products, or gardening projects, the potential for change is always within reach.

    • Our skewed perception of value and worthWe prioritize material possessions over essential needs and experiences, and education plays a crucial role in shaping our values. It's essential to reevaluate how we teach children about their worth and the importance of nourishment and personal growth.

      Our perception of value and worth is often skewed, leading us to prioritize material possessions over essential needs and experiences. The speaker's story of transforming a neglected neighborhood and encountering resistance illustrates this concept. Additionally, education plays a crucial role in shaping our values, and there is a need to reevaluate how we teach children about their worth and the importance of nourishment and personal growth over material wealth. Jamie Oliver's story of bringing healthy food to underprivileged schools highlights the disconnect between what children value and their basic needs. Furthermore, the speaker's interaction with a Fortnite-obsessed student at Long Branch Junior High School emphasizes the importance of redefining wealth and encouraging children to focus on their inherent worth and potential instead of material possessions.

    • Discovering value through nature and personal growthNurturing the earth can lead to profound experiences, personal growth, and a sense of freedom, regardless of age or circumstances. Valuing one's own worth and connecting with nature can inspire individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

      Intrinsic value and connection to nature can bring about personal growth and transformation, regardless of age or circumstances. Ron Finley, a community gardener, emphasizes that people have value beyond what they can buy and that nurturing the earth can lead to profound experiences and a sense of freedom. He shares stories of individuals, including former prisoners, who have been inspired by his work and have turned their lives around through gardening and farming. These individuals found meaning and purpose in connecting with nature and contributing to their communities, demonstrating the power of self-discovery and the importance of valuing one's own worth.

    • Transforming the Concept of 'Gangster' Through GardeningGardening can inspire self-sustainability, community building, and challenging societal norms, as demonstrated by a child's neighborhood grocery store and a junior high cooking class advocate.

      The concept of being "gangster" can be redefined and applied to self-sustainability, self-regeneration, and community building. The speaker shared a story about a child in San Antonio who transformed his front yard into a neighborhood grocery store by growing food, inspiring others to do the same. This simple yet impactful act encapsulates the speaker's mission to change people's lives and culture through gardening. The speaker also shared a personal memory of challenging gender norms by advocating for a boys' cooking class in junior high, demonstrating his ability to shift paradigms. These experiences highlight the transformative power of gardening and the potential for positive change when we challenge societal norms.

    • Embrace your power to shape experiences and environmentsDefine your own values, success, and beauty in life, challenge limiting systems, and prioritize people over commerce in education and urban planning.

      We have the power to shape our own experiences and environments, rather than being confined by societal norms or limitations. This can be achieved by seeking out new experiences or creating new spaces, much like gardening or exploring new places. For those who may face challenges, such as dyslexia, these obstacles can actually provide unique perspectives and opportunities for growth. Ultimately, it's up to each of us to define our own values, success, and beauty in life, and to challenge systems that don't prioritize people's needs and well-being. In education and urban planning, for example, it's essential to prioritize people over commerce and to advocate for change when necessary. By embracing our agency and creativity, we can live the lives we want to live and create the spaces we value.

    • Empowering positive change through personal actionsRecognize our power to make a difference, from nurturing friendships to reducing waste, and instill this mindset in children for a lifetime of positive impact.

      We all have the power to make positive changes in our lives and in the world around us, no matter how small. This can be as simple as filling a patch of dirt with something beautiful or nurturing a friendship. It's not about drastic, wholesale change, but rather about starting with a seed and allowing it to grow with patience and care. This concept of agency applies not only to our personal lives, but also to our relationship with the planet. We are a part of nature, not separate from it, and it's important to recognize that there is no "away" to throw our waste or problems. Instead, we should strive to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and recognize that every action has a purpose and a place in the circle of life. This mindset can be instilled in children through teaching them about self-reliance, changing their environment, patience, and the importance of health. By fostering a sense of connection to nature and the world around us, we can all make a positive impact and live a life by design, rather than by default.

    • Teaching children about growing, harvesting, and cooking their own foodEngaging children in the process of growing, harvesting, and cooking their own food promotes healthy eating habits, self-reliance, and a deeper connection with nature. Encouraging biomimicry in gardening reduces the need for excessive maintenance and harmful chemicals.

      Teaching children about growing, harvesting, and cooking their own food is an essential aspect of promoting healthy eating habits and self-reliance. By engaging them in the process, they become invested in their food and gain a better understanding of where it comes from. This approach goes beyond just changing what they buy, but also shows them the value of different trades and the importance of reading food labels to make informed decisions. Furthermore, encouraging biomimicry in gardening can reduce the need for excessive maintenance and the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Ultimately, this holistic approach empowers children to make healthier choices and develop a deeper connection with nature.

    • Gardens in Schools: Empowering ChildrenGardens in schools promote self-reliance, instill valuable skills, and provide access to nutrition. They empower children, challenge the status quo, and help them understand their worth.

      Education and gardening go hand in hand in empowering children and instilling a sense of self-reliance and agency. The speaker expresses a desire to see gardens in every school, as this would not only provide children with access to nutrition but also teach them valuable skills and the importance of taking control of their own lives. The speaker admires Ron's work in this area and sees it as a powerful form of reform, one that challenges the status quo and encourages free thinking. Ultimately, the goal is to help children understand their own worth and value, which in turn can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

    • Creating a loving and supportive environment for childrenBeing present and involved in children's lives, encouraging their passions, and allowing them to discover their own paths can lead to happy, successful adults.

      Creating a positive and supportive environment for children can make a significant difference in their lives. Ron Finley, a renowned speaker and urban gardener, emphasized this during a conversation about his upbringing and how he raised his three sons. He shared that most people end up becoming their parents, but he didn't want that for his children. He wanted them to be happy and operate from a place of joy. Ron took steps to eliminate the negative aspects of his past that he didn't want his sons to experience. He made a conscious effort to be present in their lives, spending quality time with them and providing them with opportunities to thrive. He encouraged them to pursue their passions, no matter what they may be. Ron's household was different from his upbringing. He was involved in his sons' lives, and they reaped the benefits of his presence. He emphasized the importance of not forcing children to follow in your footsteps but instead allowing them to discover their own paths. The conversation highlighted the importance of creating a loving and supportive environment for children. It's not hard to be there for them, show up, and make a difference. By doing so, we can help them grow into happy, successful adults.

    • CtMobile Pricing and Liam Neeson's New FilmCtMobile charges $25/line/month for 4 lines without autopay, with extra fees. Liam Neeson stars in 'Land of Saints and Sinners' as a retired hitman protecting his community.

      CtMobile offers a minimum of 4 lines for $25 per line per month without autopay discount, but with an additional $5 per line without autopay and extra taxes and fees. There's also a $35 per line connection charge. Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Liam Neeson shines in the film "Land of Saints and Sinners." Retired hitman Finbar Murphy, played by Neeson, lives peacefully in a remote Irish town until terrorists threaten his tranquility. Finbar must choose between revealing his past or protecting his community. The film, produced by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, is rated R and available now on digital platforms. While considering these offers, remember to contact CtMobile before canceling to maintain bill credits and avoid balance due on finance agreements.

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