Hey, what’s up, hello…I’m Sara Luehring, a compassionate creative with a love for both teaching & learning. Often found in a classroom, kitchen, dancing with my dogs, or nature, I’m fueled by challenging the status quo and empowering others.
As Curriculum Director of a local nonprofit, I get to create and facilitate self-leadership training programs focused on 21st century skills, like communication and collaboration. I work with 5th graders in the inner city, 12th graders at a boarding school, and adult men in prison- sometimes all in the same day! We have served nearly 20,000 students in just under 10 years, and I live for the moments when one shares about their increased self-confidence to live courageously in this crazy world, thanks to our programs.
My own courage journey consciously began during my own experience at a leadership conference while I was in high school, as I finally admitted that I had been “should-ing” myself into all sorts of boxes that didn’t seem to truly fit ME. As I launched myself outside my comfort zone, I learned to embrace my identity as a sometimes shy-intelligent- hippie- cheerleader. Some of these things are still true. Armed with growth, friendship bracelets, and greater self-acceptance, I expanded my understanding of my own unique potential. And that, to me, is the power of scaring your soul.
Knowing the reason why isn’t always enough. I know that every single time I get the jumpy butterflies in my gut and a racing heartbeat, the growth is always worth facing my fear. But I need to be reminded, often. This is why my first SYS challenge in 2015 involved me tattooing the challenge’s very words ‘scare your soul’ on my body. Whether I’m jumping in to coach a local running movement, planning events rooted in positive psychology, diving into my yoga teacher training, or making myself available as a non-official- totally just for fun- health coach… I re-commit to the challenge, with small acts and deep breaths, as often as I can.