I'm a writer, teacher, and outdoor educator. I've dedicated much of the last decade to researching and writing my family stories of Vietnam. In the summer of 2023 I published the narrative nonfiction book, For the Love of Vietnam: a war, a family, a CIA official, and the best evacuation story never heard, which combines the history of the Vietnam War with family tales.
I continue to publish current and retrospective “Stories of Vietnam” on Substack (katfitzpatrick.substack.com), adding layers to my own stories as well as seeking to feature other voices, including those of Vietnam veterans and Vietnam refugees.
I am seeking the next right steps to sharing my work in the world--yes, the Vietnam stories and the value of writing, but also the importance of connecting with the self, a community, and with the natural world. It's a lot, but it does all somehow fall under the umbrella of "Kat Adventures: Explore and Play More." (The title of my newsletter and what I'm known for in my inner circle.)
I'm a writer, teacher, and outdoor educator. I've dedicated much of the last decade to researching and writing my family stories of Vietnam. In the summer of 2023 I published the narrative nonfiction book, For the Love of Vietnam: a war, a family, a CIA official, and the best evacuation story never …
4:22
Welcome to the YouTube course! + Our Community Values
A warm welcome here! I see this course as a community... but it’s not just random comments from random people, but rather, focused and kind comments, from your fellow authentic YouTube creators, for the purpose of encouragement and learning. The most important part of a community is its culture. I consider each of us to be culture-setters. We influence the culture with every interaction we have here. A few values I recommend that we keep in mind... Comment once, reply twice. For each comment that you make, look for 2 other people's comments (especially ones with few comments) and add a reply – with your encouragement and suggestions (if appropriate). This helps to balance the comment/reply ratio, and gives you practice in seeking and giving support in this community. Start with appreciation. Begin your comment about another person's video with your appreciation. Each person's energy signature is unique. It can be difficult to notice one's own, and easier to notice others'. Try to name something, however small, that you appreciate about their video. We all have a fear of being fully seen. Let’s help each other feel accepted and received. Offer suggestions with kindness. It can be hard to receive feedback, especially when someone is new to making video. We do like offering each other suggestions here -- it helps us improve -- however, be gentle/considerate in how you offer your suggestions to one another. Be generous with sharing tips. We are all learning about YouTube together, myself included! If you discover something that works, or hear about a great tip, please do share it with us. Go to lessons learned and choose the appropriate segment to comment on. Sharing will make this course better for all of us. Let me know below if these values are helpful, and if you have any suggestions. The values we embody together here is what makes this course experience amazing for each other 😊 (This is a preview segment. If you don't see any comments below, you might not be logged into the course, or perhaps not enrolled. If you haven't enrolled, you can do so here.)
YouTube Playlist: how to create + other tips
An unlisted youtube playlist about youtube playlist setup :) Click here for the playlist. Feel free to add any questions or comments under any of those videos.
I noticed that YouTube Studio has changed format somewhat but these videos are still pertinent and helpful.
11:48
Your business priorities need your time and attention...
Here is the segment I kept referencing in the video above... Managing your calendar while making space for clients/family (The above link requires that you have access to Joyful Productivity course.) This is a preview lesson and you can watch it by clicking the Play button above. Enjoy :) If you're not a member of ABC/Masterheart (or not logged in as such), there won't be any comments visible below.
I greatly appreciate this encouragement to engage consistently and lightly with the things that move one's business forward. A development director I once worked with reminded her staff regularly: "What are we working on today? Well, where will the money come from?" At first, it struck me as crude, since she was working for a human-centered not-for-profit, but it wasn't long before I realized that that "harsh" statement represented do or die.
ABC Values 💛
Members often say that the biggest benefit is the community we form. What makes it such a good experience are the values that we share 🤗 Through our individual actions, we each shape the values of this group. Think of yourself as one of the culture-setters of this community ✨ Be the peer that you'd love others to be for you :) For starters, try these on: Own your pace We are each at different stages of the journey (in fact, different journeys!) Be careful not to compare your stage or speed of growth with anyone else... Move at your own pace, and encourage everyone, whatever pace they’re on. I’ll do my best to keep up with you, and support you through any stage you’re in. Guilt-free There are no exams, requirements or right answers here. You can never “fall behind” because everyone moves at their own pace, and chooses how to participate at their own rhythm. If you’ve been absent from calls or the group for awhile, you are welcome to jump in again anytime! No worries at all. Notice & name strengths We often forget our own strengths because it’s too obvious to us. When a peer acknowledges your strengths, it is empowering. It helps you activate that strength even more… so do that for your fellow members! As you get to know each one, notice the strengths they have, and let them know you see it. We encourage you to make an Appreciation post to acknowledge someone specifically. Do it as often as you’d like! (OK, up to one a week is good ;-) Understanding one another's strengths will also create better collaborations. Learn from diversity We have a diversity of beliefs, stages, and way of working. Be curious of others’ worldviews and modalities. You might just learn something! You’ll learn from those who are farther along, and re-learn the essentials from those who are just starting out. Constructive & kind feedback How will we grow, unless we are open to receiving suggestions? Be one of the caring ones, willing to share honest feedback, with kindness. If you're not sure whether the feedback might feel embarrassing, please ask them privately if they are open to feedback, letting them know that you care. Authentic Business This sets us apart from other business groups. We are here to use authentic strategies, led by the heart, with honesty and generosity toward our audiences. Let's help each other stay true, with kindness and grace. Practicing Together We are committing to a year of practice together… Practicing joyful productivity as we grow our own business. Practicing being in supportive community, with good boundaries for self-care. Practicing being open-minded, open-hearted, as we learn from one another. Which of these values do you resonate with the most? (And if there are other values you might recommend for our community to consider, feel free to add that too.)
This whole post is so good, that it's hard to pull any single thing out. I did notice how nonjudgemental I was as I read this sentence:
"There are no exams, requirements or right answers here."
Because, obviously, I don't judge GK for not using an Oxford comma--it's not a requirement, after all, even if it is the right thing to do.
Hee hee hee, just kidding (>‿◠)✌and just trying to keep things light, humorous, and on a fun track.
4:04
Course Tracker (spreadsheet template)
Click here for the Course Tracker Template
2:29
The power of commenting
Under every lesson in my course platform, there's a place to comment. If you don't see a place to comment under a particular lesson, it means you're either logged out, or not yet enrolled in the course.
Hi George. I am making my way through the videos and learning a great deal from the onboarding steps and basic setup videos. Now I get into the meat of the course.
I really appreciate this welcome video where you note the community values. I don't see this often in program communities and whenever I do, my emotional response is one of connectedness. I will keep this in mind moving forward in my own business.
They reminded me of the "Full Value Contract, we created at the YMCA camp I worked at for years. We would write "Full Value Contract" on a 2' x 3' whiteboard and have the students/campers offer rules and guidelines. After everyone agreed that they could live by them we'd pass the whiteboard around and each person would sign it.
(One of the funniest sights at camp was seeing Outdoor Educators carrying their signed contracts under their arms on the way to activities. :D