A Discussion-Based Program by ARE U Motivated

The Connection Hour

Practical skills for handling life before stress becomes burnout.

Life asks a lot of us — but we are not always taught the practical skills that help us manage it. The Connection Hour creates space to learn and practice practical skills for navigating real-life demands.

For young people, it is a chance to build those skills early. For adults, it is a chance to strengthen them when life is already demanding more.

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For youth organizations • schools • workplaces • small groups  |  In-person & virtual

Building skills early. Strengthening them when life gets harder.

🍕

Youth & Families

Young people have an opportunity to build practical skills early — before the demands of school, relationships, and adulthood increase. Communication, coping, boundaries, emotional awareness, and resilience are skills that serve young people for life.

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Employees & Adult Groups

Adults are already navigating work, relationships, responsibilities, and competing demands. The Connection Hour gives them an opportunity to strengthen practical skills they can use while navigating those demands — and help reduce the strain before it becomes burnout.

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How It Works

One hour. Real conversation. Practical skills.

Participants do not just listen to another presentation. Sarah facilitates guided discussion around real-life challenges and practical skills participants can use beyond the session.

Topics include:

Stress & Burnout Communication Boundaries Conflict Resilience Healthy Habits Emotional Awareness Managing Change
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A 3-Session Pilot Experience

Give your group an opportunity to experience The Connection Hour through three facilitated sessions focused on practical skills they can use in everyday life.

Across three sessions, participants have time to talk, reflect, practice, and connect what they are learning to real situations. The pilot also gives your organization an opportunity to experience the approach before deciding whether a longer series is right for your group.

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3 Facilitated Sessions
1 hr Each Session
Available for youth organizations, schools, workplaces, nonprofits, and small groups.
In-person and virtual sessions available.
Sarah Livingstone, MSW — Founder of ARE U Motivated
Led by

Sarah Livingstone, MSW

Sarah is the founder and CEO of ARE U Motivated, with more than 20 years of experience working with youth, families, organizations, and communities. She brings a practical, discussion-based approach to every session.

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The Framework

A Simple Framework for Practical Change

A

Awareness — A

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Notice what is happening — thoughts, emotions, and reactions as they arise, and how they influence communication and behavior.
P

Perspective — P

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Consider another way of seeing it — exploring different viewpoints to build empathy, flexibility, and clearer understanding.
H

Habits — H

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Practice healthier responses — developing and reinforcing patterns of communication, coping, and response through consistent practice.
What People Are Saying

Testimonials

"We had the chance to work with Sarah Livingstone from ARE U Motivated for a burnout training, and it was exactly what our team needed. The training was engaging, easy to follow, and full of practical takeaways. Sarah broke down burnout in a way that made sense — what it looks like, why it happens, and what we can do about it. She gave us realistic tools we can use every day, both individually and as a team."

Marsha Kiner, MS, CAE Executive Director, Children's Trust of Alachua County

"Sarah's professional yet conversational style was able to not only hold our attention, but made us learn deeper. Her use of various scenarios was meaningful and relatable. As an academic with both scholarly and administrative responsibilities, I found it to be very useful for my career. I highly recommend Sarah Livingstone!"

Pasha Agoes, Ph.D. Assistant Instructional Professor, University of Florida — Dial Center for Speech & Communication Studies

"Her style is deeply compassionate and engaging, and she led all of us through several very useful exercises that we will return to again and again. I would highly recommend Sarah Livingstone to any organization or group looking to go a little deeper with one another to build a culture of self-care."

Emily Rine Butler, Ph.D. Instructional Professor & Director, William & Grace Dial Center, University of Florida

"Sarah was a fantastic speaker for my group of professionals. She delivered her message in a way that was both engaging and entertaining, helping the group really understand what burnout is and how to manage it. The discussion during her presentation was lively, and everyone was truly engaged."

Angela Chan Florida Public Relations Association, Gainesville Chapter

"Sarah came in for a stellar presentation for the Greater Gainesville Young Professionals. She left us feeling refreshed with new action items to improve our work/life balance. I highly recommend Sarah and ARE U Motivated for anyone in a workplace, school, or organization who feels the pressure of being pulled in a million different ways."

Justin Clement Member Development Manager, Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce
Ready to Connect?

Start a Conversation About Your Group

The Connection Hour is available for youth organizations, schools, workplaces, nonprofits, and small groups. In-person and virtual sessions available. Reach out and we will talk about what makes sense for your group.

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