Journey to Belonging: Pathways to Well-Being

by Ilene Winokur

Reflecting on life is important, but what if it leads to discovering your sense of belonging? Dr. Ilene Winokur discovered a sense of belonging by sharing her story about life in two very different places she calls Buffalo, NY, and Yarmouk, Kuwait. Friends and family were curious about how she adjusted to life in two different cultures. Dr. Winokur realized that belonging was the common theme and her journey guided her to make connections between belonging, learning, and improving our well-being.

Journey to Pathways to Well-Being is filled with self-reflection and the author’s discovery about different stages of belonging (self, personal, and professional) that can influence how educators approach teaching and learning. Dr. Winokur's research-based explanations about belonging and well-being include why our highest goal is to leave a legacy and a better future for all.

Journey to Belonging will help you define YOUR sense of belonging by

What is self-belonging and why do we all need it?Why is personal belonging an essential element of learning?How can educators find their sense of professional belonging?What does it mean to become a “good ancestor”?

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2021

About the author

Dr. Ilene Winokur is a professional development specialist with a focus on mentoring and coaching teachers globally including refugee teachers. Ilene has been active in learning innovation for over 25 years and is passionate about narratives related to belonging. Prior to retiring in 2019, she was a teacher and administrator at the elementary and pre-college levels for 25 years specializing in teaching English learners.
Ilene hosts a podcast and blogs about her personal journey to belonging in Buffalo, NY, where she grew up, and Yarmouk, Kuwait where she has lived since 1984. Both focus on the importance of feeling a sense of belonging, the subject of her books, Journey to Belonging: Pathways to Well-Being and Finding Your Pathway to Belonging in Education, a companion book with additional strategies and lesson ideas.

Reviews

[Noura Marafi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey to Belonging is a thoughtful blend of memoir and personal growth, exploring how identity, culture, and connection shape our sense of well-being. Through her experiences living between different worlds, Ilene Winokur reflects on what it truly means to belong — not just fitting in, but finding inner peace and authentic connection. The book weaves storytelling with psychology and reflective questions that invite meaningful self-exploration. A warm, insightful read for anyone interested in personal growth and human connection.

[AMEENAH ALABDULHADI · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful book that follows the writer's bath of exploring the journey of belonging and self-discovery. It is written in a very smooth and engaging style. The transitions between the journey of searching for oneself, building a family and forming relationships, and professional growth are presented in a beautiful and enjoyable way. The book reflects so much and inspires you to explore your own personal journey.

[Noadaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Dr. Ilene Winokur takes a deep dive into belonging by sharing her own journey while also exploring belonging from multiple sources. She highlights why self, personal, and professional belonging are key components of well-being and essential considerations for educators in all learners, including themselves.