Each year on November 13, I get a little giddy. To many, it’s just another day on the calendar, but to me, it’s a day of celebration – celebrating kindness, that is! Throughout the years, I’ve shared my experiences through blog posts and journal entries, trying to capture the joy of surprising others with small acts of kindness. This year was especially poignant because I was several states away in New York City!
World Kindness Day in New York City? Count me IN!
My time in the Big Apple actually began several days prior with a huge act of kindness provided by my husband’s workplace, T-Mobile. They honored 100 of their employees who were military veterans with an all-inclusive trip to NYC which included an invitation to march in the NYC Veterans Day Parade! On the morning of 11/11, they surprised the veterans by allowing their guests to march in the parade as well. What a thrill to receive such an incredible act of kindness as a precursor to World Kindness Day!
Ready to march in the Veterans Day Parade!
T-Mobile acknowledged their veterans with a digital display in their Times Square store! Can you find Rich’s name?
While my acts of kindness aren’t quite as grand as T-Mobile’s (this one was over the top!), I am a firm believer that every act of kindness makes a difference, no matter how small. I was excited to get started, so the day before, I stopped in a little café near my hotel and wrote positive messages on sticky notes to place around the city. I left notes on bathroom mirrors, gift shop shelves, subway seats, and inside books.
I always have a pen and sticky notes with me to scatter kind words to others!
Sometimes you just need to look in the mirror and see a reminder that you are beautiful!
A note of inspiration in the subway.
A closer view of the note I left.
While at the café, I discovered huge black-and-white cookies along the checkout counter which made me laugh, immediately remembering the Seinfeld episode years ago that addressed racial harmony using this cookie as an example. I quickly grabbed a few dollars and hid it behind a cookie so someone else could enjoy this sweet surprise.
These made me smile!
I had additional surprises on World Kindness Day, one being the realization that my sweet friend, Tisha Richmond (@tishrich) was also in the Big Apple at the same time! What were the chances that friends from Oregon and Virginia would be in the same place, at the same time, so many miles from home?
Tisha’s book, Make Learning Magical, was published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. five months before mine and she was a wonderful mentor for my author journey, with our paths crossing several times during our book launches. It was such a joy to meet her and her husband, Russ, for coffee! Although the coffee shop we chose was closed, we were blessed to see an open diner across the street which provided space to chat and many refills of coffee. (I also made sure to snag the check before they could grab it – kindness cultivators have to be quick on the stick sometimes!)
Coffee with Tisha!
Making memories at The Red Flame Diner!
One of my kindness stops was visiting the Museum of Modern Art. I arrived in a downpour of rain with the entrance line wrapped 3/4 around the block. While it would have been easy to grumble and complain in my frustration (after all, I had registered earlier that morning for a timed ticket), I waited patiently in line and made sure to thank each employee I encountered as the line inched forward.
Such a long line in the rain!
Smiling in the downpour!
Lots of wet umbrellas!
At the entrance of the museum, they provided a place to store our wet umbrellas, which I thought was extremely kind. Seeing how many people stored their umbrellas here, I decided to do the same and snapped a quick photo before I began exploring the museum. Ironically, my kindness extended a bit farther than I anticipated as this was the last photo I ever took with my umbrella – it was missing from the stack when I went to retrieve it hours later. Egads!
At that moment, I was reminded of an adage I try to follow each day: “I can’t control the actions of others, but I can control my reaction to them.” Instead of getting angry or upset, I made a conscious decision to imagine a stranger choosing my umbrella by mistake and said a quick prayer that whoever had my umbrella would appreciate it in the storms of life. I then said another prayer of appreciation for sunny skies and the ability to purchase another umbrella for the loss.
While in the museum, I was drawn to my favorite artist, Vincent van Gogh. His painting Starry Night was one of the most popular exhibits with a constant crowd nearby. I was thrilled to finally make my way to the front for a closer view of this iconic painting!
I noticed a sitting bench in the midst of the crowd and decided to leave a copy of my book, A Passion for Kindness, for someone else to discover. (Every time I visit a new city, I always bring a few books to leave in random places.)
I was so excited to see Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh in person!
Leaving my book on the sitting bench to be discovered by someone new!
After leaving the museum, I grabbed a quick bite to eat at a local restaurant and made sure to overtip the server (although I forgot to take a photo of the receipt.)
Scattering kindness at Megan’s restaurant.
Later, as my husband and I were visiting the American Museum of Natural History, I saw a penny souvenir machine and couldn’t resist leaving money for someone else to make a penny. Such fun! I left more post-it notes to be discovered throughout the museum with a couple of dollar bills stashed away in the kid’s section of the gift shop, too.
The museum’s souvenir penny machine
My note with the quarters and penny
On the way back to the hotel, we still had $6.00 credit on our Metro subway passes, so we handed them to a stranger at our last stop. We received a huge smile and “Thank you!” in return!
Blessing a stranger with our MetroCard credit
Coming full circle back to my new favorite NYC café, The Times Eatery, I decided to leave another copy of my book here. Reflecting on my conversation with Tisha that morning, I decided to add a few dollars inside my book for someone else to get a cup of coffee or a muffin ($2.50 + tax). I slid the surprise on page 124 where I mentioned my favorite novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. It was only fitting to reference New York while doing acts of kindness here!
The Times Eatery – my new favorite NYC café!
Be the good!
Hiding money inside my book
My book waiting to be discovered!
Even though it’s been a week since World Kindness Day arrived, the kindness never stops! I’ve experienced kindness given (purchasing games on Amazon for a teacher I’ve never met to give to her students as holiday gifts) and kindness received (enjoying a delicious meal provided by my school’s PTA). The kindness boomerang continues with each positive gesture sent out into the world!
To read more about my World Kindness Day adventures from past years, visit the blog posts below. I hope you are inspired to create your own traditions as you celebrate kindness wherever you go!
WOW! What an incredible few weeks this has been scattering kindness throughout my travels! If you read my original traveling kindness post from June, you know that I started my travels in Los Angeles, California to present a virtual session about technology and kindness at the ISTE Conference, while also completing my final trip for the R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence. What an honor to share my adventures both in and out of the classroom!
Ready to virtually present at the ISTE Conference!
Thirty-six hours after arriving home from California, I packed up my family of five and headed back out west for a family vacation where we explored national parks, state parks, and tourist attractions in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.
Below are several kindness stories from my adventures to inspire you with lots of ideas that you can do when you travel, too!
Hidden Messages
There are so many ways to leave hidden messages for other to discover when you are traveling. The first thing I did was change the name of my Bluetooth connection from “Mom’s iPhone” to “You are loved!” It might seem a little silly, but just knowing that anyone sitting near me, looking to connect to Bluetooth, would be reminded that they were loved brought me such joy! It was a quick and easy way to make others smile without even having to say a word.
Such joy to know I’m now discoverable as “You are loved!”
I love to bring post-it notes when I travel. I have them in my backpack, suitcase, purse, any space I can use. It’s such fun leaving notes of affirmation everywhere I go! Some of the places I leave post-it notes include store shelves, tables, chairs, restroom mirrors and walls, above water fountains, on airplanes, in hotels, even in gift shops! The power of a post-it note is endless as you never know how many people will read the note before someone claims it as their own. And for that person? It just might be the only kind words they receive that day.
A note of affirmation on a restroom wall.
Magazines
I rarely purchase magazines, but it’s always fun to pick up one while traveling. After flipping through, I will often leave them behind for someone else to read, usually in a visible location. This magazine focused on mindfulness, so I thought it was a perfect read for someone traveling! I left this one at a food court table inside the airport, then when I passed by the table thirty minutes later, it was gone! Such fun!
My post-it note on the magazine I left for someone else.
Leaving the magazine on the table.
Candy
I love bringing candy to give away during my travels. My favorites include 100 Grand bars with little notes saying, “You are worth 100 Grand”, individual bags of M&Ms, and individually wrapped Smarties with a note that someone is a “Smartie” (great for conferences or learning sessions!) Always make sure your candy is left in a safe place where small children or animals can’t get into it. I made sure to say “Thanks” to my flight attendants and gave a few candy bars to gift shop cashiers. I even saw Roz from my Traveling Kindness post the second time I went to the airport and made sure she knew how much I appreciated her kindness from the week before!
Our flight got delayed and we had to disembark to board a new plane. I left some candy for the flight attendants so they knew I appreciated their calm kindness during the delays and transition!
Such fun to bless Roz with another kindness RAK!
Pennies
Even though pennies don’t have much of a monetary value here in the U.S., they are meaningful symbols when left in cemeteries or at memorials. While in California, I visited the final resting places of famous celebrities like Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe. In Nevada, we added our penny to a memorial for the Hoover Dam dog.
Pennies (and other coins) are fun to scatter around for children to discover as well. I was searching for fountains to lay coins along the edge for others to throw in, but ended up leaving coins along the flower garden walkway at the Getty Museum when I saw several children nearby.
Visiting Judy Garland’s resting place at Hollywood Forever cemetery.
Adding my penny to Judy Garland’s memorial.
Adding a penny to Marilyn Monroe’s marker at the Westwood Brothers cemetery.
Anyone remember the little blonde girl from the Poltergeist movies of the 80’s? I brought her a penny, too.
My son leaving a penny at the Hoover Dam dog memorial.
It was fun to leave quarters along the walkway at the Getty Museum flower garden for children to discover.
Arcades
While visiting the Santa Monica Pier, I was so excited to see an arcade filled with games! After walking around and seeing the different options, I ended up leaving quarters in the candy machines, and a few games: a traditional Skeeball game and an old-fashioned Pac-Man game. Many arcades now use swipe cards to load money, so in the future I may put a few dollars on a card and leave it somewhere to be discovered.
Me and my bag of quarters.
Adding a quarter to the turnstile.
$1.00 to play? Quarters only? No problem! I’ve got you covered!
A cute pinball gumball game – quarter added, ready to play!
Who can resist the original PacMan? Even though this game needed a swipe card, I still left quarters on the screen anyway as a reimbursement for whoever found them! Play on!
Helping Others
That same evening, I sat on a bench along the Santa Monica Pier, listening to the ocean waves and waiting on the sunset. A woman stumbled towards my bench a bit haphazardly. At a quick glance, I thought she might be homeless as she was carrying a multitude of items in her hands, including a well-loved baby doll and a Tupperware container with cereal rattling inside. I scooted over so she could sit down and she turned to me, mumbling about needed to gather all her things to go home. “It’s my bedtime and I don’t want to be late,” she muttered while trying to readjust her clothes and meager belongings.
Even though it was the middle of summer, she was wearing a heavy coat and a long scarf that was dragging on the ground. As she stood back up, I realized the scarf could easily get stepped on, or might cause her to trip. I looked up and said, “Hang tight, your scarf is dragging too low.” Her eyes met mine and she gave me the greatest gift that evening – her face brightened with the biggest smile on her face. “Yes, yes, that would be good!” she replied as I reached up and adjusted her scarf, gently taking the long end and wrapping it over her shoulder. She then turned and walked away, still talking to herself.
While our entire exchange lasted less than two minutes, I sat on that bench for a good while longer, thinking about how something as small as adjusting a stranger’s scarf can completely change your day. I wished I was able to do more for her, but I was grateful for the opportunity to do the small act that I could. Since I didn’t capture a photo of the moment, I snapped a photo of my view instead to remind me of kindness on the pier.
Sitting on the Santa Monica Pier waiting for the sunset
Another thing I like to do in my travels is offering to take photos of others on vacation, especially in large groups where one person is not going to be part of the photo because they are behind the camera. My family knows that I will ALWAYS lag behind a little as we walk from here to there as I can’t resist offering to help! The best part is when there’s a kindness boomerang and other people offer to take photos of us, too. Below is a photo of me with my family of five inside of Bryce Canyon, enjoying the kindness of a stranger!
My Family of Five
We experienced another wonderful act of kindness as we traveled to Zion National Park. In order to visit the various canyons and cliffs, you have to park at the bottom of the park and take a tram to various stops. Half the parking lot was closed due to cleaning, so there was a mad scramble of cars trying to find a spot to park, then board the tram.
After circling through several times, this very kind woman making her way back to her car, caught our eye and said she was getting ready to leave, so she would stay in her spot until we drove back around so we could hop in when she left. I literally wanted to cry with relief from her kindness. It was the best act of kindness we experienced that day! To capture the moment, I took a photo of her car backing out of the spot to remind me to do the same for others in the future.
So happy to have a parking spot!
While in Los Angeles, CA, I signed up for an all-day tour since it was my first time visiting the city and I was traveling alone. I was one of the last people picked up for the tour, which resulted in limited seating availability, so I sat in the first spot open, beside a woman with a friendly smile. I later learned her name was Sheila and she was traveling from Texas with several friends, sitting nearby.
As we drove through the city, making various stops, we started comparing our photos to see if one of us snapped a photo the other one missed. She shared a few of her photo-snapping hacks and I shared my knowledge of apps and filters. We started sharing our photos back and forth through text messages and by the end of the day we had the best of the best memories from our trip.
When it came time for me to exit the bus at the end of our tour, I gave her a copy of my book as a thank you. She gasped and said, “I was sitting beside an author the whole day and didn’t even know it!” Thank you, Shelia, for being one of my favorite traveling kindness memories from my California trip!
Shelia and I smile for a tour bus selfie!
Hotel Joy
I love to surprise my hotel room attendant with an extra little “Thank you” of some cash and a note of appreciation. While I’m sure that I’m not the messiest guest they’ve ever had, I still want them to know that I see the extra effort they put into making my accommodations nice and neat. I also make sure to follow whatever rules they have like putting all dirty towels in a pile for easy pick-up. When my stay is done, I do my own “clean sweep” where I toss out partially used items like soaps and shampoos so they don’t have to do it themselves.
A little surprise for my hotel room attendant.
At the hotel pool area, you might see me picking up discarded towels that were left by other guests on chairs at the end of the night or even adding a few pool toys like balls, extra goggles, or floating toys to the hotel’s collection if they have one.
On this trip, there was an ice cream vending machine right outside the entrance to the pool, so one night we surprised our kids with ice cream when they were done swimming! Next time I will bring a little extra money to tape to the vending machines so someone else can enjoy a sweet surprise!
Have you ever seen an ice cream vending machine? This was a first for us!
It was fascinating to see how the vending machine worked!
Happy smiles all around!
The little guy had to get a Klondike!
Gift Shops and Souvenirs
It’s true that I can lose myself in a gift shop! I love to look around at all the novelties and see the creative ways people can remember their travels. Sometimes I will hide cash in various places with a note for someone else. Occasionally, I will give money to the cashier as a “pay-it-forward” for them to apply to the next person’s purchase.
At national parks, and other touristy places, you can sometimes find a machine that will take your penny and create a souvenir coin by flattening the coin with heavy gears, then imprinting it with a logo of the park. I found one of these machines at the Red Rock Canyon gift shop in Nevada and left some money so a stranger could make one of their own.
As I was walking back to the machine to tape my money and note, I saw a woman standing there, digging through her purse for money. I gently tapped her and handed her the note with two dollar bills saying, “Here you go! I’ve got it all covered for you! Enjoy!” She looked up in surprise then returned my smile, saying, “That is very kind of you! Thank you so much!” I then stepped away with a happy heart knowing for just that moment, all was right with the world.
I remember the days when it only cost a quarter and a penny to make souvenir coins! This one cost $2.00!
My note and money ready to place on the machine.
The lady I blessed with my kindness. You can see my pink post-it note on the other dollar bill she is holding in her hand!
Another fun RAK I completed was at the Hershey gift store when we visited the New York New York casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. I saw several adorable T-shirts that made me smile and my son helped me decide what act of kindness to complete in the store. We saw a display of candy jars in the shape of Hershey Kisses (which matched the theme of the shirts I loved!) so we hid a few dollars in one of them as a surprise along with a note of affirmation. It was such fun to do this act of kindness with my child!
“Practice Random Acts of Sweetness” – Love that!
This shirt made me laugh with the THOUSANDS of Hershey Kisses on the wall behind me!
The Hershey Kisses candy jar display
“Some kindness with your kisses!” – a note with some money for a stranger.
A little surprise to discover hidden inside!
Books
If you’ve followed my author journey, you know that I always bring a few copies of A Passion for Kindness to leave in the cities that I visit. (I also love to take photos of my book as it “travels” around the world!) This summer’s adventures were no different. While in California, I left my book on a table in an outdoor restaurant simply because the menu colors matched the color of my book.
Yes, I have turquoise post-it notes, too – my favorite color!
Leaving my book at the restaurant.
In Nevada, I visited Marion E. Cahlan Elementary School, where my teaching career began 24 years ago. Since I referenced the school in my book, I left a little note on page 101 in addition to my note on the cover and a personalized autograph on the inside. Visiting Cahlan again after so many years, reflecting on all the incredible experiences I’ve had since becoming a teacher, felt like coming full-circle!
My first teaching job!
My book with a post-it note message on top.
Leaving my book for another Cahlan teacher to discover! May their teaching journey be as incredible as mine!
While my summer break ends this week, I am grateful for the many opportunities I had to weave my passion for kindness through the memories I made across the country. I would love to know how you’ve scattered kindness in your travels, too! Feel free to leave a comment on the bottom of this post or reply back to my email if you are on my mailing list. Your ideas inspire! Together we can remind others of so much good in this world!
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This week I am spending time in Los Angeles, California, as my final trip for the R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence I received in 2018. Due to the pandemic, the original trip was postponed, but now that social distancing regulations are lifted, it’s time to soar with kindness once again!
To prepare for my trip, I gathered my favorite “kindness supplies,” namely candy, coins, post-it notes, pens, and gift cards. I also grabbed a few copies of A Passion for Kindness that I could autograph and leave in random places in California. After 18 months of car-only travel, I was very excited to get back in the air again!
Love packing my bags with kindness surprises!
It’s been 18 months since I’ve flown on an airplane!
When I arrived at the airport Saturday morning, I made sure to wear a smile behind my mask and deliberately made eye contact with the different service personnel I encountered. The woman who checked in my luggage laughed when I cheered as my suitcase came in under 50 lbs. I took time to appreciate joy in the little things, like the conversation I shared with the TSA worker who asked, “How many tech devices do you HAVE in that backpack?!” (Let’s just say that it took 5 separate containers to scan it all!) How blessed am I to have an opportunity to travel across the country, presenting to others about my passion for kindness!
When my candy was flagged for a hands-on inspection, I didn’t fret or get frustrated with the delay. I smiled again and explained the reason for such a massive quantity of sweets. They were doing their job as thoroughly as they could and I was appreciative for all the ways they keep us safe during our travels.
Then came the act of kindness that would completely turn my day upside down.
About 5 minutes before we boarded our flight, the American Airlines attendant came over the loudspeaker and asked, “Are there any passengers who have flexible travel plans that would be willing to give up their seat?”
I really wanted to get on that plane to California.
I really wanted to arrive on time so I could enjoy my first evening in L.A.
But I also wanted to make someone else’s day brighter.
You already know what I did.
Twenty minutes later, I was waving goodbye to the plane that was supposed to take me to my destination.
When I offered up my seat, I was able to meet the young woman who took my spot. She was traveling with another woman and a nine-month-old baby; they were hoping to fly together even though one was traveling standby. It was such joy to see their faces light up when they heard that they could both board the plane! Her gratitude made any inconveniences I would experience for this decision absolutely worth it.
The woman with the baby, trying to work out details to fly.
The woman who received my seat, at the far end of the counter. Faces are blurred for privacy.
The American Airlines attendant, Roz, who helped redirect my path, rewarded my kindness with a $375 voucher for another trip, upgraded me to first-class seats, AND provided a $12 food voucher I could use in the RIC airport. It was a kindness boomerang! The only catch? I would have to wait another 8 hours before I could board the next flight and would arrive in California three hours later than I planned.
Mindset matters.
When I offered to sacrifice my seat, I didn’t anticipate so many rewards. I knew I would get some kind of travel credit, but I didn’t expect that much. I definitely didn’t expect all the extras! But I was kind and patient as they were working out details and I truly believe when you live as a Kindness Cultivator, every now and again what you put out into the world returns right back to you. Having a positive mindset helped me reframe my day: I could attend the opening session of the ISTE Conference virtually and interact live with other attendees. I could eat a meal in a restaurant. I could watch a movie on my iPad. I could read. I could write. So many choices!
I decided to grab a cup of coffee and noticed the tip jar was empty as I placed my order. I added a few dollars, then laughed when I saw the message on the cup I received: “May cause irrepressible happiness.” Kindness for the win!
I love the message on this cup!
After attending a few ISTE sessions while I waited in the terminal, I received an alert on my phone regarding my rescheduled flight. It was now delayed and I wouldn’t be leaving until 7pm. This change would result in a missed connection, possibly requiring me to spend the night in the Chicago airport.
Oh NO!
It would have been easy to fly off-the-handle in frustration at this unexpected change. I could have rolled my eyes, bemoaned Murphy’s Law, and made a snarky comment about how being kind backfires. Instead, I took a short walk to clear my mind, then took control of the things I could.
I contacted my hotel and let them know I was still headed their way. I rescheduled my LA tour for Monday instead of Sunday. I made a few more calls, then went to look for an American Airlines attendant to see if there was something – anything – that could be done to get me to California before midnight.
As luck would have it, Roz was still working her shift at the counter. She called me over and worked her magic, rerouting me completely, putting me on a flight to Charlotte that was boarding right then. She also let me know that due to this change, I would arrive in California only one hour later than my originally booked time. What a gift! I was so grateful for her expertise in scheduling, and her willingness to move mountains to help me out, that I told her she was worth 100 Grand and gave her a candy bar to prove it.
When I arrived in the Charlotte airport, I pulled out my sticky notes and left a few positive affirmation messages throughout the terminal: on the ladies restroom mirror, by the water fountain, and on random tables. I found a rocking chair to settle in and participated in a few more ISTE sessions as I waited for my connecting flight. I also said a little quick prayer that my luggage wouldn’t get lost and would be safe waiting for me in LA.
I love leaving positive affirmation notes everywhere I travel! You never know who will need a little pick-me-up right in that moment!
Learning on the go!
As I boarded my flight for the West Coast, I smiled at people as I walked down the aisle to my seat. I made sure to give the flight attendant my attention and smiled again when she explained the need to put on our oxygen masks before helping others, a point my superintendent, Dr. Gill, emphasized during our district’s Leadership Conference this past week. It was a great reminder that we must take care of ourselves first in order to help others!
Since my flight was rerouted, I no longer had first class seats (but they were fun to have while they lasted!) I was now seated in a row of three, beside the aisle, not near the window like I always prefer. Again, I made a conscious choice to be grateful for the seat instead of dwelling on the change.
Life is short.
Enjoy the journey.
After flying for a bit, I noticed the gal beside me diligently working on her laptop. She introduced herself as Rachel and asked if I knew of anywhere she could charge her device, but our flight didn’t provide any outlets nearby. I offered my portable charger for her use, which she greatly appreciated, but she didn’t have a cable that would connect correctly with her laptop’s adaptor.
It was then that the guy on the other side of Rachel joined our conversation. His name was Adam and he happened to have a charging cable that worked! We were so excited by our success, we snapped a collaborative kindness selfie to document the moment. Between my charger, Rachel’s charger, and Adam’s cable, she was able to continue working for most of the flight.
Thumbs up for collaborative kindness!
When we finally landed in California, I added a thank you note to a bag of M&Ms and left them in my seat for the flight attendant to discover after we all had left. It was a small gesture of appreciation, but one I hoped would make her smile!
A RAK for my flight attendant
A closer photo of my message
All in all, it was an incredible day of scattering kindness from the East Coast to the West Coast and thanks to Roz, I made it back to my hotel in plenty of time to check in and get a good night’s rest. I’m excited to see what adventures I will encounter while in L.A. and I look forward to connecting with ISTE conference attendees both virtually and in person while I’m here!
While I can’t quite recall the moment when letters became words and words became stories, my memories are scattered with still-frame snapshots of me reading. I can see myself in my mind’s eye, stretched out on my twin-sized bed, completely engrossed in yet another Judy Blume book. Sometimes I would sit cross-legged inside my closet, having created a cozy nook of pillow and blankets. Other times you might find me sitting in the corner of our guest room, a slice of solitude where I could read uninterrupted and hidden away.
I credit my mom for instilling this love of reading in me as she was always reading a book. Her favorite place to read was in the corner of our sectional sofa, where she would curl up with a blanket while our dog, Mandy, a Poodle/Pekinese/Lhasa mix, would dutifully snuggle up against her leg. She had stacks and stacks of novels in her bedroom closet and would read anything from murder mysteries to tawdry romance collections. She would sometimes subscribe to the Book of the Month club until they sent her books that no longer held her interest. She was also a familiar face to the store clerks at Waldenbooks in Regency Square Mall.
It’s not a surprise that I developed a love for libraries at an early age. While there was only one library in our local area, when I would visit my Grandma Payne, I would often ask her to take me to libraries in her district. I treasured my library card like a sixteen-year-old treasures a driver’s license. That little piece of plastic had the ability to transport me anywhere in the world. Reading was a perfect escape from many of life’s challenges.
Decades went by. I continued to read, as did my Mom, and we passed this love of reading down to my three children. Their childhood summers were spent visiting libraries and participating in story-time hours, each child having their own bookshelf in their room overflowing with books of all kinds: baby board books, large print books, hardback children classics and softcover young adult novels. We always purchased books from the teacher’s Scholastic magazine flyers and often donated books to their classrooms. There were books wrapped under the Christmas tree and given as birthday gifts, too.
As I read, I also wrote. Diaries, journals, even scraps of paper captured my thoughts as I wondered if one day I might create a book someone else might read. It was a whisper of a dream I held tightly to my heart, not daring to share with anyone, lest the fragile bubble of my imagination pop and disappear.
Then came the dreaded day in June when my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. The doctors told her if she didn’t have any medical intervention, she would only have a few months to live. She looked at them square in the face and said, “You do whatever you have to do – I have a trip to Boston planned for August and I am not cancelling that trip!”
My mother’s love for her Bostonian roots almost rivaled her love for reading. She could talk for hours and hours about the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots and knew all their stats as well. Her northern accent would thicken whenever she spoke with someone from Massachusetts. I can still remember her teaching me how to say “Pahk yah cah in Hahvahd Yahd” (Park your car in Harvard Yard) to impress my grandfather when we visited.
My mom was a fighter. She immediately started chemo and counted the days until her trip. In August, she made her way to Boston for an extended weekend visit with her husband, Bob, and was able to see her beloved Red Sox play. She visited Quincy Market, local restaurants, and made time to connect with loved ones, reveling in the memories of her youth.
My mom and her husband, Bob
Twenty months after her favorite trip to Boston, we sat at her bedside in the hospital, saying goodbye one last time.
How does a child thank a mother for the gifts she instilled in her life? How does a lifetime of love come down to moments and memories? How does a legacy live on?
By making a promise to live life to the fullest and be all you are meant to be.
In April 2017, I made a promise to my mom that I would become an author, one day adding my book to the bookshelves and backpacks of others. In January 2018, I submitted my book proposal to Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. and in February 2019 I held my published book, A Passion for Kindness, in my hands for the very first time.
My first book signing at The Local Cup, February 2019
In April 2019, two months after my book was published and two years after I had made that promise to my mom, I traveled to Boston and stood at the steps of the Boston Library. It was my first visit to this space and I was awestruck by the magnitude of this public institution – where anyone could walk inside and be surrounded by millions of books.
The marbled archways and mosaic-tiled ceilings instantly transported you to a time where aesthetic quality and ambiance were valued and revered. Hand-painted images covered the walls with small framed informational plaques nearby. One could easily mistake these grand halls as part of an exquisite art gallery. Even the books blended in with the decor.
As I climbed the sleek, marble steps that rounded from the entrance to the first floor, what I saw next caused me to break the hushed silence of the library with an audible gasp. Standing right before me was the entrance to Bates Hall.
Bates.
I couldn’t believe that I had traveled all the way from Virginia to discover, in the most beautiful library I had ever seen, in a town that my mom adored, a magnificent room that shared the same name my mom carried as part of her identity from birth to eighteen years.
It was meant to be.
I walked inside and stood still, allowing my heart and soul to be swept up away in the brilliance of such a magnificent space. There were rows and rows of dark, hardwood tables illuminated by the glow of small green lamps, so many, in fact, I caught a giggle in my throat as I imagined it like the entrance to a bookworm’s version of The Emerald City.
I sat down with slightly trembling fingers and took out my laptop. I wanted to write in this hallowed space. I wanted to create words and sentences and stories knowing I was in Bates Hall. I could feel my mom’s spirit wrapping around me like a well-loved blanket, worn with age, but treasured with memories.
After writing for a bit, I took out a copy of my book that was resting inside my backpack. One of my favorite things to do as an author is to leave copies of my books in places that I visit, always waiting for the whisper on my heart to direct me where to leave it. I knew, without a doubt, that I needed to leave my book here.
I autographed the cover page with my favorite blue pen, then wrote a message on a pink post-it note that I placed on the front of the book, so the person who found it would know that it was meant for them. I shared a little bit about my mom and how this act of kindness was in her memory.
It was a random act of kindness I will never forget.
Today marks the fourth year my mom’s birthday has passed without her here to celebrate. She didn’t get to experience the joys of me achieving a life goal of becoming an author. She wasn’t able to share in the excitement of seeing my book on the shelves at Barnes & Noble. She never got to hold my book or read the stories inside.
But somehow, with little moments like these, I am reminded that she’s never quite far away. I am her only child, the legacy of a life that continues to scatter seeds with each passing year. I know she would be thrilled to discover my book available for checkout at this beloved Boston Library.
Thanks for the signs of love from above, Mom.
They make me feel one step closer to heaven.
A special thanks to The Community Foundation for funding the R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence that sponsored this trip to Boston, MA.
Those closest to me can probably remember when I added “Become a Keynote Speaker” to my life-long bucket list. I had spent several years sharing my educational experiences at local and state conferences, but hadn’t yet been invited to share my story to a large gathering. I was a novice to the main stage and, quite frankly, a bit intimidated at the thought of being front and center with everyone in attendance staring back at me.
In 2015, I checked that bucket list box when a woman contacted me and asked if I would like to keynote a childcare conference in our local community. I jumped at the chance.
It was the first time I wore a wireless microphone.
It was the first time I had a full-fledged panic attack at the thought of forgetting what to say.
It was the first time I realized my story could impact others on a professional and personal level.
My first keynote presentation: “Connections That Count”
Since that time, I have been a keynote speaker for several conferences, each with their own unique flair. As a full-time educator currently serving students and staff at two elementary schools, my school-year schedule fills up quickly, so I have discovered the necessity to schedule events several months, even up to a year, in advance. This has required me to be very selective regarding which opportunities I accept.
This week I had the honor of being a keynote speaker at the Women Education Leaders in Virginia (WELV) conference in Charlottesville, Virginia. In preparation with conference organizers, I was humbled that they chose the subtitle of my book as their conference theme: Lead, Love, and Learn. Wow! Talk about a compliment! I was floored!
My presenter badge with the conference theme Lead, Love, and Learn
As I prepared my keynote, “The POWER Paradox: Leading with Empathy and Compassion” I thought of the women who would be in attendance. Many were Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and district leaders from school divisions all across Virginia. Some were teacher-leaders in their schools, aspiring to rise into roles of leadership in their respective districts. How could I inspire them when they were tasked daily to inspire others?
It’s quite easy to fall prey to imposter’s syndrome when preparing to share your story, whether it’s through a keynote presentation, a published book, or even a pre-recorded podcast. In a study shared in The Journal of Behavioral Science, researchers concluded that nearly 70% of respondents had battled feelings of inferiority, attributing success to coincidence or luck, not because of the valuable contributions made and shared. Imposter’s syndrome whispers lies of incompetence to push down and paralyze, but it’s one of those battles rarely discussed in open spaces.
I worked on my presentation on nights and weekends, often jotting down thoughts in my turquoise, spiral-bound notebook. (Yes, it’s true. I’m a technologist with a weakness for top-notch school supplies, including college-ruled paper!) When I found articles of interest, I emailed them to myself and I read many books to gain a greater insight to the message my heart needed to share.
The more I prepared for my presentation, the more I pondered the impact of my words. Would my purpose resonate on the hearts of others? Would attendees be moved to take action in their schools and districts? With each passing day I would create, edit, and revise. In essence, my keynote quickly became an extension of my book, A Passion for Kindness, allowing me the opportunity to elaborate on stories briefly mentioned and showcase additional stories untold. It wove through the paradoxical challenges of serving in leadership positions and the ways we could still rise up with strength, empathy, and compassion.
As the conference opened to a sold-out crowd, I took the stage and looked out among the faces of so many powerful women. It was in that moment that I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Their smiles of encouragement immediately put me at ease; their laughter at my southern vernacular reminded me that I was in a safe, encouraging place.
Many thanks to Jennifer Cavanaugh for capturing and sharing this photo during the keynote!
The middle of the room. Talk about an engaging crowd! They were fabulous!
Ladies on my right
Ladies on my left
For ninety minutes I shared my heart with these incredible ladies and when my keynote came to a close I was humbled to see not one, not two, but an entire room rise to their feet in applause for the message shared. It was an unexpected gesture of kindness that filled me with awe.
As the conference continued with inspiring and empowering learning sessions, led by women leaders from a multitude of school districts, I was reminded again and again of one of my favorite quotes by Robert Ingersoll: “We rise by lifting others.” The conversations we shared were heartfelt; the selfies radiating the joy of rising together for a common cause. We were here to be the best we could be for students, staff, and communities we serve each day. We were unified by our vision and purpose.
See, I would not be in the position I am today were it not for the women who came before me, paving the path. And while there are still gender disparities in this field of educational leadership (and public speaking!), I am thankful for each and every opportunity I have to share my story with others. It is only fitting that today, on International Women’s Day, I spotlight this amazing organization and the women who make it soar.
Pam Moran, retired Superintendent for Albemarle County Public Schools and 2015 Virginia Superintendent of the Year, was one of the first to endorse my book, A Passion for Kindness. Her book, Timeless Learning, was released in August 2018.
Many thanks to the WELV members who graciously accepted me as one of their own and continually poured into my soul with their kindness, grace, and thought-provoking conversations. I may have arrived at their event as a keynote speaker, but I left as one of their own.
Thanks also to the Pierce Group Benefits who sponsored the purchase of 150 books so every conference attendee could be uplifted and inspired with A Passion for Kindness.
The next time you have an opportunity to lift up someone else with your words or actions, don’t hesitate. Go and do. Your vote of confidence in what they have to offer the world may be the one thing needed to push them forward to greatness.
We rise together.
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Saturday was my mom’s birthday. She would have been 66 years old.
When I woke that morning, I wondered if I would feel her presence on her special day. After all, this is the third birthday since she’s been gone. The grief has slowly abated from the constant turbulence of crashing waves where I could never catch my breath to a steady stream of ripples that flow as the tide moves in and out.
Even so, there are still occasions that catch me off-guard, when my vulnerabilities are unshielded and a memory or moment will knock me off my feet. I have discovered that grief is unscripted, drawing me back in to that awkward state of missing her deeply without warning. It’s during those times that I search for signs of love in the world around me.
My mom was an avid collector of frogs, a passion that began during her childhood. Anytime I see a frog-themed item, it makes me think of her. On her birthday, as I walked the streets of Key West, Florida, I saw several frogs around, from the stone statue along the outside perimeter of a local museum to a wooden directional sign declaring a Frog Tiki Bar only 1,373 miles away. Each little frog made me smile and think of her.
A frog stand on the front porch of a building
There was even a ceramic frog displayed in an art gallery window!
There were other signs of love I discovered that day. I saw a Momma hen with a baby chick right in our path on a sidewalk. I saw a street sign with our state name. I even had a butterfly swirl around me, the first and only butterfly I saw the entire trip, that landed on a palm leaf nearby and stayed still as I took photos to capture the moment.
A Momma hen and her chick
Virginia Street in Florida
The beautiful butterfly that swirled around me as I walked.
I was even able to capture a selfie with the butterfly, too!
Whenever I travel to another city, especially out-of-state, I take a copy of my book to leave for someone to find. It’s my little way to scatter seeds of kindness for someone who may need to be uplifted (or perhaps to brighten the day of a book lover like me who adores free books!)
As I walked, I waited for that little nudge to leave my book in a perfect place for a stranger to receive. I wrote about my mom in several sections of my book, and even though she left this world before my book was written, she continues to be an integral part of my kindness journey.
As the sky started to show just a sliver of dusk, a chair by an ice cream parlor caught my eye. It had a heart right in the back of the chair. (And my mom LOVED sweets!) That’s when I knew I had found the ideal location to leave my book.
A sweet spot in memory of my mom.
I autographed the inside and left a post-it note message on the front. Perhaps my book would be found by someone who needed to be reminded of the good in the world.
On my note, I mention my mom whose photo is on p. 75.
The entrance of the cute little ice cream shop
About an hour later, as I passed the shop again, my book was nowhere to be found. It brought such joy to know that someone out there in the world received a sweet surprise in memory of my mom.
My book is gone!
Today, as we celebrate the birthday of another beloved person, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am reminded of his words that push me as a kindness cultivator:
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
While my acts of kindness are often small and unassuming (and many times undocumented), I believe we each have the power to transform this world in wonderful ways. When we listen to that whisper on our hearts to go and do, to share and serve, we unknowingly contribute to those signs of love that others may hold deep in their hearts.
This week I encourage you to look for signs of love around you as you go about your day. If you get a little nudge to do something for someone else, follow through! Small moments matter and may just be the spark of joy someone else needs to brighten their day.
Your acts of kindness make an impact. Be the good!
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As part of my #REBkind travel experience to “Cultivate Kindness for Global Impact,” I flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to spend some time with Annick Rauch, a first grade French immersion teacher. Annick and I have been virtual friends on Twitter for several years now, but only met in person four weeks ago at the #ISTE19 conference.
Annick and I at #ISTE19.
It’s interesting how one can feel so connected to another without having actually spent time with them in person. While we’ve spent hours conversing on Twitter, Voxer, and even a few Google Hangouts, having the opportunity to spend quality time together was an incredible gift to receive!
A perfect sign for our visit together!
We had many things planned during my visit, as this was the first time I had traveled to a foreign country on my own. I wanted to see and experience all things Canadian while also brainstorming and planning with Annick to move forward with a year-long kindness collaboration between her first grade class and a first grade class at my school in the States.
On Saturday morning, as we prepared to start our day, I glanced at Twitter and saw that I was tagged in a post from Dave Reimer about my book, A Passion for Kindness:
The tweet made me laugh because I hadn’t even given any thought whatsoever about book signings during this trip, but if you know me well, you know that kindness is constantly on my mind and I am always up for a great adventure!
Later that afternoon we finally connected with Dave and, oh, what an amazing experience! What began as a simple request for a book signing created a ripple effect of kindness! Take a peek at the tweets Dave shared capturing the moment we met and what happened next!
A thread about my WILD Saturday night in Winnipeg.
While scrolling through Twitter I noticed that just by chance, @tamaraletter was in Winnipeg. So being as bold as I could be, I tweeted to her asking if she’d sign my book while she was in Winnipeg. #PassionForKindness#tlap
A couple of direct messages back and forth and a couple of hours later, @tamaraletter SHOWED UP ON MY DOORSTEP TO SIGN MY BOOK AND TALK ABOUT KINDNESS WITH ME AND THE FAMILY!!! #PassionForKindness#tlap
So, needless to say, I got my book signed. I was so nervous, I NEVER GET NERVOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, but we had an amazing visit. @tamaraletter@AnnickRauch were so kind and generous to take time from their evening for my family and I am so grateful. #PassionForKindness#tlap
My middle daughter decided to gift @tamaraletter a painting SHE was given by an artist at her “paint night” (earlier that afternoon). She was given it for helping clean up some paint that another person had spilled. #PassionForKindness#tlap
We also promised @tamaraletter that we’d go out and commit five random acts of kindness in her honour today because she and @AnnickRauch we’re kind enough to come meet us and sign my book while visiting here in Winnipeg. So we did! #PassionForKindness#tlap
In honour of @tamaraletter & @AnnickRauch and their kindness we Reimers would like to challenge you to pass it along too! If you’ve read this far, (thanks!) we challenge you to go out this week and commit a #RAK or two!
Friends, let me tell you. This ripple effect brought SO much joy to my soul for a multitude of reasons! It was humbling to not only meet a stranger who had read my book, but one who so readily wanted to share his experiences, too!
It was just as incredible to see how his family joined in the fun, supporting his passion for kindness in completing RAKs as a family adventure the next day. Cultivating kindness isn’t just a “one time thing,” but a catalyst to be the good for others, too.
I was humbled to share this moment with my dear friend, Annick, who had already blessed me with her generosity as chauffeur and photographer throughout the trip. Personal photos are my little reminders of the joys in this world so it was an absolute delight to have these images to share and reflect on as part of my #REBkind experience.
On Sunday, Annick and I snuck back to Dave’s house to leave one of Gini Bonnell’s “Be Kind” signs on his doorstep. (For those who have read my book, it’s the one showcased on p.42!) What a wonderful way to keep the kindness going!
Giving away another handcrafted Be Kind sign!
The sign has found a perfect home!
In addition to the ripple effect started by Dave and his family, Annick and I scattered small acts of kindness in a local grocery store to join in the Grocery Store Challenge promoted by Sofia’s Angels RAOK Foundation. We left Canadian coins on a bag of ketchup-flavored Lay’s Potato Chips (because we don’t have them here in the States!) and taped coins near the Crayola crayons display so a child could “Color the World with Kindness.” Then, as we were leaving the store, Annick RAK’d me back by purchasing a bag of ketchup chips I could take home for my kids to enjoy!
A Canadian Superstore!
I found the ketchup chips! Who knew?!
I exchanged American dollars with Annick’s Canadian coins so locals could purchase items in the store.
Annick then surprised me with my very own bag of ketchup chips – the first time I’ve ever eaten them!
“Color the world with kindness”
I even left a copy of my book to be discovered by someone visiting the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, a perfect place to remind others of the many ways we can, and should, value the contributions of one another.
Another donated book – this time at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights
They had a Nelson Mandela exhibit at the museum, so I left a note referencing a quote I included by him in my book.
In a world that is filled with conflict and chaos, it’s refreshing to step away for a bit and focus on things that bring joy to our soul. We each have our passions, purpose, and missions to achieve in this life. Mine is simply being kind to others and seeing what happens next. Sharing this story with you, my fabulous friends, is icing on the cake!
If you complete an act of kindness this week as part of Dave’s pay-it-forward challenge, let us know by posting with the hashtag #passionforkindness! Your kindness inspires! We can each do our part to make this world a beautiful place to lead, love, and learn. And if you ever make your way to Winnipeg, be sure to say hello to Annick and Dave. They will make your day brighter, guaranteed!
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One week ago I was presenting on a stage to a packed room filled with educators excited to learn more about cultivating kindness with their instructional lessons. The room was buzzing with positivity as people entered, and I was right there in the mix, greeting people at the door as they arrived. It was the start of an incredible conference – #ISTE19.
A packed room for my kindness presentation!
So honored to have Mike Mohammad as one of the first people to walk through the door!
“Surround yourself with others who uplift and inspire.” Honored to have Tara Martin, Tisha Richmond, Jennifer Casa-Todd and Kristen Nan in my session, too!
It was a joy to spotlight the sketchnote talents of Julie Woodard in my presentation – the Kindle version of A Passion for Kindness has this image in color!
Blessed to spotlight the Hanover Education Foundation, who funded our Kindness Passion Projects.
Presenting at the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) conference is always a thrill as technology integration is a topic near and dear to my heart. This will be my 12th year as a technology integrator and instructional coach and I am always looking for ways to learn more, do more, be more. Presenting is my opportunity to give back to others, to share what we are doing in our district, and spark conversations with others.
Sharing the Power of Stories with a gentleman from Thailand.
Honored to present along side these amazing educational leaders!
Like many districts in the United States, we are moving towards a goal of 1:1 – providing enough laptops to our secondary students so that access to hardware is no longer an equity issue. Understanding that shift in access, we have a duty to equip ourselves with the knowledge of how to use these devices in ways that enhance and empower, not simply entertain. Attending a conference like #ISTE19 is a unique opportunity to not only dabble in the latest technological advances, but to also learn from the best and the brightest in our industry to discover what works and what doesn’t.
For me, ISTE has become a family reunion. Each year I attend, I seek out familiar faces of those whom I admire and carve out time in my schedule to share in conversations that always result in new insights and creative ways to make my teaching even better than it was before. I am introduced to new people who always inspire, while scanning for the newest technology that might directly impact how we lead and learn.
Each day my schedule was jam-packed with presentations, BYOD sessions, and hands-on learning as I explored unique ways to use tools I knew my students would have at their fingertips. I chose sessions that focused on blended learning as I wrapped my brain around how to support my elementary students as they adapt to a world where learning occurs 24/7 with the tap of a finger. My goal was to find resources to dive deeper with the tools we already have in place, to extend my discoveries to new depths.
While I enjoyed learning how to create my own remix in Garage Band and was mesmerized by the multitude of ways I could use a Hyperdoc to App Smash with Google Classroom, what I learned most about my time at ISTE was the true meaning of “Going 1:1.”
It’s not about the tech. It’s about the relationships.
I know this might sound like a paradox to some and there are others who are nodding in agreement I’m sure, but I had an epiphany as I was scrolling through my phone’s camera roll following the conference.
Almost all my photos were selfies or snapshots of people I learned from.
Almost all my photos were moments where I learned the most.
Annick Rauch and I have been Twitter friends for more than a year and finally met for the very first time at #ISTE19!
It was a joy to share learning experiences with others ITRTs and district leaders throughout the conference!
Sometimes the best conversations takes place over ice cream!
See, I use technology in my own life not merely as a conduit to siphon knowledge from the world to spew back out when requested, but as a connector that allows me to collaborate and communicate with others as I tackle challenges that stretch my thinking and enhance my creativity.
I use technology to share my passions, to create and craft things that didn’t exist before, and a large part of that creation process involves the insights and interpretations of others.
Going 1:1 is not about handing a student a laptop with a link and standing to the side as they complete an hour’s worth of work independently in silence. Quite the opposite! It’s helping students see the power of that tool to make their learning even more impactful than ever before by connecting them in new ways to others while they learn.
Relationships matter. It’s vital for us as educators to guide our students in creating pathways to learning that involve others as these skills of communication and collaboration are life skills that make them more employable when they leave our wings of safety when they graduate.
Today, as I reflect on all that I learned at the ISTE conference, I am grateful for my personal learning network of educators, who freely shared their expertise in small and large group conversations. I am thankful to my district for the opportunity to attend the largest technology conference in the world, knowing that I am leaving 15,000+ people with new ideas, a renewed sense of purpose, and a passion that extends beyond my own solitary learning.
To all whom I met at ISTE, who took a moment from their day to talk about technology, kindness, and learning, thank you for the inspiration. It was an absolute joy to learn from you, with you, and because of you.
Check out my PLN video below. Each one of you fills my soul with joy!
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I have pondered this question, allowing it to swirl a bit in my mind, ever since I returned from my visit to Houston, Texas in March. During that trip, I was graciously allowed to tag along with Barbara Gruener as she and other kindness cultivators around the U.S. gathered to learn more about the Character Strong program, honing their skills as presenters and advocates for kindness.
Houston Kraft inspired us throughout the training day.
A group selfie once training was done!
Character.
Strong.
Driving back from the training, there were visual reminders of the strength of this community of Friendswood, that was underwater just 18 months before. Abandoned houses juxtaposed with boarded up buildings and Do Not Enter signs were in stark contrast to blooming flowers and thriving neighborhoods just a few streets away.
A home that was underwater during Hurricane Harvey, now stands abandoned.
An entire neighborhood is now abandoned, a casualty of the hurricane destruction.
This is a community who embodies the spirit of strong character. As we drove, Barbara shared story after story of resilience and perseverance that carried them not only through the horrific weeks of unprecedented flooding 6-10 feet high, but continued for months thereafter.
Strangers rushed in to rescue friends and loved ones from nursing homes, now boarded up and vacant from the storm. Neighbors checked in on one another, doing whatever it took to help each other rebuild, restore, renew.
Residents of the Friendswood Health Care Center were rescued on school buses and taken to the local high school during the crisis.
I find in times of unspeakable tragedy, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, that the character of others rises and soars. Strength and compassion shine brightest on the darkest days, and we are reminded of the good in the world.
The American flag still flies strong in Friendswood, even despite the desolation.
Later that afternoon, Barbara brought me to Lake Friendswood Park and we walked the path along the lake as her husband and son went fishing in kayaks.
The entrance to Lake Friendswood Park.
The lake was a perfect place to ponder and reflect.
The calm water and beautiful blue skies reminded me of the phrase Jet Stream Jax shares in his Kind Coins video:
“If raindrops can create a flood, people can create a jet stream of kindness.”
~Jet stream jax A Passion for kindness, p. 36
I believe that’s what makes people of strong character: when they put their differences aside, embrace the humanity of which we all share, and continue to create ways to inspire and uplift others.
Maybe your kindness is a smile for the daycare teacher who is holding your child at the end of a long work day. Perhaps your kindness is surprising a stranger with a meal paid-in-full at a local restaurant. Your kindness may be driving past a front row parking space near the mall so someone else can have that joy, or maybe you take a few moments of your day to text your mom to say, “Hi.”
Whatever you are doing to remind people they matter, keep rocking it out. Don’t stop. We shouldn’t need a tragedy to bring us together, but it’s nice to know that in the moments of deepest despair, there is light.
There is love.
There is hope.
A special thanks to Barbara Gruener and her family for hosting the first of my R.E.B. trips to cultivate kindness for global impact. I knew she would be the perfect person to receive Gini Bonnell’s “Be Kind” sign, a reminder that the world really can be changed by the kindness of one.
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The third visit in our Texas Kindness Tour was meeting a very special student named Jet Stream Jax. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may recognize his name from my Remixing Relevance post in October 2017 where I shared about his community of Friendswood, Texas receiving catastrophic damage from Hurricane Harvey and his call-to-action to help rebuild school playgrounds in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Maybe you shared in the joy of my May 2018 post titled A Jet Stream of Kindness where our students virtually connected with Jax over Facetime to see him enjoying his new playground and asking questions about his journey.
If this is the first time you have heard the name Jet Stream Jax, you need to watch his “Kind Coins for Hurricane Relief” YouTube video right now and listen to his story. It’s compelling. Heart-wrenching. Inspiring. Then you will know exactly why I chose to include him in my book and wanted to meet him in person.
Barbara Gruener, author of What’s Under Your Cape? Superheroes of the Character Kind, was Jax’s elementary school counselor. In the fall of 2017, she tagged me in a tweet sharing his Kind Coins video, which ended up being the kick-off lesson for our year-long kindness initiative last school year. Throughout the year, we thought of Jax and his school community as we collected coins and strengthened our compassion for a boy we had never met.
Then the day arrived where meeting him was no longer a wish, but a reality.
Barbara and I planned to arrive at his school after dismissal, which gave us time to trek back to town following our visit to Todd Nesloney’s school. We met in the front office with formal introductions, where I presented him with a signed copy of my book, showing him the section I had included about his kindness advocacy.
I asked if he would autograph my book, too, and he carefully penned his initials on the page. (I have one copy of my book as an official “autograph book” where I’m gathering signatures of those who are mentioned throughout the pages.)
After a short walk through his school building, he led us to his school’s playground, which was actually an obstacle course complete with a timer.
Jax ran through the obstacle course as his mom, sister, and district representatives watched from the wall. I had so much fun recording him as navigated each of the challenges, mastering the entire run with a time of 40 seconds. He then turned to me and said, “Your turn!”
Last year, when Jax connected with our classes, he offered an open invitation to our class: “If you’re ever in Texas, you can run the course and try to beat my time.” Here I was, in person, for a once in a lifetime opportunity – to become a kid again and enjoy the playground our students helped to build with their donations.
When a student invites you to share in their joy, there is no other answer but, “Yes!”
I gave it my best effort with Jax and his sister cheering along the way. I will admit that my speed as a middle-aged, mom of three, lagged a bit behind Jax, but I was pretty impressed with my time of 52 seconds. (The videos of our obstacle course runs make me smile at the memories!)
After exploring the playground a bit more, Jax led us to their Playful Hearts Peace Garden where he and Barbara searched for the kindness rock created for my school.
A Heart of Kindness
We found the rock for Mechanicsville Elementary!
Jax shared his family rock that was painted for the rock garden.
Our visit concluded with a few formal photos and a brief interview with the communication specialist in Friendswood Independent School District, then we gathered at the front of the school to take a few more photos together. It was a joyful reconnection for Barbara and Jax, and I had the privilege of meeting another amazing kindness cultivator in our world.
The following week our visit made the front page news in an article written by Karolyn Gephart for the Friendswood Reporter News and was spotlighted by Friendswood ISD on their Twitter and Facebook pages. So exciting!
Tweet by Friendswood ISD Photo courtesy of FISD Comm. Dept.
Never doubt the power you have to put good in this world. Whether you are a nine-year-old storm chaser from Texas or a forty-six-year-old woman from a town that grows tomatoes, your words and actions matter.
Keep sharing your stories. Keep doing kind things for others. Keep being the person that someone else needs you to be.
Each day is a new day to inspire!
Photo courtesy of FISD Comm. Dept.
In March, I traveled to Houston, Texas as part of my R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence, the first of several trips I will complete this year and next. My proposal, “Cultivating Kindness for Global Impact” takes me to various locations in the United States and Canada to dive into learning opportunities that align with my passion for kindness. One of the perks of these trips is meeting Kindness Cultivators, many of whom I spotlight in my book, A Passion for Kindness: Making the World a Better Place to Lead, Love, and Learn. This week and next I will be sharing stories from my journey so you can “travel” with me, too!
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