Archive for March 2016
Live an Exclamatory Life!
Posted on: March 23, 2016
Ever have a status quo day? You know the kind, where everything is repeated from the day before. Same wake-up time, same morning meal, same work tasks to complete during the day.
Leave work. Pick up kids. Make dinner. Bedtime.
Same.
Same.
Same.
While there is comfortable familiarity in the repetition, the monotony might eat you alive.
Live an exclamatory life!
Each of us has the ability to live an exclamatory life. It’s a choice I make each day and you can, too! We simply need to look for opportunities to shine, to make a difference, to share our kindness with others.
Living an exclamatory life has no boundaries. Introverted, Extroverted, personality doesn’t matter – YOU have the ability to overcome the dreariness of the day by making a choice to be amazing.
I live an exclamatory life!
It’s true! I speak in heightened syllabic parameter (which, quite possibly may not even be a real phrase, but it feels right.) I am excited about EVERYTHING! I even end many of my sentences with an overused exclamation point! See?
While your level of engagement may not be as vocal as mine, you are not chained to live a dull, status-quo life. You have purpose for greatness!
Yesterday I had an after-school training scheduled with a teacher at a nearby school in my district. The date has been on the calendar for weeks and I arrived with extra time to spare. As I was gathering my materials from my car, I noticed two men walking towards me, trying to get my attention.
“Ma’am? Can you help us? We need a jump.”
I looked beyond them and saw a stationary pick-up truck, doors open and hood lifted. While they appeared to be in genuine need of assistance, I was tempted by the responses that so easily filled my head.
I don’t want to be late for my training.
I shouldn’t help strange men I don’t know.
I don’t have jumper cables.
I don’t have time.
I can’t.
I won’t.
The status quo me could have easily turned away and gone about my business, bustling along with the same agenda I had set, no thought for anyone else but myself. After all, that would have been much easier than the inconvenience of an unexpected delay. There was only one problem with that logic.
I am not a status-quo person. I am exclamatory!
I smiled at the two men and said I would help. I moved my car closer to their truck where jumper cables sat idle, waiting for the kindness of a Good Samaritan.
It didn’t take long to get their truck rumbling again. One of the gentlemen noticed I had a loose bolt and offered to tighten it for me. Ahhhh… the rewards of being in the right place, at the right time. A random act of kindness win-win.
We thanked each other with smiles and appreciation then parted ways. I entered the school building and walked towards the teacher’s classroom for the scheduled training.
Then came the irony.
The training had been cancelled.
I didn’t even need to be there.
Sometimes we go about our daily duties and never notice the importance of those little whispers on our heart. What if I hadn’t left early? What if someone had told me the training was cancelled? What if I led a life of fear? What if I simply didn’t care?
Would the two men have found someone else to jump-start their truck. Probably. Who am I to think my little random act of kindness really makes a difference in anyone’s life? Surely someone else will help, right?
But what if they don’t?
Stop doubting your impact on others. Live an exclamatory life! Look for the good in the world. Open your eyes and see how your words, actions, even your smile, can transform someone else’s day. While the act of kindness you share with another may seem like “no big deal” to you, it could very well be the one thing that transforms someone else’s day from status-quo to exclamatory!
And, if you happen to see this truck driving around town, give them a nod or a kind word. They deserve an extra shot of kindness – and you do, too!
Embrace the Sprint
Posted on: March 20, 2016
Today wraps up our last day of Jeff Goins’ 7-Day Blogging Challenge. He deemed today a day of rest (very appropriate for a Sunday!) and shared his analogy of training for a marathon: while the entire race is long, the occasional sprints build endurance and make you stronger.
Endurance.
Strength.
Yes, this pretty much summarizes my week.
Like many writers, this is not my full-time job. I’m an instructional technologist working in a public school system, providing professional development for teachers who want to integrate technology in their lessons. Much of my day is spent either in the classroom teaching students or preparing resources and training materials to support the needs of teachers and district administrators. I do my fair share of technology troubleshooting as well.
When the final bell of the school day rings, my job is still not complete. I offer training sessions after school and attend various meetings. Sometimes I tutor students or participate in webinars to enhance my own professional growth. Several nights a week I bring work home, waiting for my three children to go to bed so I can continue the unfinished work of the day.
Finding time to write is an ongoing quandary in my world.
Now let’s throw in a 7-Day Blogging Challenge to the mix. It’s one thing to carve out time to write. It’s quite another to write and learn.
The Fitbit on my arm reminds me that I haven’t met my step goal for four days in a row. My sleep goal has diminished by two hours as my writing now takes me from PM to AM most nights. I’m a night owl by nature, but at some point sleep does become a necessity. My laundry is still piled up on the floor and my vacuum remains in the closet, untouched. I’m sure those close to me are questioning, “Why does she DO this to herself?”
I did it because I needed to grow.
See, that’s the beauty of a 7-Day Blogging Challenge. It’s a choice. I wanted to learn new things. I wanted to become better at my craft of writing. I wanted to know what I didn’t know and figure out how to move from static to dynamic. I prayed for a push and received an invitation instead.
This is what I learned in the process:
1. It’s OK to not know what you are doing.
When I began this blogging challenge, I had no idea what the journey would entail. I didn’t receive a syllabus, nor an agenda for weekly assignments. Each day began with a new post from Jeff with a task to complete, most often on a platform I never knew existed. I was constantly faced with my lack of knowledge in marketing, advertising and social media management and often felt incompetent, even in the area of technology which I use every day! Learning something new, no matter the content, humbles you quickly.
2. Pressure + Persistence = Success
HTML codes. Widgets. Plug-ins. Pixels. No matter how many times I tried to follow the directions shown on my screen, I was met with a product that didn’t match my vision. Again. And again. And again. And then it worked. The pop-up appeared, I could close it out, and all was well with the world. (In my mind, the heavens parted and I could hear a choir of angels singing the Hallelujah chorus in perfect harmony.) No one watched me struggle. No one witnessed my frustration. I could have easily given up and no one would be the wiser, especially with the pressure of a daily deadline. But I persisted and, in the end, was met with success.
3. Everyone has a purpose for their writing.
With almost 3,000 people participating in this challenge, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. As each person posted links to their blog posts, manifestos, giveaways, and more, I found myself caught in the comparison game, my inadequacies as a professional writer glaring back at me with each paragraph I read. Then something amazing happened. About mid-week I stopped comparing my writing with others and started seeking out the writer’s purpose. Why was the writer sharing this story? What lessons were to be learned? How does this writing appeal to me as a reader? What could this writing teach me? It helped redefine my purpose for writing and move past the fear to write and share more.
4. Random acts of kindness are everywhere.
You wouldn’t expect a virtual blogging group to bring out the good in others, but that’s exactly what happened. Jeff’s Day 2 Challenge encouraged us to share something as a lead magnet; Day 5 was to give away something for free. Day 6 was to ask for kindness from someone else in sharing our writing with others. Bloggers I had never met were taking time to read my writing, offer suggestions, share ideas, even troubleshoot my questions. Their kindness encouraged me to keep writing and inspired me to think creatively about blessing others in this realm of writing. The greatest random acts of kindness shared this week were from Jeff Goins himself. He willingly organized this challenge, shared insights from lessons learned, and encouraged us along the way. From live video broadcasts with back-channeled questions (nice hair and nice grill!) to scheduled check-ins to gauge our comfort level, he made this journey of learning not only productive, but enjoyable.
I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had this week to sprint as fast as I could to the finish. Now is the time to catch my breath, retie my laces, and start again.
Writing really is like a marathon and I’m in it for the long haul. Runner, spectator, or cheerleader, we each have a purpose for the journey. Won’t you join me in the race?
Asking for Help
Posted on: March 19, 2016
“If you never ask for help, the answer will always be no.”
Free RAK!
Posted on: March 18, 2016
Everyone loves freebies! For Day 5 of our 7-Day Blogging Challenge, we were encouraged to give away something for free. How fun!
Here is the prize I am offering: a Random Act of Kindness (RAK) to be done in your name complete with a blog post mentioning you and your website or blog (if you have one). I will also customize the random act of kindness to reflect your interests (animals, children, cooking, etc.).
Wow! How many people will offer that just for YOU?
How to enter the raffle? Simply comment on this blog post. I will put all the names in a bucket and draw the winner later today!
The contest starts NOW! It’s a pay-it-forward RAK that pays-it-forward again, a simple way to say “Thanks” for being a faithful reader and sharing in the joy of kindness!
To Give or Not to Give
Posted on: March 16, 2016
When was the last time you gave money to a complete stranger? Did you toss a few coins in an open guitar case as you strolled by a musician on the street, head down so you didn’t have to make eye contact? Perhaps you donated money to a non-profit organization, your generosity marked by the CVC code on the back of your credit card or the signature placed at the bottom of your check.
Maybe I should have been more specific with my question. When was the last time you handed money to a complete stranger?
Ahhh… now the stakes have changed.
Just this week a friend of mine posted a story of how he handed $60 to a Dunkin’ Donuts employee with the challenge of paying for the purchases of as many people as possible behind him in the drive-through line. As other people commented on his post, I was shocked to see just how many people viewed the action through the negative lens of cynicism. Even the unspoken words echoed sentiments I had heard before.
“I bet that girl kept the money.”
“Good luck seeing that ever again.”
“Why would anyone do something so stupid?”
Really? That’s your reaction to kindness?
Who cares what the girl did with the money? Sure, in an ideal world, she would do as the giver requested and use it to pay-it-forward, but what if she didn’t? Would the world end? Would the random act of kindness be any less meaningful?
Let’s take a moment and play out the scenario. The girl kept the money for herself. Maybe she had to purchase books for next semester’s college classes. Maybe she needed to put gas in her car so she could continue to drive to work. Maybe she needed to feed herself instead of others. Maybe she went to the mall and bought a new outfit that made her feel pretty and confident. Does this mean the donation was wasted?
Why must we tarnish the genuine thoughtfulness of the RAK with our own pessimistic outcomes. Who are we to judge?
I often give to the homeless. I don’t try to predict what they do with the money or items I share; I simply give without judgment or expectation. I’ve heard all the negative responses, from “They’ll just buy more alcohol” to “What a waste of time.”
My response to the naysayers?
I simply smile.
See, I know something they don’t. I know the joy in giving.
It doesn’t matter to me what someone does with a gift I give. Keep it, toss it, pay-it-forward, rock on. All I care about is in the moment of giving, you know someone cares about you. You are important. You are valued. You matter.
That’s what kindness provides: validation of worth.
And that, my friends, is priceless.
As for the Dunkin’ Donuts worker who was given $60 to pay-it-forward? She did exactly that. Her manager and two other co-workers shared the story to my friend when he stopped by the next morning to see how it went. His donation not only paid for several family purchases, but others took notice and paid-it-forward, too.
In the end, kindness wins.
Always.
Celebrate Kindness Manifesto
Posted on: March 14, 2016
Why celebrate kindness?
Think about all the things we celebrate in this world. Birthdays. Holidays. Marriages. Deaths. Each has their set of cultural expectations and, for the most part, we join in without question. It’s simply what we do.
Yes, I know we celebrate in different ways and there are some who choose to celebrate nothing whatsoever. There are even a few who claim to celebrate everything.
Wait. That might be me.
It’s true. I have a tendency to turn everyday events into celebrations. Why, even today I celebrated Pi Day at school!
For the most part, with the exception of the passing of a loved one, celebrations bring a spirit of joy and frivolity. There are smiling people, genuine merriment, and quite often food.
Food makes everyone happy.
Celebrations are a way to mark the passage of time, achievements now grasped, acknowledgment of worth. They bind people together with a common thread, weaving memories into a tapestry of stories to be shared with others long after the celebration has ended.
My children love to pull out the dusty scrapbook albums lining my bookshelves, the plastic sheet coverings crinkling as they turn page after page. “Remember this, Mommy?” they question as their faces light up from pictures of their first birthday parties. Though they were too young to remember the moment of shoving their fists into the cake and smearing icing across their faces, they have a memory captured forever in their spirit simply because I took the time to document the celebration.
Kindness is a value I’ve always held sacred. Whether it was sitting beside an outcast on a long bus ride home, or smiling at a stranger passing by, I’ve always tried to make an effort to be nice, even when there was no reward. It wasn’t until I chose to do 40 random acts of kindness for my milestone birthday did I realize that the very act of kindness itself could be a celebration.
Celebrate kindness. It’s my life’s purpose, an inseparable part of my soul.
I was hesitant to share my stories at first. What would be the reaction? Would I be viewed as self-serving and narcissistic? Who would take the time to read my writing? Would anyone even care?
So many questions.
I dove into uncharted waters, praying I remembered how to swim, and dog-paddled my way to this moment, here with you today.
It’s no accident that you are reading my words right now. Maybe the title of my post intrigued you or perhaps you are a faithful follower who never misses a post. Either way, I know you are bound for greatness. You are here for a reason.
Why celebrate kindness?
Quite simply: Why not?
Whether your kindness is a small act of sharing or a monumental sacrifice for many, you have the power to change the world, one random act at a time. Never underestimate your worth. Don’t doubt the impact your actions have one someone else’s life. If you don’t tell your story, who will?
I am here to prove that kindness matters. And that is worthy of celebration.
Passion Projects
Posted on: March 9, 2016
Today was an amazing day!
I presented a session at the EdTech Conference held at VCU in Richmond, VA titled “Bring JOY to the Classroom with Passion Projects” where I showcased passion projects of first graders in my school. (For my presentation link, and more information about passion projects, click here.)
The session went well, with lots of laughter and joy scattered about (thanks to everyone who tweeted out comments on #edtechrva – you ROCK!) I loved learning more about the passions of the session participants (shown on this Padlet) then sharing the passions of our students. When the session ended, many participants stayed behind to continue the conversation and ask more questions which was great!
Just this week, I noticed another class diving into passion projects, with a random act of kindness theme:
Of COURSE, I wanted to sponsor a student! What a wonderful project that would have a direct impact on others! I contacted the teacher on Twitter for a mailing address, then stopped by Walmart to pick up a couple pair of socks. Today, after the conference I put passion projects into motion as I mailed off my contribution.
It brings such joy to my soul to know that young people are investing their time and creativity into helping others. What a divine purpose indeed! I’m also thankful for teachers like Mr. Leonard who recognize the power and potential of embracing young students’ passions.
A shout-out to all the fantastic people who helped organize and facilitate this year’s EdTech conference! Thanks to your hard work, educators such myself can learn, grow, and share the wonderful things we are doing in and out of the classroom! Kudos!
#AMOK 2016
Posted on: March 6, 2016
- In: AMOK | Blessing Others | Kind Actions
- 1 Comment
If you are looking to sprinkle kindness like confetti, this weekend was made for you! The Annual Melee of Kindness (#AMOK2016), hosted by Random Acts, is a bit like a flash mob of kindness with people all across the world doing nice things for others and sharing their stories on Facebook and Twitter. It’s so inspiring to read all the awesome things strangers are doing for one another!
My #AMOK was inspired by my daughter’s recent choral competition. Their theme focused on Disney princesses with each section representing a different princess, who showcased their “strengths” through choreographed dances and acapella ballads. There was one girl in the middle, who wore a black dress, an outcast of sorts who didn’t fit in to any of the traditional princess roles. As the story is showcased, each princess group tries to convince the girl to be like them, rotating around her and emphasizing their strengths. The girl finally comes to the realization that she can be her own princess, taking pride in the strengths that make her unique. The show ends with all the princesses shining the spotlight on her and her black dress is transformed to one of gold.
I know I’m biased in saying this, but it’s a spectacular show!
My daughter showed me the shirt they wore at their competition and I immediately thought of Renee Parr, a 1st grade teacher at my school who died suddenly in the summer of 2014. She loved princesses and always wore a tiara at any opportunity to shine. Even at her funeral, her mom wore a tiara and spoke of Renee’s living legacy as a princess in her heart.
My daughter’s shirt also reminded me of my college sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, whose colors are turquoise and silver. One of ZTA’s key symbols is a five pointed crown and their motto is “Seek the Noblest.” How ironic that my daughter’s show choir would have symbols of the sisterhood I held so dear!
I knew right then that my #AMOK2016 had to have a princess theme.
I decided to spread kindness at a playground and stopped by The Dollar Tree to pick up a few things to give away. As if I needed any more confirmation about the princess theme choice, this is what I saw in the window:
I couldn’t believe my eyes – an entire row of princesses stared back at me, just waiting to be bought and given away.
I scooped up some from the window, then added a few tiaras and sparkly butterfly wings. I even picked up a few butterfly catchers for any princes who might be playing at the playground, too.
Before walking out of the store with my purchases, I left a few surprises to be discovered: money in the gumball machines and a few hidden dollars in the toy section.
My next stop was a local playground, but before I could even get there another playground caught my eye. It was old and faded, tucked in a bed of sticks and pine needles. I felt drawn to that location, so I made a quick stop and left a princess crown and butterfly catcher there.
Then, on a whim, I opened my wallet and took all the change I had and tossed it in the air, watching it scatter among the pine cones. Do you remember the thrill of finding money on the ground when you were young?
I got back in my car and traveled to my final destination and left my treasures all around the playground equipment. There were a few children running about and it gave me such a smile to know they might get to enjoy the surprises I had brought.
A tiara at the top of the tower.
Butterfly wings for a princess.
A butterfly catcher placed on a ramp.
A princess toy waiting for a princess to swing.
I even placed a tiara on a frog, my mom’s favorite animal. Hopefully no one kisses him; I can guarantee he won’t turn into a prince!
As I placed my final items around the playground, a dad caught my eye and said, “I have a pretty purple princess who would love to have whatever you’re passing out.” I smiled and pointed at the bench near the front of the park. “Please take those! They’re free! I’m doing random acts of kindness today, so take what you like!” His smile grew even wider as he replied, “Thank you!”
Doing random acts of kindness always brightens someone’s day! If you missed out on #AMOK2016, then pick your own day to spread kindness to others and share out when you do. Every day is a perfect day to be kind!
Baby Bump
Posted on: March 5, 2016
This week while in the checkout line of Target, I found myself standing beside a woman who was very pregnant. She was wearing a comfy-cute outfit, leggings and boots, and I couldn’t resist complimenting her in the moment.
“Excuse me, but I just wanted you to know that you look amazing. I know you may not feel like it, but you do. Congratulations!”
Her face lit up with a smile as she acknowledged my compliment. “That was really nice of you to say! Thank you!” She then chuckled as she added, “Two more weeks to go!”
I smiled even more as I nodded with understanding. “Such an exciting time!” I added as I started to walk away, my items paid for and bagged.
Even though I am no longer in the stage of birthing babies, I clearly remember the emotions of having your body completely changed from within (and having absolutely NO control over how that happened!) It really is an amazing process, but one that also makes you feel very self-conscious about your appearance, especially near the end. When you can’t see your feet and you feel yourself waddling like a penguin, it’s near impossible to feel attractive at the same time.
I remember those feelings.
And yet… here I was standing beside a Mommy-To-Be and all I saw was her beauty.
My cousin, who is also counting down the days to parenthood, posted a photo of herself on Instagram. I couldn’t resist complimenting her, too!
Every compliment counts, whether told face-to-face, written in a note, or typed on a mobile device. It’s always lovely to bring a smile to someone else’s face. 🙂
May your day be filled with kindness for others!
celebrate kindness 