Yesterday, still unsettled by the previous day’s revelations about one of my kid’s getting bullied, I decided to make sure all my kids know that they matter. So, I used my recently implemented  #MyRoomMessage to get things underway.

And then, just as we were set to begin Smiles and Frowns, I decided to up the ante for myself a bit, asking the kids to humor me as I said, “you matter,” after calling each name to share, looking each in the eye as I did so. John, you matter. Lisa, you matter. And so on.

Awkward? A bit. It was particularly awkward when a kid “passed” after my telling them they mattered. But I will always accept and respect their right to pass. AIways. On a whim, I asked the kids if anyone had ever said their name along with those two words before. Many answered, “Just now.” That tells me we all could do a better job of letting those with whom we’re connected know they matter. It matters.

Of course, there are ways other than the words to let people know, but words carry weight. And as I watched and listened to kids’ accepting the challenge to let others know they matter, I was moved by their words. And I hope they were moved by mine as I said “you matter” to 143 of them yesterday. I hope they found the sincerity in my sentiment and felt the weight of my words. It matters. A lot.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…reaching the end and wrapping up our work with our Truth Projects.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Friday, all. Have a great weekend. You matter. 

Do. Reflect. Do Better.