When Hornsby Middle School dedicated a week to focus on Kindness- with events and a theme each day- two young ladies seized the opportunity to make a difference. Months earlier, seventh graders Briar and Anne heard Lauren Potter (the “Glee” actress who portrays a spunky cheerleader) speak in support of “Spread the Word to End the Word.” Continue reading
Author Archives: thegrowloveproject
“Different is Different, and Different isn’t Bad”
Categories: Grow Love, The Kindness Curriculum
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The Kindness Curriculum
What many of us remember about middle school may not be a direct correlation to growing love. We recall the rollercoaster ride of changes, the fickle world of popularity, and daily fluctuation in figuring out what really matters. All immersed in the study of reading, writing and arithmetic. Continue reading
Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness
A random act of kindness – the moment we capitalize on an unforeseen opportunity to be kind in some way to someone else. It can be as simple as letting someone ahead of us in line, holding the door even when the person is several steps behind us, or giving an unexpected compliment, smile, or greeting. Ideally, the random act is paid forward by the way the recipient interacts with others throughout the day.
And then there are those who not only embrace the opportunity to perform a random act of kindness, but diligently plan them – leaving no question that kindness will occur. Here are two shining examples. Continue reading
Categories: Grow Love, Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness
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A Kindergarten Teacher’s Perspective of Commonality
We have all experienced the commonality phenomenon – when we discover we have something in common with someone, which then serves to link us. If you’re from the East Coast, you’ve heard the sometimes serious, mostly tongue in cheek, “You from Jersey? I’m from Jersey! What exit?” Travel outside the country and you find being a fellow American creates a bond. It links us when we come from the same place.
Tracy shared her perspective with us as a Kindergarten teacher – and the ultimate commonality to remember… Continue reading
Categories: Grow Love
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The Perfect Gift
We think about their wants, needs, and interests. We carefully consider options, shop, wrap, and then eagerly await the reaction. We are elated when the gift brings joy – our thoughtfulness is confirmed by gratitude.
A week or two later we might see the gift left haphazardly, forgotten in that moment. A bit of wind leaves our sail of contentment.
We received The Perfect Gift on Christmas. Have we thanked the giver? Are we honoring the gift? Let’s not cast Him aside.
Categories: The Perfect Gift
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What’s your celebrity status?
Billy Chang recently shared a great point about social media – that we are all celebrities of sorts as we allow increasing portions of our lives to be on display. His question… “What kind of celebrity do you wish to be?”
“We can choose to inspire rather than instigate.
We can compliment and calm rather than cast stones.
We can respect instead of resent.” Continue reading
Categories: Grow Love
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Our Pope Says It Best
“If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light; but if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us and around us.” – Pope Francis celebrating his first Christmas as leader of the Catholic church.
Elf Grows Love
“Elf” must be considered a new Christmas classic, securing its place with “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and “A Year Without a Santa Claus.” (who can resist the Heat Miser and Cold Miser performances?)
Elf’s Will Ferrell takes us on a comedic journey as we witness delightful dishes (spaghetti and syrup), learn the value of unfiltered friendship and how to properly decorate for Christmas. But then, Santa’s sleigh won’t work because it runs on Christmas magic. With belief in Santa at an all-time low, the sleigh’s power is nil. Christmas is in jeopardy.
Thankfully, on a street in NY City, a woman has the courage to sing the Santa anthem- “you better watch out, you better not cry…” Gradually, people join in. Her voice strengthens with each addition and the chorus of singers intensifies. Santa’s sleigh gets a seismic power boost. People believe again as they witness the momentous event.
We don’t always have to start the song but we can surely join in!
Categories: Witnessing Love Growing a Bit
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Be
Sometimes things happen that are really hard for the fixers in the bunch. It’s what we do, the momma bears, we take action. But there are times when it just is. And all we can do is share the moment – share the pain.
Our loved one doesn’t have to “grin and bear it.” Instead, we embrace and share it. Embrace- a fierce hug that says I’m here, I’m not letting go anytime soon, so you let it out and I’ll share the pain.
In the words of John Lennon,
“When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness,
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.”
Be still. Be in the moment. Be the comfort. Just be.
Categories: Grow Love, Just Be
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What do we get to do?
There are nuggets of advice circulating among us that make a meaningful difference in our lives despite their simplicity. Yet in the bustle of daily life they can be inadvertently set aside. Reunited with one of these nuggets, we pick it up, turn it in our hands, and carry it around in our pocket for the day, wondering why we ever set it down.
Here’s one that can be especially helpful as we enjoy the holidays – a time when we are tempted to describe all that we have to do and the angst that tags along with it. Switch “have” to “get” and now you have a celebration.
I get to cook for my family – I am thankful they are well and with us.
I get to clean my house – I am thankful to have a home.
(and the health to take care of it)
I get to go to work – I am thankful to be able to support my family.
Go on, put it in your pocket and see how your day changes.
Categories: The Gift of Gratitude
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