If I had the memory of an elephant, I would never forget to send Valentines. I would remember everybody's name, their birthday, anniversary, get well or encouragement card. I would always know where my car keys are and my car. I can only wish and keep trying.
I read Carol McCloud's Fill A Bucket to a second grade class. When a person does something nice for someone, it fills that person's bucket and the giver's. Each child smiled remembering something they had done that put a smile on someone's face. Bullies are bucket dippers. Not only do they take out of the other person's bucket, they take out of their own. It's a "nobody feels good" moment. I gave each student two Valentine stickers with the instructions to keep one and give the other away.
One of my favorite cards is from leanin'tree.com In the kid quips section, 7 year-old Harris Weinstein's card says: If I had TEN thumbs * I'd put them ALL UP for YOU.
Nobody ever died from too much praise. A local doctor paid the tuition for several nursing students. I've never met him, but he deserved my hand written thank you note. Appreciation goes a long ways. Next Wednesday I'm giving each student a blank thank you card to fill out and give to someone they appreciate.
2013 Red Convertible Travel Series
