When I was in grade school, each student had a special day that was designated for them. They were the special helper. They were the engine at the front of the train line. They had the special privilege to tell about their favorite people or things. They could bring in a show-and-tell item. And then, the other students in the class made out warm fuzzy's for them.
Warm fuzzy's. These would consist of little folded cards describing positive things about the special person of the day. They included one of a kind sayings like "you have neat handwriting," and "you're great at sharing your pencil." Nothing Academy Award worthy, but Make Me Feel All Warm And Fuzzy worthy for sure. Ah, see the connection...
For one reason or another I started thinking about warm fuzzy's this week. That opportunity to let people know in the most sincere form that they are special and important. I'm not talking about Facebook likes or Twitter retweets. I'm specifically talking about the pure honest admiration from the heart, that can make a person's day that much sweeter.
As adults, it's difficult to be so candid. We hesitate to send snail mail these days. Although I think it's making a comeback. Who doesn't love opening a mailbox to find actual letters and not how much water your household consumed last month.
What can we possibly do to make those warm fuzzy's come alive like they did in our elementary classrooms?
Volunteer.
Putting yourself out there, with your time, your energy, and for the benefit of someone else. This is easier said than done. I have struggled with this as well. It seems so entirely time consuming, and how can you give so much of yourself when you're barely able to make time to get groceries once a week? The thing about volunteering is that it is on your time and availability. It's not really all that scary. And it benefits the community to which you call home. It is always greatly appreciated, no matter how much or how little you are able to do.
I put my name down on our kids' school volunteer rosters this year. Then a funny thing happened, I wanted more. I started looking into other ways within the community that I could give back. It's contagious.
And the thing about warm fuzzy's. We may think it's all about those whom we are giving special attention. But really, if we look deeper, it's about creating warm fuzzy's for ourselves.
Warm fuzzy's. These would consist of little folded cards describing positive things about the special person of the day. They included one of a kind sayings like "you have neat handwriting," and "you're great at sharing your pencil." Nothing Academy Award worthy, but Make Me Feel All Warm And Fuzzy worthy for sure. Ah, see the connection...
For one reason or another I started thinking about warm fuzzy's this week. That opportunity to let people know in the most sincere form that they are special and important. I'm not talking about Facebook likes or Twitter retweets. I'm specifically talking about the pure honest admiration from the heart, that can make a person's day that much sweeter.
As adults, it's difficult to be so candid. We hesitate to send snail mail these days. Although I think it's making a comeback. Who doesn't love opening a mailbox to find actual letters and not how much water your household consumed last month.
What can we possibly do to make those warm fuzzy's come alive like they did in our elementary classrooms?
Volunteer.
Putting yourself out there, with your time, your energy, and for the benefit of someone else. This is easier said than done. I have struggled with this as well. It seems so entirely time consuming, and how can you give so much of yourself when you're barely able to make time to get groceries once a week? The thing about volunteering is that it is on your time and availability. It's not really all that scary. And it benefits the community to which you call home. It is always greatly appreciated, no matter how much or how little you are able to do.
I put my name down on our kids' school volunteer rosters this year. Then a funny thing happened, I wanted more. I started looking into other ways within the community that I could give back. It's contagious.
And the thing about warm fuzzy's. We may think it's all about those whom we are giving special attention. But really, if we look deeper, it's about creating warm fuzzy's for ourselves.
I'm your typical closer writer who has several projects going, none of which are finished, who gets up super early to at least scribble in my journal. Your blog has inspired me to try doing one of my own. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing Judith!! I am so excited to see what will come. Thank you for reading!
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