You are worthy

and you are loved

“You are valuable because you exist. Not because of what you do, or what you have done, but simply because you are.” ~ Max Lucado

Photo by Rachel Walker on Unsplash

It started out as a simple idea.

Most lesson plans begin like that. A simple idea…

Many years ago I started a project with my students that I later dubbed the Kindness Boomerang project. The Kindergarten and 1st grade students created homemade Valentine cards, which they decorated for a teacher or support staff member of the school.

The 2nd through 5th graders used their Google accounts to write special notes using Google Docs as their word processing tool. We would print those notes and place them in envelopes that students decorated for our 65 staff members.

The last few years I did this project, I had students use their iPads to also record a Flipgrid video that they dedicated to one specific teacher or support staff member.

The concept was simple but the process was time-consuming. Usually it was completed over the course of two weeks of library/tech classes. I purposely chose to do this project so it could be finished in time for Valentine’s day. Typically mid winter in Wisconsin is when both the outdoor temperatures and the energy levels of people are low. So the impact of these notes brought smiles to the faces of many, right when they needed it.

Everyone needs to be reminded that what they do and who they are has purpose and meaning. Many students would ask me when they were done if they could write “extra” kindness notes to their family and friends.

I was always impressed with the excitement and joy many students had coming up with personal memories they had of the special people in their lives. Some of the older students even put notes they received from their friends on their iPad cases so they could see them whenever they used their device.

The title of the project came from a video I would show the students that depicts how kindness flows from one person to another until it comes full-circle back to the person who started it - like a boomerang.

Reminding people how much you care about them shouldn’t be saved for birthdays or Valentine’s Day. Life is too short to only celebrate the people you love, one or two days a year.

Instead, being kind should just be seen as a significant part of our everyday existence. One of my favorite quotes sums it up, “Love wasn’t put in your heart to stay. Love isn’t love until you give it away.”

Fast forward to 2026.

I am retired from teaching and working in religious service as an office administrator in a small church with a big heart…

Another simple idea emerges…how could we spread kindness, and a positive message, where I currently work?

We put together 100 Valentine bags, filled with small items…a packet of instant hot chocolate, a packet of marshmallows, a kindness card, a bag of microwave popcorn, a few pieces of candy…and a message…you are loved and you are worthy of that love…no matter where you are on life’s journey.

The concept was simple but again the process was time-consuming.

Church staff and parishioners delivered the bags to the neighborhoods surrounding our church…

And the lesson that I learned from both of these projects?

That simple ideas can end up touching people’s lives.

So I encourage you to go out and spread kindness, share your love for others openly and let people know what they mean to you.

They will enjoy your compliments, your gratitude, your love…and you will in return, feel that joy…coming back right at you…like a boomerang.

What do you think?

For information about why I started this newsletter, please go to the about section.

This week’s word is…

In honor of my dear friend and mentor, Sister Agnes, I am choosing to focus each week on one word.

This week’s word is Love.

"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." -Mother Teresa

What can we do to spread more love in our world?

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Tranquil Moments…

I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:

Photo by Jennifer Malphy.

This week’s Smile video…

For the past 33 years, Joe DiTore has really delivered for people in Demarest, New Jersey, both in their mailboxes and their personal lives. Steve Hartman has the story "On the Road."

#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove

Kindness Boomerang

This is the video I would show my students when we started our Kindness Boomerang project - Watch as the camera tracks an act of kindness as it’s passed from one individual to the next and manages to boomerang back to the person who set it into motion.

Mind/Body connections…

This meditation gently guides you to embrace and nurture your innate worthiness, fostering a deep sense of self-acceptance and compassion.

Comedy Lift…

I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…

Music Moments

Music inspires me in so many ways. Here’s Alabama singing, “Angels Among Us” - Enjoy!

Quote of the week

Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….

The Kindness Boomerang newsletter is a 2025 recipient of the Sunshine Blogger Award.