So many special moments...

Well...it has been too long...and it is time to get back at it!  


I wanted to write...yet again...about the connection between my school and the Long Term Care Facility next door. It truly is amazing and the connections that we have made are so real and important and special. 


 I thought I would share a few of our end of year stories that make my heart smile! Glee @ Heart had their final concert for the year. I have been a part of it all year and every Monday I have seen them sing and every time it touches my heart. 


 At our second last practice of the year we came together to practice a new song. The grade 6's and I came in as usual and the kids found their seats next to the seniors. Brian (the musical therapist) was trying to figure out some chords on the piano. The kids were eating lunch and chatting with each other and making conversation with the seniors. Glennis (one of the seniors with dimentia who does not usually talk or interact much) looked at the girl next to her, who was eating a yogurt, and said, "That looks good." To which the student replied "It is." Then Glennis leaned over and took the foil lid from the yogurt out of the girls lunch, which is on her lap, licks it off and then puts it back in the girls bag. The student smiled and looked at me and we shared the cute moment. I was so proud of how she handled the situation. She showed true respect and it was so sweet. 


 Right after that, Glennis gets up and goes to the piano. She gently pushes Brian out of the way and sits down and starts to play. This woman who has come and listened, who has barely spoken and who we have seen all year, played us beautiful music for the rest of our practice. Right when she started I heard the 6's start to comment on how good she was. After each song they clapped and cheered. At one point Glennis started playing "You are my Sunshine" and the 6's started singing along. What a gift. There was not one complaint about not getting to sing. Only cheering and clapping after every song Glennis played and the whole walk back to school a conversation about how good she was. What a special day.  


Then our final concert at the school. All the seniors came over as well as some of the staff and some family. The whole school was there to watch. And it was wonderful. The choir sang beautifully. Seeing the seniors come to life as the music starts is always such am amazing thing to witness. Rita, who spent the first part of the assembly crying becasue the noise was too much and she was a little confused, sang her heart out with a huge smile and with her arms swaying in the air the second the music began. When it was done she wanted to hug every student that walked by her and not one student turned her down. Oz is another senior who never talks during practice but sings every word to every song. He has a solo that shares with a grade 6 student Sarah and for the first time he didn't sing it with her, he just held the microphone in front of her and smiled as she sang it all by herself. It was the only time I have ever seen him smile. Truly amazing. 


 We also have the seniors come to read once a month. They tell us that they practice their books for a least a week before they come to share them with us. They come in and share with one or 2 classes. I love when I get to have the chance to listen. I always love to hear the stories and the commentary that goes along with it. And I am continuously amazed and proud as I watch our students...even our littlest ones...sit and patiently and respectfully listen - even when it is hard to hear, even when the seniors forget to show the pictures. What a wonderful lesson in acceptance and understanding. 


 One of the other many connections that our school has made with the seniors next door is to set up pen pals. I looked in to this knowing that there were seniors who had no family or friends that came to visit them. So we connected one of our grade 3 classes with a group of seniors and they began to write to each other. The connection was immediate. One of the grade 3's made a card for her pen pal that said "When I saw the name Dorris on the board I knew you were the one for me." They wrote back and forth and then in June they arranged a get together. Both the seniors and the students eagerly awaited their get together. Just before they would meet there was an exercise done at the Long Term Care Facility where the seniors were asked to write down a wish...something important they would like to do before they pass away. One of the gentlemen, who happened to be one of the pen pals, said that his wish was to give his pen pal pizza because in every letter his grade 3 friend wrote he mentioned that he liked pizza. That was this man;s dying wish. To give pizza to his new friend. So when the grade 3's went to visit they got pizza for this sweet man to give his buddy. I wish I could have been there...but just hearing the story had me crying. They read out his wish and the these two unlikely special friends shared a visit and a slice of pizza. 


 I can't get over all the moments. I could go on forever but I thought I would share some of my favourites. As the summer continues on, I hope to share more stories that touch my heart and make me want to continue to do all that I can to spread all the good I can and to find new ways every day to spread a little love. Who's with me?

Oh What A Night...

Music For Freedom 2012...Oh what a night!!! It was truly amazing and so full of music, hope and love. I couldn't have imagined a better evening. 200 amazing people came to share in the night and almost $5000 was raised!


What can I say about the night. It was electric. It filled my heart with hope and love. The night opened with Glee @ Heart and they were perfect. They sang their hearts out. We practice every week, we have done a few shows, I have seen them so many times and still it brought me to tears. It is such an amazing choir. An amazing union of young and old. A perfect blend of music spanning generations. A heart warming sight to behold.


I am always so very proud of the grade 6's. They are such a kind and caring group. They work hard at learning the songs and they show their commitment coming to rehearsals every week for the entire school year. But most importantly, they visit with the seniors. I am always so touched by the way they will hold hands with the senior next to them, by the way they will give a hug to say hello, by the way they start up conversation and by the way they offer help whenever they can.


One of my favourite moments this year was a few weeks ago. One of the ladies had a board book about snowmen with her at practice. We arrived and the 6's took their seats and before we got started the lady started showing her book to the grade 6 student beside her. She started pointing to all the snowmen and saying "Well this is my Dad, and this is my Mom, this one here is my sister and this is me" and with complete acceptance and respect the student beside her listened and asked how old she was in the picture. It was such a simple moment but it spoke volumes to what that choir does. It transcends age and dimensia and depression and allows the young and old to just come together and connect from the heart.


That is what I saw on Saturday night...a sea of faces singing because they love to sing, a group of people who have connected in such a special way and a choir who can change the world. It makes me wonder...why aren't all schools and Long Term Care facilities built side by side?


So that was just the start! Then Chuck and Dave took the stage and totally entertained us. They are two of my favourite musicians...but more importantly they are two of my favourite people. Their energy filled the room and they had us singing along, clapping, laughing, crying and even some of us dancing! They moved us with their music. I was lucky enough to get a chance to be on stage and sing some songs with them. That is one of my favourite things in the world to do.


On top of all the great music...there were amazing people. People who came out to support 2 wonderful organizations and people who know us and love us. It was truly special to feel the love in the room...and I really feel as if I could have reached out and touched it.


I want to thank everyone who came out and those who supported even if they couldn't be there. You are what made the night such a success. We can make a difference and you all proved it that night. You are all wonderful and I feel so very lucky to know you all!


We are already looking to next year and know that it will be another amazing night. We will keep you all posted when we a pick a date and a venue!


Yours In Kindness...

Earth Hour

Well...Earth Hour is tomorrow night! I thought I would share this video about this amazing Global Movement that unites the whole world for one hour.


Let's all take part tomorrow night and join millions of people around the world as we unite and show what we can do when we all stand together.


Always remember the 3 C's in life...


Choice, Chance, Change


You must make the CHOICE, 
To take the CHANCE,
If you want anything in life to CHANGE.


http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3025

All Kids Should Be This Lucky...

I was lucky enough to be in a Kindergarten room a few weeks ago and be a part of one little boy's star of the week poster presentation. This neat little guy has autism and has some challenges that will be with him throughout his life. I thought I was going to have to help out with some of the reading (as his Mom had written it) but he had every word memorized and read it loud and clear and proud with a huge smile...this is what he read...

"My family believe I am a special boy (a gift) for them. My Mom tells me I am smart and handsome."

Two simple sentences....read from the heart of a little boy...it brought tears to my eyes.

All kids should be so lucky...I just thought I would share.

Yours In Kindness

Happy Family Day

A little poem for Family Day...enjoy every second with those that you love!!!!

Some have a daughter.

Some have a son.

Some have many cousins.

Some have none.

Some are very big.

Some are very small.

But it really doesn’t matter at all.

A family is a family

By blood, choice or heart.

A family is a family 

Whether near or apart.

A family is a family,

Whether a dozen or a pair.

Because a family is a family

When there’s love in the air.

A Day of Heart

I have recently read a quote that has rapidly become one of my favourites and I thought I would share...


"Don't change so people will like you.
Be yourself and the right people will love you."


Thanks to all of you who let me be exactly who I am. The journey to be comfortable in my own skin, to accept myself (flaws and all!) and love myself no matter what has seemed long at times, but I feel like I have arrived! It is all of you who help me to remember every day that who I am is exactly who I should be. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you for your love and support and friendship...I am so blessed and I love you!


On this Valentines Day...this is my wish...


I wish for you all to see the light that is within you.
I wish for you all to look in the mirror and love what you see.
I wish for you all to look at others and accept them for who they are.
I wish for you all the gift of loving yourself unconditionally.
In short I wish for you...love...pass it on.


Happy Heart Day!

Music For Freedom 2012

It is coming!!! Music For Freedom 2012 with Chuck and Dave (and a few songs from me!). As a fun addition...the Glee @ Heart Choir (intergeneration choir) will open for Chuck and Dave this year!

Saturday April 14th at 7:00 PM

It will be at Lutherwood Children's Mental Health Centre

This year we are supporting both a local organization and a global one! They are Free the Children and Lutherwood Children's Mental Health Centre. They are both amazing organizations that we are so happy to be a part of!

I am so excited about the concert. It will be an amazing night of music and inspiration, a night of people coming together in song to help others. That sounds like the perfect night to me.

If you came last year...we hope you can come again! If you weren't able to come or didn't know about it then we hope you can come for the first time!

So...stay tuned for information about tickets and more details!!!

"Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory."

Sir Thomas Beecham

Come and join us for music that you will always remember.

Before you speak...THINK...

Before you speak...
THINK


T     is it true?
H    is it helpful
I      is it inspiring?
N    is it necessary?
K    is it KIND?


So simple, yet so powerful. If only we could all do this every day.


It has been way too long between posts. Life gets so busy, so quickly and time seems to get away from me! I am really going to try to post on a more consistent basis. My brother has been telling me about the business model he follows and one of the things that he does is make 10 day goals, 10 month goals and 5 year goals. The trick is to not only set goals but to actually write them down. I think this is such a great idea so I have started to do just that! One of my 10 day goals is to pick a day of the week that I will always be sure to post on my blog. So I am going to put a post up every Monday night!


One of my 10 month goals is to get my webpage up and running. I have recently bought the domain www.yoursinkindness.com and have just put up a main page with a quote. My 10 month goal is to get it full of quotes, kindness ideas and challenges, links to videos and websites and much more. I will keep you posted on how it is going!


Live life. Love Life. Be Kind.

'Tis The Season

Tis the season for giving and right now my heart is overflowing with the kindness I see around me. So...I thought I would share!

1. At my school we have been filling back packs with supplies for families in need that will be sent to our local shelters. I put it out to my staff and was not surprised to see the overwhelming response to help! For the past 3 weeks we have been collecting and today was the day that we gathered everything together to load up and ship out. 

Walking in to the staffroom and seeing how our teachers, our community, our families had come together with such generosity brought tears to my eyes. There was a table of 40 backpacks barely able to be zipped shut as well as an equal number of bags for the "overflow". I feel so lucky to be a part of a staff and community who are so caring and kind. Such a simple thing.

2. Tonight I was volunteering at the Food Bank where I give tours and run an activity to groups of kids coming through to learn more. Tonight was a hockey team. 14 boys all about 9 years old and FULL of energy. My job tonight was to run the activity where we sort some food and make Food Hampers (a box of food that could get a family through 2-3 days). The boys were competitive and excited and loud. They completed the activity and did a great job. 

Then I do a wrap up and talk about who needs Food Hampers? How would you get one? How would you feel if you had to ask for help? If you had no money to buy food? The room goes silent. A few hands go up with answers like sad, bad, lonely and scared. Such simple answers but so exactly right on from these 9 year old boys. One boy said he might be scared to ask for help. A discussion started about needing help and asking for help and how that is truly a strong thing to be able to do that. I told them that everyone...every single person...will need to ask for help at some point in their lives and that we are surrounded by people who can help. One last boy put up his hand and quietly said "Kinda like I need help in Math sometimes?" A few boys laughed and I said, "It is like that...because now you can think about how you feel when you are embarrassed to ask for help in math when you think of people needing to ask for food." The laughter stopped. 

Even if just one of those boys goes away with a little more empathy then when he came in...my night was more than worth it.

3. And of course our school and its connection with the Retirement home next door is an on going sense of happiness for me. Glee @ Heart sang at the School Board Inaugural meeting this week. As always I can barely contain how proud I am and how touched I feel when watching and listening to this choir sing. I just feel like our connection is so special and I try to foster it whenever I can! 

We also have residents come to read to some of our primary classes once a month. Another experience I just LOVE to be a part of. Today was the day for December! The residents get such joy out of being around the kids and reading to them and talking with them. The kids get such an amazing opportunity to know the residents.  To learn about respect and understanding when the person reading can't show the pages because it is too tricky, or when they are hard to hear, or when the residents want to hold their hands. What child shouldn't be exposed to that kind of experience!?!

And again...talk about pride...even our Kindergartens can sit through 2 books read back to back in silence. Listening and being respectful. Smiling and giving hugs and high fives. It truly warms my heart.

4. And then there are the things that happen right in my own house...that are so small they might go unnoticed but when they are noticed they are a gift.

Today we were playing in the playroom in the morning and it was still dark. Laiklyn (2) went to try to turn on the light (one of those circle dimmer switches that you have to press in). She so wants to be able to reach it like Dayaa (3) can, and she is getting close, but her little finger tips just barely touch. She doesn't have the strength to push the button with just her finger tips. So here Laiklyn is, right up on her tip toes trying to make herself as tall as she can and trying with all her might. Getting frustrated and a little teary. And then Dayaa comes over to her says in the cutest little motivating, positive voice, "Laiklyn, what if I put my hand on the light and you can push my hand?" She reaches her little hand up and places it flat over the light switch. Laiklyn, up on her tip toes again, reaches up and as she grunts and pushes with her fingertips, Dayaa gives an imperceptible little push too. And TA DA!!! The light come on! Dayaa says "You did it Laiklyn!" Laiklyn's smile filled the room and the sight of my girls filled my heart!

I could go on forever...but you get the idea!!!

Happy World Kindness Day!

To one and all...happy World Kindness Day!!


"We can't all do great things,
But we can do small things,
with great LOVE."


Mother Teresa

A little video about what kindness is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvG1iVw8IjQ

Remember...

Today, November 11th, I was honoured to remember in many special ways...


At our school we had our Remembrance day assembly. It is truly amazing to watch a gym full of 900 kids, aged 3 to 12, sit in silence and respectfully listen and remember those who have gone before. Glee at Heart sang "Oh, Canada" to start it off. Leading the choir and watching the faces of each senior singing their hearts out brought tears to my eyes. As I watched one woman; dressed in her uniform, singing "Oh, Canada" as loud as she could, with tears in her eyes, and so clearly full of pride, I got all choked up. 


Then we sang "What A Wonderful World". I don't think I will ever lose the feeling I get when I watch the Grade 6's and the seniors join their voices to create such beautiful music, with such a great message. The song was so great because it is timeless and it is one everyone knows, young and old alike. And watching Glee at Heart sing "What A Wonderful World" I can't help but think...it truly is a wonderful world.


The rest of the assembly was filled with choral poetry read by the whole school, songs, stories, and the laying of the wreaths that each grade created. Again, I am blown away at how a whole school can come together and so respectfully remember a time that came way before them.


Next was off with the Grade 6's to the Westmount to join the seniors for their service. Well, the tears that began at the school came out in full force at the Westmount. What an honour to be a part of their service. To be in a room of people who were there, who lived it, who can remember in a way that only they can, was so completely humbling and overwhelming. I was so touched by their faces, their stories and their tears.


We sang the same songs and again...both touched me deeply. Especially since the choir did not sing alone. Every person in the room sang loud and clear right along with us and it was wonderful. In the room there were a handful of veterans and one in particular who read a poem and laid the wreath. She wore her medals proudly over her heart. Some of the Grade 6's asked what her medals were for so I encouraged them to go and ask her. 


Well, this 91 year old woman gave them (and me) an amazing talk about her experience. She was a cook - she cooked for over 300 people at a time. She told us about her medals for service. She told us about how she lost friends during a bombing that just happened to be on a day she wasn't working. She told us about numerous bombings...taking cover, in complete darkness, waiting for it to be done, only to come out after and go to check the nearby village and have to step over dead bodies because that village got destroyed. And then she looked at all the grade 6's and said "I am proud of my service and if I were young again I would do it all again." With tears streaming down my face now...she asked if anyone else had any questions. One of the grade 6 girls asked her what kinds of things she cooked. Well, her face completely lit up and she went into every detail about one of her favourite treats she used to make for the soldiers. So cute!


The walk back to the school was filled with questions from the 6's and comments on how touched they were by all they heard. What an amazing connection we have made.  Joining the young and old, creating a unique bond between the past and the present, what a gift. What an amazing day of remembering.


So today, on November 11th, I remember.

The world needs more YOU!

• The world needs more YOU in it.
• 
  
• In her speeches, Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund, reminds us that a lot of people these days are still waiting for Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa or Mahatma Gandhi to come back- but they are gone.  We are it.  It is up to us now.  It is up to you.  More than ever before, our world needs more goodness, more kindness, more caring, more action, more YOU in it.
• 
  
• John F. Kennedy said once that one person can make a difference, and every person must try.  What if each of us really tried?  What if each of us spontaneously decided that, one by one, we really can be the better world we wish for?
• 
  
• This is our time,
• yours and mine.
• 
  
• You have important discoveries to make.
• Now is the time to make them.
• 
  
• You have important talents to develop.
• Now is the time to develop them.
• 
  
• You have important gifts to give the world.
• Now is the time to give them.
• 
  
• By Kobi Yamada from 1: How Many People Does It Take To Make A Difference?

Glee At Heart

So I am privileged to be a part of a very unique choir called Glee At Heart. It is made up of 15 Grade 6 students from my school and 10 seniors from the retirement home that is right next door to our school. 


We meet every Monday and sing together. We sing music from the present and the past and sometimes a mash up of both. It is such an amazing thing. To join the young and old together and make beautiful music...truly wonderful!


A few weeks ago we were approached by Wilfrid Laurier University to sing as an opening act for their Music Care Conference. This is a conference that is all about Music for healing and Music for changing the world. So we practiced like crazy and today was the big performance. I wanted to share the email that I sent to my staff to let them know how the morning went...

Hi All!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!

I just wanted to share a bit about the experience Kyle and I had with the Glee choir today. (I atteached 2 pictures too!) It was AMAZING!

We were to meet at 7:45 for sound check. Kyle and I thought we would get there a little earlier so that we knew what was going on. Of course we were only slightly surprised that some of the 6's were there already!! They are such a wonderful and eager group of kids!

Once we all were there, we went on stage for the sound check. The 6's were so cute...helping the seniors by holding their hands, arranging chairs and coats. It just had my heart smiling so big as I watched them. Rita...one of the more entertaning seniors...came out yodelling and hugging and kissing everyone! We practiced the songs and then back to the green room for snacks. The seniors all had their morning coffee and meds.

Then it was show time! We went back on to stage...this time to a full theatre of people! The conference was all about Music as a form of healing and Music as a way to make the world a better place. The audience was full of musicians, music therapists, teachers, and many more. The first person who spoke welcomed everyone and spoke of the power of music and how present and universal music is. It was just such an amazing atmosphere. Next they introduced us and Brian (the musical therapist from the Westmount) talked a little bit about us and how the choir came to be. 

And then we sang.

And it was so moving.

I was teary as I led the choir and watched all the faces. I was touched by the way it seemed as if they had been singing together for ever. The way our 6's sang loud and strong and clear. The way the residents tapped their feet and came to life and sang from their hearts. The way everyone smiled and let the music flow out of them The way all the voices joined as one and made truly beautiful music. 

At the end of our last song the choir splits and half sings "Don't stop believing." while the other half sang "What the world needs now". While we were singing this, Rita (who had been feeling the music from the moment she arrived!!) grabbed the hands of Talia and Claire on either side of her and started swaying and raising their hands in the air. And as the song ended, and the choir sang out the last line "Don't stop believing, what the world needs now is love"  and everyone was smiling and singing their hearts out...the audience started clapping and cheering and they rose to their feet with tears in their eyes. The look on the faces of every member of the choir was priceless. 

What an amazing morning. What an amazing group of kids. What an amazing group of seniors. What an amazing musical moment.

We are so lucky for this connection with the Westmount. This morning was just one of the many moments shared with them where I didn't think my heart could smile any bigger!! We are so proud of our students - who sounded amazing...but more than that...who acted with such kindness and compassion and respect. My heart is bursting!

Thanks for listening...and if you see any of the Glee at heart kids...let them know they did a wonderful job!

Yours In Kindness,

Karen

P.S.  A funny side note...when it was time to leave the stage, I went to help Rita. She took my hand, a few of our girls were helping too, and this was our dialogue...

Rita  "Where are you taking me now?" 

Me "We are all done. It is time to go."

Rita "Is it over?"

Me  "Yes." 

Rita "We were pretty great weren't we!" 

Me "You were better then great!"

Rita "Well, now I can finally take a shit!"

So Much Good

There is so much good in this world...we just need to find it.


Here is one story of one amazing Dad that is truly inspiring...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV1Z1Xo3Hhc

The Power of One

Well it has been a while! Being back at school full time has been an adjustment but I am starting to get in to the swing of things! So I am back on the mission to put out the word of kindness and love! So I thought I would let everyone know that...


Sunday, October 2 marks both the United Nations' International Day of Non-Violence and the birthday of one of its biggest proponents: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. I thought I would share a quick video that shows just of a few historic moments and the amazing "power of one". Hope you have a wonderful weekend!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QzjqOl2N9c


Never forget the power you have to affect change. What can you do today to make a difference?

Children Full Of Life

This is a continuation of my last post which included clip 1 of 5 of this documentary called "Children Full Of Life" Here are the links to all 5 parts.

If I could meet one person...it would be this teacher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=armP8TfS9Is&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc7S8HAfDzk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd7YWx7idfE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEW65OKRiAk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FGdXEBcdh4&feature=related

Yours In Kindness, Karen

Empathy

Well...back to school! After a summer of enjoying every minute of my family and being inspired on so many levels I am back in school and ready to teach from the heart!!


As time goes on, I feel more and more passionately about finding a place in the school day for character education. I feel that it needs to be embedded in the day but also taught more directly. I want the kids of today to learn about kindness, compassion, empathy and how to give back.


As I went through my day I kept looking around at all the faces of all the kids in the school and all I could see was all the potential. Potential for good, for kindness, for changing the world. And all I can think is...what can I do...how can I help...how can I bring out the very best in each precious life that comes my way?


So I am going to continue on my mission of kindness. I am going to bring character education in to the music I teach and the books I read and the games I play. I am going to lobby for change and see if we can find the time in the day to actually TEACH kindness. I am going to blog about kindness and share stories full of love and heart. I am going to challenge those who read this blog to give back in big and small ways.


My challenge to you today is to notice kindness around you and make a point of acknowledging it. If you see someone doing something kind, take a minute to stop and share with them how it makes you feel. There are kind things happening all the time...we just have to take the time to see them!


Here is a wonderful link about one class that truly takes the time to teach empathy and has a class goal that consists of "Be Happy." One day maybe we will all have schools that are lucky enough to have a class like this...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=armP8TfS9Is&feature=related


So, my wish to you all is to simply "Be Happy!"

Music For Freedom

A Poem From My Heart...with a link at the bottom to A Movie From My Heart...
Thanks to all for the most incredible night.


We came armed with our voices
And armed with our guitars
Our music rang out in the dark
I swear it reached the stars


The energy was electric
You could feel it on your skin
Love and hope filled the room like water
We jumped and dove right in


The sweet strum of every chord
The perfect notes sung just right
The slow crescendo of the moment
The heart song melody of the night


The music filled the theatre
Uniting our souls as one
Hearts beating in time to the sound
Of hope, laughter, love and fun


Magically each person came
To give back and do their part
A simple thing it may seem
But done with the greatest of heart


The music resonates in my soul
Long after the people have gone
The generosity of so many
Inspired by the beauty of song


http://gallery.me.com/karensnider/100000

Small things with great love...

"Not all of us can do great things. But, we can all do small things with great love."
Mother Teresa


What a true statement. I like to think that we can all do small things every day with the greatest of love and manifest goodness all around.
This week has been full of giving back in small ways...and my heart it overflowing with the good that is in this world!


One thing I did this week is help out Send 'Em Off Smiling. This is an organization that collects school supplies and fills back packs for families who need the help. It is a simple way to help many children start the year off with a smile and feeling confident and prepared. Delivering back packs...it seemed like such a small thing. The back pack deliveries were done with my Mom and my girls who are 2 and 3. It seems like such a small thing. Pick up some back packs and take them to kids who need them. I brought along my girls because I thought what a great way to get them involved even when they are little! So we filled the car as full as we could and off we went. It seems like such a small thing. Dayaa kept reminding me that there were backpacks at her feet, "Don't forget these back packs for the kids Mom." Only to be echoed by Laiklyn, "Me too back pack, kids!" We got to the first house to be greeted by 2 boys smiling and jumping saying, "Mom, they're here! The backpacks are here!" It seemed like such a small thing. We gave them the bags and wished them well and got back in the car as the boys smiled and dove right in to see what was inside. It seemed like such a small thing...done with great heart (I am especially proud of my girls who lasted almost 2 hours!!)...and what a huge reward!! The best part is we got to do it 13 more times that day and 15 the next!!!


Small things with great love. I often feel as if I don't do enough, but I have to remind myself...small things with great love.
So my challenge for you...what small thing can you do today or tomorrow or next week...what small thing can you do with great love? If you feel like sharing I would love to have people post things that they did...no matter how small it may seem!


If you need some inspiration...here is a small thing a coach did with great heart that made a world of difference...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tui8EOdv_VU
Yours In Kindness
Karen

The power of song...

Music is at the core of who I am. It makes me happy, it comforts me when I am sad, it touches my soul, it is one with my spirit, it is a part of my every day. I believe strongly in the power of song and thought I would share some wise words from some wise people as a prelude to a wonderful video...


"Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue." Plato


"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." Lao Tzu


"Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought."
E.Y. Harburg


"Music isn't just learning notes and playing them. You learn notes to play the music of your soul."
Katie Greenwood


"Music is the shorthand of emotion" Leo Tolstoy


Enjoy this video...I certainly did!!
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2443