Have you heard of yarn bombing? If that can be considered a respected form of art, then I have to imagine that my most recent act of kindness is likewise not considered vandalism. Let me explain! Several months ago, a good friend texted me with a picture of an uplifting sticky note she had found on her windshield. She was having a rough time and said the note turned her mood around and gave her hope. I had been turning this idea around in my mind ever since: what if I wrote out a bunch of inspiring words and phrases and blanketed an entire parking lot worth of vehicles with them? And so, this holiday season, about two weeks before Christmas, I started brainstorming. What would I include on these notes intended to inspire holiday cheer in their recipients? As I drove home from work one evening, I stopped to pick up a gift I had ordered at a |
As I returned home, the idea was finalized: I would spread sticky notes in the parking lots of busy shopping areas, in the hopes of reminding these busy shoppers of the TRUE meaning of the holiday season. And so, I sat down with a new pad of sticky notes and wrote out phrases like "Share a :)" "Enjoy the season" "Let your <3 be light" and more. As I went about the next week, I left these notes everywhere.
It was harder than I thought to leave these secretly-- of course, I didn't want to draw suspicion, sneakily creeping around parking lots-- so it took more stops than I anticipated to distribute all of my notes. But, I like to think that I inspired some smiles and lighter spirits along the way.
Why am I sharing this with you now-- as the New Year begins?
Dear friends, I've decided to make this a regular occurrence. As my friend's sticky note discovery story tumbled around in my head, I was reminded that this "kindness vandalism" could be appropriate throughout the year.
Hospitals have large parking lots and garages full of vehicles of people who could use some loving good thoughts. Schools have parking lots full of vehicles of people who could use some thanks, encouragement and appreciation.
Where there is sadness, worry or irritation, there is always room for inspiration.
Will you join me this year in being a kindness vandal? Together, we can blanket the world with kind words! I can't wait to hear where you decide to spread your own cheer!