A few weeks ago I came across this post and was completely inspired to do some Guerrilla Goodness! I’ve been planning this random act of kindness adventure ever since. So on the eve before school started, on the way home from grocery shopping, I had my husband and kids drop me off at my daughter’s new school and I went to work. I brought four jumbo sidealk chalks with me and I used them all up, printing words of encouragement all over the schoolground for the kids on their first day of school.
Everyone needs a few words of encouragement that they look smashing on their first day back to school, don’t you think?
More importantly, I think some of the biggest anxieties I had as a child, especially since we moved a lot – well maybe not as much as some families, but I attended three different elementary schools – was whether or not I’d make any friends. Of course I always did, but when you’re new, you don’t know that. Starting something new can be so scary! So this one was my favorite. I wrote it in a couple different places so it wouldn’t get missed.
I couldn’t believe how much fun I had doing this. I only wish my girls were old enough to help me, and when they are I can’t wait to teach them the joy of manifesting love with a piece of sidewalk chalk! It was a great feeling not getting caught too. I thought for sure someone would come along with their kids or dog to the playground and find me “vandalizing” the place. At one point I heard a car coming and leaped behind a flowering bush. But I did it. I got away with the love man.
My only regret is not having asked friends to join me or being able to see the kid’s and parent’s and teacher’s faces tomorrow. I can just imagine the teacher’s asking each other “did you do that?” Nope! It was me! And only you, my faithful readers know! Now fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain!
Happy Back To School Day Everyone!
Now that I’ve got the random act of kindess bug, I want some more ideas for spreading joy. Let’s call it Guerilla Well-fare! Any ideas for me?
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So excited your Guerrilla Goodness mission went so well! It’s so much fun, isn’t it? I’ll be interested to read others ideas for more GG missions as I’m always collecting them. Hope the first day went well! Much peace to you all…
I am a huge fan of Patience, and I really considered doing this. In the end I didn’t because of the rain, and because I am still dealing with the nerves after writing affirmations in chalk at the local playground. Which is also an act of Guerilla Goodness, right? So maybe I get some credit for that.
Next year, though, for sure. Plus my own little one will be going to kindergarten and I know she would love to ‘help’ me.
I LOVE that idea. I might have to steal it. It’s also a nice way for the slightly older kid to get a little extra encouragement from Mom without being singled out. I know most kids would recognize their mom’s handwriting but it could be their little secret.
How about OperationBeautiful.com notes in the “beauty” products aisle at the supermarket?
That’s very cute and inspirational! I love it!
how do i follow you?
What a super idea. Now you’ll have to update to tell us about the reaction.
That is such a wonderful idea! It warmed my heart
This is great!
And it reminds me of Miranda July’s “Learning to love you more”, http://learningtoloveyoumore.com/
It’s a great art project that has “assignments” for you to do, such as:
- take a photo of your parents kissing
- act out someone else’s argument
- braid someone’s hair
- photograph a significant outfit
@Amber – I think that counts!
@Nicole – Great idea re: Operation Beautiful! Thanks!
@Karen – I took my daughter to school today and most of my chalk love was washed away from the rain but a few under the eaves still stood out. I asked the secreatary about them and she said “I think one of the teachers must have done it.”
@Jenn – Well I guess I did #63 then – “make an encouraging banner.” Yay! Thanks for the cool link!
This was so much fun! I understand now what you wrote to me on my blog. What we did for my mom WAS a random act of kindness… http://obnurse35yrs.wordpress......e-profits/
Guerrilla Goodness!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love what you did and the pictures are great! Have you considered adding them to the “Guerilla Goodness” Flickr pool?! http://www.flickr.com/groups/1023957@N25/
That is SUCH a cute idea!!!!!!! I love the passion it took to go and vandalize your child’s school. Did you ever tell your kids that you did it?