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You Matter To Me

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou)  

 

Each day we encounter many people along our journey – family, friends, colleagues, peers, strangers. Our lives have meaning as a result of these connections with others.  Connected, supportive relationships promote well-being and mental wellness. Genuine connections – with others, ourselves, nature, animals, God – can offer stability, reduce stress, and give us a sense of purpose and belonging.  

Many of the defining experiences in our life are a result of connections with others. When we know we matter to others, our self-confidence and self-esteem grows. Certain interactions can help us understand how we make a difference in the world around us. Other moments can remind us that we are special and someone values us.  

 

What if we knew that we could create moments that matter? That a situation would be a turning point for somebody that they would talk about for years to come?   

 

In today’s Wellness Wednesday, discover how simple interactions can be defining moments to let someone know that they matter. 
 

 

Try this: 

As a class, group, or family:  

  • Watch the following video, “Teacher Has Incredible Handshakes With Each Student” (https://youtu.be/VctaUNJpT6U, ABC News; 1:02) about students and their teacher, Barry White Jr., developing personalized ways to greet each other.  
  • After the video, talk about what you saw and how the video made you feel. Here are some ideas to start the conversation:  
  • How you think these students feel when they are greeted by their teacher each morning? Consider: special, important, like they matter, they are valued, unique, etc. 
  • What do you think this says about what this teacher feels about his students? Consider: shows they matter to him, he cares enough to notice each person’s individuality, wants to remind them that he is an adult that cares about them, etc. 
  • What are some ways that you can show someone in your life that they matter to you? Consider: make a card, give a hug, send a video greeting, bake a treat, etc.  
  • This “daily greeting” activity from SMHO has more ideas to show others that they matter to you. 

 

Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer: 

What moments can I create to remind others they matter?  

In what ways do others show me that I matter?  

 

Connecting to our faith: 

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) 

We matter to God. He loves us unconditionally. Every life is important and special to Him. In His name, we are called to be His example.  It is a great gift to act as instruments of God’s love.   

"Our love for others, for who they are, moves us to seek the best for their lives." (Pope Francis) 

“Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” (1 Peter 5:14) 

Rituals, like daily greetings, are deeply rooted in Catholicism. They reflect ways in which we celebrate and connect as a Catholic community, building a sense of belonging, creating a positive school climate, and supporting cultural identities. 

Let Us Pray: Lord, thank You for the honor and privilege of serving as an instrument of Your love. May I always seek to embrace this calling with faith and sincerity. Help me to be open and listen to every way that You speak to me through others.  Amen.  

 

Further Learning: 

 

Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell.  

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