What I learned in Elementary School…

… and subsequently forgot.

My apartment complex, Park Plaza, is situated conveniently next to Kiwanis Park [aptly named, no?]. Technically, it's next to Wasatch Elementary's field, which is essentially a significant part of Kiwanis Park.

Last week, I took a good book and a blanket out to the park and read and relaxed for two hours [note: this is BEFORE the weather turned bipolar and snowy. Thanks, Utah.]. 

On my way back, I picked up a little blue piece of trash. Except it wasn't trash. It was something that an elementary student either dropped, lost, or threw away. A simple note, an activity from her teacher. I ignored the Comic Sans usage, and read:

My Celebrate Abilities Pledge
I promise to look for the best in everyone. Everyone has different talents and abilities and I will look for them. I will be patient and kind to people who are different than myself. I will look for ways that I can be helpful to others and to be a friend to all.
By doing so, I strengthen myself, my school, and my community and make it a better place for everyone. My silver ribbon is a symbol of my promise.

A third-grader-ish signature bears the name "Hailey" thereafter.

We do things like this when we are all wee tykes — why can't we do the same now? Why is being kind and civilized so difficult?

Road rage, aggravated attacks, petty arguments, jealousy, grudges… the list goes on. 

No, certainly, I am guilty of many of these. We all are, in some way or another.

Do your part. And let me know that you want to help.

Sign the petition here: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/celebrateabilities/

Thank you for doing your part.