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.

For Michelle

No man is an island, so stop being one.
He who tries to be lonely is simply no fun.
Don’t try to be sheltered, take care of yourself,
Don’t hide all your problems and fears on a shelf.
Go open your heart up to others like you
Be glad that your natural glow will shine through.
You are who you are, and your life is but thine
But don’t hide the reasons to show how you shine.
Your life is a treasure that cannot be sold
It never is purchased, is tarnished, grows old.
There’s no need to worry; make friends and you’ll see:
Be happy, be healthy, but mostly, be free.

~David Carlson