Love

TPIE Essay

Happy Friday, er'body!

Hol-y guacamole, it is hot out. And even more than that, HUMID. Yuuuck. Although, I shouldn't be complaining. A few weeks ago, I swore it would still be snowing around this time.In fact, on the note of gratitude, here's my shout out to my yard... Thank you! Even when the weather isn't pulling through, your flowery presence assures me that there are better days ahead.

Yes, I actually took those pictures. Holla.

Well, boy, is the cyber-world in a for a treat! I'm using this post to present my Post-it Effect essay from a few weeks ago. It was our last day of school (Holler again!) and I finally have time to get 'er out there. Ready? Here she is!

I’ve always marveled at the simplicity it can take to practice kindness. As a child, being kind was as trivial as sharing toys, borrowing crayons, and being polite. Somewhere along the line, however, we lose sight of these small acts of genuineness. Soon, kindness looks like giving up massive amounts of time to volunteer and donating huge financial numbers. Compassion becomes a chore, even a burden to some. What would it look like to revert back to our “old” and elementary ways of kindness? That was one of many questions that inspired me to begin blogging about a self-initiated challenge which I would come to call “The Post-it Effect”.

The Post-it Effect, as a project, was created in my ambition to better the world. Feeling a bit limited as a full-time student, living in a fairly small and ordinary town, I decided to begin a project in which I would leave Post-it notes in random places for strangers to find. My notes were painted with hopeful optimism and encouraging confidence through small words, phrases, and quotes. Between short, everyday expressions like “Keep smiling!” to longer quotations spoken by famous individuals, inspiration through words was the name of my game. Blogging played its part by providing a place to record this endeavor. Through pictures of the notes I was leaving and my own personal commentary, I hoped to track my growth as the trial developed. The Post-it Effect, although being an active part of my life, was seldom known but to a few of my close friends. I’ve now come to realize that by not associating myself with the notes I was leaving, the motive behind The Post-it Effect was able to shine brighter.

In addition to that realization, I gained many more insights through my note-leaving. After penning hundreds of uplifting Post-its, each note had a way of cementing its truth into my own heart. There’s something about telling someone how beautiful, capable, or unique they are that acts as reminder for myself. I’ve also noticed that giving advice is easy, but living it in is the challenge. Leaving notes for strangers has challenged me to mirror the messages I’m sending. The Post-it Effect has also broadened my scope of kindness. Knowing the power of one sticky note, I’ve channeled into so many other trivial, yet powerful, ways of practicing compassion. Most importantly to me, the Post-it project has unveiled an unexplainable love for humanity in my heart. When I know that anyone could find one of my messages, it truly brings to light the desire for acceptance, encouragement and love that is hidden in us all. Regardless of my interests, beliefs, or opinions, I leave knows that have the potential to touch anyone. That exhilarating, motivating, and promising thought brings me back to that elementary idea of kindness every time.

Awww. So cute. ;-) If I would have had more room to run with it (I did have a rubric to please) I probably would have written a bit more... And made a more solid conclusion. However, the paper was required to be no longer than a page in length, so there ya go!

It was sort of fun to write about the blog, though. I always wish I could talk about it more than I do. (Cue decision for future blogging goals/desires...) Oh yeah, I'm still working on those.

Anyway, hope you have a lovely weekend. These first few days will feel like any normal weekend, but come Monday, I'm putting my SUMMER PANTS ON!

Peace out,

Meagan

Why, hello summer!

Hi, homies!

Holler for the weekend! I'm so happy just at the thought of Memorial Day. It is the unofficial start to summer, you know. The weather today was absolutely phenomenal and I sincerely hope the sun will come out to play for the rest of the holiday weekend.

Hope you had a good week! Last full week of school for this chick (definitely worth a fist pump... Or two.) and I got in a few good runs. As far as notes go, I put two up a gas station today. What up!

Evidently, I was itching for some Post-it variety. I must've put my creative pants on this morning!

And then one for familiarity...


Pretty successful endeavor, if I do say so myself. No really cool stories or anything... I got some gas. Went the bathroom (And put up notes--shhh!). And went home.

In other news, I can't see. Just kidding--sort of. I think I scratched my eyeball sometime between falling asleep last night and waking up this morning! Rats. I think you can equate it to having a hair stuck in your eye. Except it's invisible. And not going away. Here's to hoping this eyeball scratch heals itself soon... Or I'll look like I'm so sad school is ending next week. Which is SO not the case. ;-)

Alright, well I'm off. My evening consists of a lot of nothin'. Although, I've been borrowed two really good reads from some girlfriends... I probably pick up those. Maybe I'll share my thoughts (or at least introduce the titles!) on here.

Oh! Annnnd, I really do want to share my Post-it Effect essay sometime. Expect a post on it soon--Don't let me forget.

Peace out!

Meagan

I ♥ Blogging

Happy Tuesday, friends!

So, I don't know about your current whereabouts, but my yard is FULL of sunshine and SPRING time! (It's May--but I still feel like I should knock on wood for that comment.)

It's B-E-A-utiful outside! (Yes, Bruce Almighty taught me how to spell that word.) I'm so very glad the sun has decided to make an appearance. Please stay!

After taking a nice run around town after school, this was the sight I came home to. Cue Hallelujah Chorus. Such a beaut!


I did, however, have to wrestle with death to get this artsy photo. Bumblebees are also taking advantage of this spring symphony. I don't know that I'm allergic to bees, however, it's fairly common in the world of allergies and for a chick who's allergic to EVERYTHING, I can only imagine what sort of scene a bee sting would cause. I'm just going to steer clear of the friendly creatures.

It truly is the small things, huh? Any other May, I probably wouldn't have noticed the lovely, blooming apple tree outside. Sometimes we forget how to be thankful... And a little deprivation is always a good kick in the pants. I think I just subconciously defended the bad weather. All this sun must be gettin' to me! ;-)

Just looking for reasons to be out of the house & enjoying the weather, I got gas this afternoon, as well. Exhibit A.

Short & sweet. That's how I roll. (Bahaha... K, not all the time.)

Other exciting news? Well, a friend from school has invited me to join a "advertising" crew for the town I live in. With all the economy stuff and even some local job hurt, a group of high schoolers are teaming up with some adults in the area to start a webpage highlighting the positive aspects of this little town.

Now, I'm really, really bad about complaining about my town. Buuut, I've always said that if I didn't live here, it would be a really nice area to hunker down with a family or what not. (Aaah! That thought terrifies me.) Anyway, I know there are positives and it might even be good for me, mentally, to be forced to search them out!

Anyway, this is exciting because the webpage will feature local stories about what makes this area so unique and special. Heeello! Blogging opportunity, here I come!

I know it won't be quite the same feel as my personal blog. But it'll give me a taste of what a career in the field may look like! I'll post a link or something when I have some deets... The page/goals are still very in the making.

Well, that appears to be all, folks. Hope you're enjoying this evening as much as I am. Until next time!

Meagan

The Small Things

Good evening blogworld!

I've been workin' my little tail off on some "important" school stuff so that I could reward myself with some good blog time this evening. Whoot, whoot. (Not to mention, I definitely owe a post and have been beckoned to update. Yes, Tim, this is your shout out!)

Hope you had a good weekend! The weather was a little under par... But I can't complain. Whenever I do, it snows more... Some weird relationship I have with Mother Nature.

My weekend update begins on Friday when I left this note o' love...Filling up for gas (and crying--Okay, kidding. But hardly.), I left the Post-it on the pump. The note connects to the sucky weather that seems to be never-ceasing around here. The forecast, however, for this coming weeks looks mighty hopeful!

And then in other news, I spent Saturday/Sunday college visiting with a girlfriend. So fun! It makes me a little giddy to think that I could go to school there someday... Needless to say, I did ask politely to be left on campus. Not so much.

I TOTALLY feel like I should not have to wait a whole 'nother year to get ready for college. Blaaaah. K, that's a bit dramatic. And morbid. But you get the point...

Patience probably isn't my best virtue.But I think waiting is MORE miserable (than it already is!) when you sacrifice the little joys of the present. Yes, they may seem super trivial and lame in comparison to the bigger mountain you're climbing, but they can only make the hike more bearable right? I can't think of any logic that would support a WORSE attitude after giving thanks for the small things. Small as they may be.

That's my thought for this week: Being intentionally grateful for the super tiny, microscopic, small things... While I wait for the big ones to happen. Join me?

G'night!

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Blogging AND School

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, won't you be mine?

Name that TV show. Gosh... I was not a fan of Mr. Rogers as a kid. I think my mom purposely put it on shortly before nap time so I would get tired... Which is probably why I detested it so.

It is nice (looking!) out today. A bit breezy... And cold... But at least the sun's out. From the comfort of my computer desk, it's beautiful day in the neighborhood.

So, no new notes to put up... I tried to remember at church today, but my brain said no. I began planning summer worship services (my newest punch to implement some life into the old place...) and in all my excitement over verse themes, song choices, and bonfires, leaving a note slipped my mind.

In connection to TPIE, however, for school, I've been asked to write a paper highlighting something "important to me." I think I hate that question. So, so vague!

Anyhoo, I'm writing about blogging! This is a monumental step in The Post-it Effect, you know...

Don't worry--it's still on the down low. I've warned the teacher that it's not exactly for the eyes of my fellow students! Mwahaha. Maybe I'll do a post on the paper when it's finished...

Well, I've got to run to work and then brace myself for the coming week! Actually, we get Friday off for Easter break. Amen to that!

Meagan

TPIE Anniversary

Today's a special, special day in TPIE world...

(This lovely lil' baby went up at a gas station after school. Gas? Expensive. Random encouragement? Priceless)

Speaking of that, a year ago today gas was averaging $2.83 a gallon. And you know what? I was probably complaining. Today? I paid $3.89 for gas when I dropped my note.

You know what else holds a spot in my heart, a year ago from today?

(Please guess. I'm just so excited!) The Post-it Effect's journey began on April 12, 2010.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT'S BEEN A YEAR?! Clearly, I can't. I know I haven't blogged everyday... But holy guacamole! Reflecting on how TPIE has affected my life, it doesn't always seem like very much. Did my every day revolve around it? No. Did I bring it up in conversation whenever I could? (Trick question!) Of course not. And I wouldn't say I went through some revolutionary epiphany that instantaneously made me a better person. (But if you ever find a pill/drink/book that does that, hook a sister up!)

The coolest memories from posting notes has been the small things... Like getting so nervous when on surveillance camera. Or having to type my messages to conceal my identity. Or hearing through the grape vine that some "anonymous person" as been leaving notes around school. Or simply being able write a note, leave it, and know that someone will find it. And whenever I would get discouraged about leaving messages, I would always re-read my introductory post. It put things into perspective. Every. Time.

Since I started leaving Post-its...

- I've really channeled in to the power of kindness. It can be, and more often than not is, so small. And probably feels 10x better when done anonymously.

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness." - Seneca

- I've learned a lot about myself. Trust me, I've gotten weird looks from people... There's a point when you move past that and just keep going because you know it's right in your heart.

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." - John Wooden

- I've tried to practice what I preach. By no means I have perfected this. In fact, majority of the time, I'd say I fail miserably. However, everyone stands by their own advice because they believe it's the truth. The challenge is to live in it. Leaving these notes for strangers has challenged me to mirror the message I leave...

"Sometimes someone says something really small, and it just fits right into this empty place in your heart." - From the television show My So-Called Life

Although, as you know, I'm debating on what direction I want to head with blogging, I am so very grateful for this year of Post-it leaving. In some way or another, the trend will continue.

Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on;
'Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on;
Let it travel down the years,
Let it wipe another's tears,
'Til in Heaven the deed appears - Pass it on.
- Henry Burton, Pass It On