I see you!

I just got back from speaking at the Safe Schools Conference at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut sponsored by the National Crime Prevention Council.  My goal was to share how the Strategies for Success program can work in any district because it was created to empower, inspire and educate teens.  But one of the main things I focused on is that we have many lost kids these days, lost for many reasons - bullied, ignored, phubbed (the new term for people not paying attention to someone because they're looking at their phone) and feeling poorly about themselves because of their home life, how they think the rest of the world according to social media posts and many other issues.

The bottom line is that we all need to be seen, to know we matter.  I remember Oprah saying something like this years ago but it really resonated with me as I prepped for this conference.  I looked at all the shooters who committed this horrible tragedies and wondered if they knew they mattered.  Did someone take the time to say, "I see you" and you're worth it or were they among the ignored?

Whatever the reason, I think it's time right now for each of us to tell and show the people in our lives that they matter, that you see and appreciate them.  It's not a job for one person but for each home, each school, each business, each community.  If we reach out and spread that word, then we have a better chance of reaching all those who feel unseen.  All it takes it a simple hello, a thank you, a smile.

Quick story.  I stopped at the highway rest and food stop in Milford, CT.  I wanted to go to Cheeseboy which sounds silly but actually has the nicest people and wonderful food - home made soups and freshly made pannini type sandwiches with of course, cheese.  I handed out a "Thank a Shining Star" card to the woman who waited on me because she was so good at her job and very pleasant.  She was so excited to get it, that she ran back to show her manager.  A few minutes later, he came out, saw me and exclaimed, 'It's you!  I have the card you gave me last year from a different location. You're an angel!  You change lives!"  All for recognizing their kindness, great attitude and good service.

Join me?  Get out there and SEE people!!  They'll love it and so will you!