This last weekend I took 23 high school students on a Natural Helpers retreat. Natural Helpers is a program that has been around for years in high schools. Students are chosen by their peers because other students go to them for help.
At the retreat students learned how to enhance their natural helping skills...they also learned how to be better people. They learned kindness towards others. We took a mix of kids from different groups. Kids that thought they knew each other but really had no idea who their peers where. They shared stories...shared about special people in their lives....they cried....they bonded and learned how to make their school a better place. It was amazing to see these kids open up. I just loved everything about this program.
The students also learned about gossiping and going out of their way to be kind to others. I never thought I was going to get a lesson too but of course I did since I'm so far from being perfect. I learned that I really need to work on not gossiping which I have been working on. I still have lots of room for improvement but I learned something interesting this weekend. When I hear people gossiping I just listen... don't comment and change the subject. The trainer taught us that listening is still partaking in the gossip and that we need to stop it before it happens. He's so right!! I need to not let it happen at all!
I also learned that I need to be more kind and giving to others. I just don't go out of my way enough for others. I remember in college I did nice things for my roommates and friends all the time. I would write them a note or make them a treat...just surprise them with something small and leave it for them to find. It always made me feel so good inside. I did it for Sterling all the time when we were dating. I can't even remember the last time I did something like that. It always made my heart smile and I miss that feeling. I have thought in my head about people that I want to do that for but I never go through with it. I'm going to do it now. I need to listen to those sweet whisperings from the spirit. I need to be his hand reaching out to others. I need to be a better example to others.
I have just been thinking about things I need to work on. I went to the Relief Society Conference last night and I haven't been in years?! That's horrible I know!!! I'm looking forward to conference and truly listening. I love hearing from the apostles and I love getting pumped up to do better.
I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love that I know that Jesus Christ lives and that I can talk to him everyday. I love that I can feel his love around me each day. I love knowing that I will be with my husband forever and that there is no end to my family! I love the warm fuzzy feelings I get when I feel the spirit. I love the little things in life that make me smile.
This video made my heart melt and shows how amazing kindness is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqX9iYE0V0&feature=relmfu
