Vision Boards & Random Acts of Kindness Day 2020 Ideas

Hello, friends. I don't know about all of you but I have had the most amazing weekend because, here, in the Dallas area we have had the most beautiful weather ever. It was a beautiful 75 degrees today so we enjoyed plenty of time outdoors. I truly believe that sunshine and playing outside brings JOY!!!

There is even some research that proves sunshine brings the positve vibes.

"Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused." 
"Sunlight cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin."

-Healthline.com
Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD on May 25, 2018 — Written by Rachel Nall, RN, BSN, CCRN

Today I wanted to share a little about vision boards. My friend and I went to a workshop in my neighborhood at the start of the year to create vision boards for the new year. My other friend had also led a group activity in counseling supervision this past year. 

Vision boards are such an easy, wonderful way to focus in on goals and a vision for your future. When creating a vision board and planning for the future, the individual or group you are working with can decide the timeline. For example, maybe it is 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. 

The supplies you need are quite minimal. You can use large construction paper, poster board, or a cork board (what our neighborhood session used). From there, you can have magazines, newspaper, ability to print pictures online, stickers, scrapbook material. You can create it with minimal supplies or you can go all out! 

I truly believe that when setting goals, creating a visual makes it seem much more attainable. Just like writing down your checklist can sometimes be motivating, I think seeing what you hope for your future to be can inspire you to DO.

Here is a picture of my finished product:

Another key piece when creating a vision board is to display it somewhere that you will actually see it. I always recommend a client or student to put it in a place where they start the day or get ready so it is right there to remind you of your goals. 

I actually plan to do a vision board night with my husband and kids. What a fun, cheap family night where we can talk about our hopes and dreams...and create visuals of it!!

Another thing I want to share is that tomorrow (Monday, February 17th) is Random Acts of Kindness Day!!! I believe in random acts of kindness everyday but what a fun way to highlight this with students. If you are on low on time, I  have a kind note from the counselor HERE.

Print a few on color paper, cut out, and leave positive notes around your building for teachers, students, parents, etc.

Need a few ideas but you are low on time? Here are a few, super quick ideas:

• Have blank post its in a central location with a sign that says to write a positive note and pass it on
• Have each hallway or grade level choose a kindness project tomorrow but give them a deadline to complete it. Have them write their kindness project on butcher paper, decorate, and they can all sign it and hang it at the end of their hall or in the main hallway
• Highlight random acts of kindness that have been done this school year on announcements. Celebrate kindness and hopefully it will spread!!!
• Show these precious Pass It On videos HERE during lunches or during announcements (if your school is set up for that)

I hope you all have a wonderful Random Acts of Kindness day tomorrow. I am staying up tonight to write some encouraging notes to various people. Remember, it does not have to be something that costs money. Kindness is FREE!!! 

Melanie