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The Importance of Acknowledging Others

Each day we encounter many people along our journey, sometimes the people are in our families, some of them are colleagues, friends or strangers. Our lives have meaning as a result of our connections to others. One of the many benefits of being connected to others is being acknowledged as a unique individual with gifts, talents and contribution. As we value ourselves and others we are supporting and practicing self-confidence, valuing our uniqueness and becoming more comfortable expressing our opinions. Knowing who you are and holding firm to the person you believe yourself to be in the face of life’s challenges and choices, is a life-long skill that can begin to develop in childhood through our connections to others.  
 

Try this: 

 As a class, group or family watch the following video about students and their teacher, Barry White Jr. developing personalized ways to greet each other: 

Teacher Has Incredible Handshakes With Each Student | ABC News (1:02) https://youtu.be/VctaUNJpT6U 

 

As a group discuss: 

  • How you think these students feel when they are greeted by their teacher each morning? 
  • What do you think this says about what this teacher feels about his students? 
  • Now think about your own life, are there people, or a person who is special to you? 
  • How do you show, or how can you show this person that they are special? Hint: It might be something small, like sending a video you know will make them laugh; or giving them a hug.  

 

Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer: 

How do you feel when someone acknowledges you and makes you feel special, appreciated, helpful or yare greeted, someone looks you in the eye and is genuinely interested in you? 

 

Connecting to our faith: 

I resolve that no more will I let other people press me into their mold. I’m going to be what God wants me to be. I’m going to do what God wants me to do, and I’m going to fulfill the plan that God has for my life, not somebody else’s plan for my life. – adapted from A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren 

 

Further Learning: 

Children’s Book: 

 Being Me: A Kid’s Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem by Wendy L. Ross  

being me book

Adult/Teaching Book: 

501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem by Robert D. Ramsey 

501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem by Robert D. Ramsey

 

Employees of LDCSB checkout WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell 

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