Everyone can use an extra smile and a more kindness. Our world today seems to have a deficiency of both. Unexpected kindness is powerful and allows others see the good in people yet is highly underrated. Sometimes it seems all that is happening in our world is trouble and disappointment. And one may need just a small sign of something good, something that makes them smile. One local women has started a motivational movement with nothing more than her two step-children, a few rocks and some paint. The inspirational quest, "DeKalb County Rocks," has spread like wildfire.
The Kindness Rock Project began many years ago after young girl in Cape Cod, Maine, Megan Murphy, lost her parents. Living near a beach, Megan would find herself looking for "signs’ on her morning walks, such as a heart shaped rock or a piece of sea glass. She perceived the small treasures as "signs" or as a divine message and the random inspiration she needed to signify that things would be alright.
She began painting on rocks, as a hobby, and dropping the rocks at different places. She soon began receiving messages from strangers about how much the rock they had found meant to them. She then began a web site, added social media and encouraged others to join in on spreading the kindness. Today this project has grown into inspirational gardens with single kindness rocks being found throughout the United States and many other countries.
The project has become a grass-roots kindness movement. When someone finds a rock with a message that speaks to them, then the efforts of whomever placed the rock has made a difference. It may have placed a smile on someone’s face and brightened someone’s day.
"I cannot believe how quickly everyone became involved," Shawna Willingham told the Smithville Review. "I started the Facebook page, "DeKalb County Rocks," on Tuesday and in 24 hours it already had over 300 members. As of press time, that number has grown to near 1,200.
"My goal was to get the children outside, get some exercise and get them away from all of the electronics and still have fun. We are always walking around downtown and around the square, so we began painting rocks and placing them as we walked."
The movement is helpful to so many in so many different ways. Not only does it offer a gesture of kindness and smiles to those who find the hidden rocks, but it brings so many together to share quality family time as well as make everlasting memories, as well as, promotes exercise for those who participate. Adults love the project as well.
The first thing you need to become part of the "DeKalb County Rocks" kindness rock project is rocks, and they are free.
Since we are in a beautiful county with creeks meandering throughout, take the kids to the creek and search for rocks. Flat rocks may become your favorite choice, but be sure to look for different, interesting shapes and sizes. Everyone will enjoy the hunt.
Next, you will need craft or spray paint, color markers, crayons and even nail polish will suffice. A few paintbrushes, some modge-podge to seal your art work, and you are ready to "rock on."
The internet is filled with hundreds of easy designs or you can let your children design their own. You can even find daily design plans for your kindness rock journey. Paint an inspirational message, an animal, some kind of design or whatever your heart desires. On the back of the rock use a marker to write "DeKalb County Rocks." Once the paint is dry, finish with a coat of Modge-Pod or some type of clear sealer. This will help prevent the elements from damaging the rocks.
Now, it is time to place the little blessings where someone will find them. For another great family-time event leave the kindness rocks at local parks, outside businesses, churches, or maybe even on the steps of a neighbor’s home who you know could use a smile and little uplifting.
Finding others’ kindness rocks also creates an explosion of excitement.
"I am enjoying seeing everyone’s pictures and reading their stories on the page," Shawna said about the newly started "DeKalb County Rocks" Facebook page. "It’s great seeing the pictures of everyone else having a great time; smiles go such a long way."
So visit one of the local creeks, look in your driveway or wherever rocks can be found and jump on the kindness bandwagon of "DeKalb County Rock." Also, if you are a social media user, join the local group’s Facebook page and share your photos and stories of kindness rocks found.
Another movement called "615 Rocks," a statewide participation project, began in the county nearly a year ago. While on the hunt for "DeKalb County Rocks" you may find some of the other movement. And, that is great. Re-hind them as well.
Since the "Kindness Rock Project" is worldwide, be sure to hide and look for rocks while traveling and going on vacation. Do be sure to include TN on the back of your DeKalb County rock so those in other states know from where it originated.
Someone needs a smile and encouragement right now. You may be the one to provide that unexpected kindness with a simple kindness rock.
