"WUNNERFUL, WUNNERFUL!"
"You people . . . are just wunnerful, wunnerful."
Assemblies at Alexander Ramsey High School in suburban St. Paul, MN often started with our principal, Curtis Johnson, sharing that simple statement.
Mr. Johnson was a towering, ham-fisted man in a neat suit and tie. A gentle giant who loved his work and students. His Scandinavian roots ensured he wouldn’t be flashy or effusive with words. Yet he loved to share that signature statement - as often as possible.
Of course, some kids snickered or pooh-poohed it. But what a tone Mr. Johnson set each time he proclaimed it. It was a given. He thought we were “wunnerful” and we basked in that glow. Each in our own way.
I was a very good student who loved to write, read, and make art. I craved learning about other cultures and dreamed of visiting Europe. But this tall, shy gal with braces and glasses took his mantra to heart with gratitude.
It made me smile (and sometimes chuckle when I’d hear it once again). Yet, I still recall it to this day with genuine affection for his warmth. And faith in us. For all we were that day. And all we’d become...
"Wunnerful" sets the tone as I welcome you to my blog. I've filled myriad journals, notebooks, legal pads, paper scraps, and whatever I could write on since I was a child.
Yet this is my first foray into a formal blog. "Wunnerful" will dance in my head - and guide my path.
I was always a perfectionist when it came to writing. Holding back my most personal work. Recalling Mr. Johnson's words today helps me realize nothing's perfect. And that's just fine. It's all a work-in-progress. As we all are. "Wunnerful” - in all our imperfection.
Austin Kleon's brilliant new book, Show Your Work: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered says it all. Get it out there. Share what you have with the world. Everything can be tweaked - later.
In this blog, I'll share insights to hopefully stretch, maybe challenge, and always leave you with something to ponder. Perhaps even put to use - embellished w/ your own creative stamp, of course. Hopefully to see this wonderful world in unique, new ways.
To weave this ambitious treasure trove, I'll happily draw on world travels, quirky incidents, and revelations along the path. Sharing difference-making ideas and creative tips. And enthusiastically introduce you to cool people, places, and things I dearly love.
Let's be in touch. I warmly invite you all to let me know what you think about my blog posts. What struck a chord? What gave you an ah-ha? What tickled your fancy.
And always, always plenty of ways you can bring more “wunnerful” to your world - and worlds of your “wunnerful” kids.
Now, take a moment and ask yourself:
Who's called you "wunnerful" lately?
Who have you called "wunnerful"? Kids, pals, colleague, spouse, neighbor? Stranger who shared a kindness? Someone who unexpectedly took your breath away?
Maybe you simply called someone smart, fun, loving, superb, delightful, or clever. Upon truly seeing - and valuing - them. Ever repeat those words, as Mr. Johnson did? So they became a comforting constant or appreciative blanket? Positive repetition reinforces and blesses. Simplest words can impact a life - for a lifetime.
Pledge to share simple, uplifting words this week. You can never hear enough positive, uplifting words, can you? You may never know how your simple words can touch someone. Or perhaps change the course of history. But they can indeed. . .
Set someone on a bright, new path. Maybe they’ll return to those simple words again and again - when they need them the most. To remind them just how special and “wunnerful” they are in this big, often confounding world!
Thanks, Mr. Johnson. Still think you’re pretty darn “wunnerful, wunnerful.” Now, have a “wunnerful, wunnerful” day, all!
[My post’s artwork image was created with sweet niece Kelly. We swooshed colors, folded and pressed papers, and were dazzled by what was revealed when we slowly opened them with great anticipation. Uniquely “wunnerful”. . .]
Linda Sorenson helps people, projects, and causes make a positive impact. As a writer, editor, and consultant, she draws on her unique global experiences at pivotal moments in time to make a joyful difference through all she creates. Puppets, songs, and active fun of her Organic Puppet Theatre: Health Activities Book workshops, shows, camps, etc. have helped 20,000+ young children value their bodies and get healthier and more active around the world Learn more at her website and then connect with her. Take flight together today!
