Vex King is a writer on Instagram who has a theory: we can make the world a better place if only we would show our appreciation to others and  . . .

Tell them.

Recently, I heard about a middle and high school track team that takes time after each meet to “tell them:” the team forms a circle—called the Affirmation Circle—and the coach invites anyone who wants to share: one affirmation about a teammate. For example, someone might say, “Sarah, you ran the 3200 for the first time,” or “Nick, you were disappointed with your pole-vaulting, but you still cheered on your teammates.” After each affirmation, the whole team cheers and claps twice. The coach says this ritual unites the team, helps athletes notice one another’s efforts, builds self-confidence, and helps form the life-skill of affirming and encouraging others.

I hope this example of using Affirmation Circles in our schools, will also motivate us adults to “Tell Them.”  Tell the waiter, the plumber, the clerk, the teacher, the co-worker, our kids, our friends. Tell them how they make a difference in our lives and in the world.

Thank you Coach Mulder for making a difference in our kids’ lives.