The holidays can be rough for people who are ill or struggling. The cold, the darkness. Sometimes our sadness seems overwhelming.
But wise words from young people can have an uplifting effect.
This week’s column comes courtesy of the fourth and fifth graders in Naperville School District 203’s kindness club and the sixth and seventh graders at Jesse White Learning Academy in Hazel Crest. (Each student is identified by first name only.)
Latrice Johnson is principal of Jesse White Learning Academy. She collected the following pearls of wisdom from some of the school’s students:
“Please remember that you have what it takes to get through anything and … that you are not alone,” Neveah said.
“Always remember that you have so many people who care about you and want to see you happy. I’m sending major good vibes your way and hope that you know you’re awesome,” Aaliyah said.
Xaria said, “There is a saying that goes, ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it’s called the present.’ You shouldn’t dwell on the past, and instead be grateful for what you have, and be proud of yourself that you managed to live through … hardships.”
“Think about the positive and focus on your future. Think about all the good things that have happened and the possibilities of things improving. … Never give up hope,” said Bulmaro.
Jalia wants you to know that, “‘You got this,’ ‘You can do this’ and ‘Keep on trying.'”
Chase said relive good memories. “Things will get better next year.”
Ally Gargano, a fourth grade teacher at Prairie Elementary School in Naperville, runs a kindness activity called the Ripple Effect Club for fourth and fifth graders. She asked members to write words of good cheer for people who might be feeling down this time of year.
Fifth grader Macey reminds us that feelings are part of what makes us human.
“When I feel (sad) I like to think about the things that I am thankful for or things that make me happy. There are basic needs and privileges that come to mind like family, friends, food, and shelter but usually I like to dig even deeper, think about why you love those things, why they help you, and why they allow you to be happy. I hope that if you are ever feeling sad that you will use this strategy and remember that YOU MATTER!”
“You could try to do something nice for someone else. To see other people happy and joyful will make you feel that way,” Kate wrote.
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Violet suggests, “Go out and do good deeds because if you help someone then you will slightly feel better about yourself. Whatever you do in life it matters, you matter.”
Allyn says focus on the things you like to do in your free time. Amelia recommends taking deep breaths and thinking happy thoughts.
“Go outside and get some fresh air,” Anzel said.
Riya also sings the praises of the outdoors. “Take 10 slow deep breaths, then … go outside and eat a snack. Afterwards, I would play a game.”
“Spend time with a dog or another animal because dogs are amazing and really cute,” wrote Aubrey, who also reminds people to be grateful for shelter and food “because some people don’t have that.”
Olivia also believes that thinking about your favorite animal can be calming.
Victoria and Aubrey suggest leaning on a friend.
“Your friend will always be in one of these three places — in front of you to cheer you on, behind you to have your back, and next to you so that you aren’t walking alone,” Victoria said.
Aubrey said, “Friends have always been one of the main building blocks of my life. They’ve supported me when I’ve had a hard time … and they’re some of the most caring, kind, and loyal girls I’ve ever met.”
Caris said, “It’s OK to feel sad, but once you feel ready, it feels so much better to be happy … Think of people and things you love. I love my mom, dad, brother (even if it’s hard to do that sometimes) and my grandparents. A couple of things I love are my dog (although you may argue that dogs are humans), my bed, my house, and trees!”
Claire shared a poem by Suzie Bitner:
“If you go outside when it’s snowing and look up at the sky,
You’ll feel lots of icy kisses
As the snowflakes flutter by.”
For Emmy, making art can be cathartic, while Gracie says it’s helpful to “talk out the problem with somebody.”
Juliet, Nora, Ava and Lilia suggest watching a favorite movie. “It helps me to take away the sadness and just get cozy,” Ava said.
Remember, wrote Mark, “no matter what happens, we will overcome it together.”
“Always stay positive and think about the bright side of things. Even if people are bringing you down, stay strong and remember that they might be having a hard time,” Medhini said. “Helping others helps yourself. Love yourself and everyone around you, and have faith. Faith will light the way to the bright side.”
And from fifth grader River, a bit of Maya Angelou:
“People will forget what you did, people will forget what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” River wrote. “That is my favorite poem (and whenever I feel sad or lonely, I think about it).”
Donna Vickroy is an award-winning reporter, editor and columnist who worked for the Daily Southtown for 38 years.