An Inside Job

It is always exciting for me to talk about the intentions of the Project: Inside Out program with new students. I recently had the opportunity to do that when I spoke at the local middle school open house last week, only days before the first day of school.

The gymnasium was packed to overflowing, filled with students and their parents. The school principal had a full agenda, but was kind enough to allow me a few minutes to introduce the middle school program of Everyday Leadership which is open to students of 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades, and takes place during their respective lunch periods.

I was delighted after simply giving a brief background about what Inside Out does to later be swarmed by parents and students that wanted to know more.

It is a beautiful sight when I see the faces of these new students that want to be a part of a program that focuses on the positive in themselves and one another, rather than make fun of the negative, or make unkind judgments just for the purpose of causing hurt.

I trust that the students that sign up to be a part of the group know that they have much to offer and want to learn how not to compare themselves to anyone else. How exciting it is to consider that these innocent kids can some day be influencing others in a positive way by spreading what they learn wherever they go.

This program is effective because it focuses positively on what's inside first and then lets the outside component take place as a natural outcome. It is challenging, difficult and sometimes even impossible to be kind to another when you can't be patient, understanding or compassionate with yourself.

It is the philosophy of Project: Inside Out that the better we think of ourselves, the better we can see the best in others. It's always an inside job. Simple, isn't it?