One of the fundamental principles we embrace at Walden International School is this: to help yourself, start by helping others.

It’s a profoundly simple concept and yet it’s one that we all struggle with from time to time. At this time of year when we pile on extra stress while preparing for holidays and various celebrations it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hurly burly. When that happens, whether we’re a kid or a grown up, some of our best basic instincts (generosity, compassion, patience) can vanish and some of our base instincts (irritability, self-absorption, impatience) can arise. 

It’s a time of year when we absolutely need to work even harder on our resilience. Much of the scientific research on resilience — our ability to bounce back from adversity — shows that having a sense of purpose, and giving support to others, has a significant impact on our well-being.

“It's all a matter of paying attention, being awake in the present moment, and not expecting a huge payoff. The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.”
― Charles de Lint

Ah, yes…small kindnesses. We’re lucky to see them (when we choose to notice) every day with our Walden kids. Older children helping the younger ones get their coats and boots on before heading out for recess. Teachers recognizing that one child who seems to be struggling with an idea and sharing some special time. Parents acknowledging the special challenges we’ve faced during the past 19 months.

That’s why I am so alert to the signs of kindness at all times but perhaps especially now. It’s also why I say that kind people are my kinda people.

And, as we wind down 2021 I want to share our special thanks and gratitude for the kindness that our Walden community has exhibited throughout the past year. 

When we talk about making good people we’re going way beyond a clever catch phrase. This is genuinely what drives us here and is a constant motivation in the lives of every one of us. Thanks so much and I am going to leave you with a marvellous quote I recently came upon that so very well sums up our Walden wishes for you and your family.

“I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you'll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you'll make something that didn't exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind.”

― Neil Gaiman