Share Your 'You Matter Marathon' Story
We’d love to hear your experience giving or receiving a You Matter card.
Questions to consider:
What happened?
How did it feel to give or receive a You Matter card?
What impact, if any, did giving or receiving a You Matter card have on you?
What, if anything, will change for you after giving or receiving a You Matter card?
91 entries.
wrote on November 14, 2018
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4:46 pm
I work in a Physical Therapy office as an Office Manager and couple of weeks a mom called to cancel her son's appointment. The reason for the cancellation was because he had been bullied on the bus home from school and didn't want to go anywhere. He came back today after the incident and I gave the You Matter card to his mom and told her to either give it to him or put it in his room discreetly. I hope he understands how important he is to his family and to the world.
wrote on November 13, 2018
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9:47 pm
So, this past Saturday, I was in Salado worth girlfriends and I handed a card to s police officer in one of the shops. He seriously asked, "what's this," looked down at it like only a law enforcement officer can, and laughed. Not the reaction I expected. As he chuckled, he said, "I love it." As he unbuttoned his breast pocket and tucked it within, he said, "that's a keeper." I agree.
wrote on November 13, 2018
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12:42 pm
I have been giving out YOU MATTER cards for a few years now. I had 5,000 printed and distribute them to friends for them to give to others. I was at church on Sunday and a person asked for more cards. She gave one to her granddaughter who had injected illegal drugs. Her grandmother showed me a cell phone picture. Her granddaughter was given a YOU MATTER card had been clean for some time and was rightfully proud of her sobriety. The granddaughter had YOU MATTER (with a heart in between the words) tattooed on the elbow of her arm to cover the needle track marks.
wrote on November 13, 2018
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12:16 pm
I handed a you matter card to a man, he smiled, looked at me, then handed the card back. I looked at him and smiled and he reached out and took it back, all without words and perfect understanding!
wrote on November 6, 2018
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1:20 pm
I voted this morning. In these unfortunate days of such political polarity, it was incredible to thank some of the local politicians for running and others who give of their time to volunteer at the polls. The smiles and thank yous were priceless. It means so much to make someone's day with just two little words. I have always given back by volunteering, but this was one the best and easiest ways to let someone know that they are appreciated.
wrote on November 6, 2018
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10:34 am
This is my second year participating in the marathon. I’ve decided to stretch myself this year and really try to be intentional with my giving of the cards. For example, I just sorted my kids’ Halloween candy and sent the extras to our troops overseas. Included in the package was a YOU MATTER card and a note of thanks. I’m looking forward to the many other ways my family and I can spread some kindness this season. Thanks for providing such a great platform!
wrote on November 6, 2018
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10:26 am
On November 3, I walked into a store, and as the clerk helped other customers, I felt compelled to give her my 3rd card. As I stepped up to the register and paid for my purchase, she handed me my receipt and I handed her a card. She held it to her heart with both hands and said, "Oh! Thank you for this! You matter too!" and she came around the counter and gave me a hug. She said it means a lot to her, and proceeded to tell me a story about customers who had come to her store in the past and asked for a discount, and she said their store did not offer discounts and the man was angry and said, why? Don't we matter? And she said, yes sir you matter, and EVERYONE matters, but I just work here, and my boss does not offer discounts. He huffed and puffed his way out of the store! We then proceeded to have a long conversation about the divisiveness of our country these days, and we ended up teary eyed, but we both touched each other's lives in just a few minutes! EVERY LIFE, AND EVERYONE MATTERS!
wrote on November 4, 2018
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3:10 pm
I brought my first set of 10 cards with me to Viva Las Vegas. This is probably a town filled with people who could use some kindness, compassion, and love.
I gave my first card to the man I've loved before I ever met him since I want him to know, Even Now, after all these years, he matters.
Today,I was blessed with the opportunity to hand one to famous author, Mike Dooley. I think famous people need to be reminded that they matter outside of who they've become. Got to shake his hand, too ☺️
The next 6 have gone to various Lyft drivers, wait people in restaurants, and other service industry workers; they are the backbone of our nation. As I left the Nevada State Museum, the young man at the missing entrance who took the tickets, gifted me the most beautiful smile and most bubbly of thanks. We had shared some nice moments when I first arrived about one of my son's also bearing his name, Joshua.
In conclusion (for now), this movement, matters.
I gave my first card to the man I've loved before I ever met him since I want him to know, Even Now, after all these years, he matters.
Today,I was blessed with the opportunity to hand one to famous author, Mike Dooley. I think famous people need to be reminded that they matter outside of who they've become. Got to shake his hand, too ☺️
The next 6 have gone to various Lyft drivers, wait people in restaurants, and other service industry workers; they are the backbone of our nation. As I left the Nevada State Museum, the young man at the missing entrance who took the tickets, gifted me the most beautiful smile and most bubbly of thanks. We had shared some nice moments when I first arrived about one of my son's also bearing his name, Joshua.
In conclusion (for now), this movement, matters.
wrote on November 1, 2018
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3:40 pm
I thought about the first card I would share. I knew it had to go to a special person that means so much to so many people. I was taken back when a student at our local High School died after reported acts of bullying. So many are quick to judge all by a handful of others. Our coach at our local WW Studio Workshop is a teacher at that school. I knew it had to go to her! She gives so much of herself on a daily basis and then come Saturday she's ready to take on our problems or victories. We exchanged hugs and tears as I handed her my first card. I explained how much she has meant to me on my journey to self discovery and to her students at a time of loss. Teachers are caught in the crossfire of so many daily problems and give so much of there lives to do their jobs to the fullest capacity. I challenge each of you to find that special person who has made a difference in so many lives and tell them "YOU MATTER"
wrote on January 20, 2018
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3:28 am
I sent a card to a friend in prison. He wrote back telling me how much it meant to him. Later I sent him two more and he wrote back"I opened the envelope and twp "YOU MATTER" cards fell out. D. (my cellie) and I had taken to sharing that card and calling out "YOU MATTER"" to one another and to passersby. It had become a bit battered, bent, and slightly stained when I splashed a drop of coffee on it. now, with TWO more cards, (he) has his own. Since then, several times a day he'll pick up the card, show it to me, and speak its truth. And I'll do the same. we're trying to start a movement, and we have you to thank!
At the end of his note my friend wrote :D. just held up his card and said, in his Mississippi drawl, "YOU MATTER." he then said, "Tell George thank you from me, too."
At the end of his note my friend wrote :D. just held up his card and said, in his Mississippi drawl, "YOU MATTER." he then said, "Tell George thank you from me, too."
wrote on December 1, 2017
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4:42 pm
I gave out all 30 cards (one for me) and then sent more via email to make the Nov. 30 "deadline." I accompanied all with a link to the website & a brief description of this Marathon from materials provided by this group. Everyone was touched & pleased, especially once they really got it. None were to strangers, as I found too many people I see or am in touch with, once I really got going. I believe at least some will join in next year, & I plan to approach it a little differently to encompass more individuals. This is a positive idea of inclusion, when so much currently seems to be the opposite. Thank you.
wrote on December 1, 2017
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1:36 am
Thank you Cheryl for providing me this wonderful opportunity to let others know just how important they are to all of humanity. I sent a card to my 30+ Goddaughter who lives miles away from me. I added a short note on the back. The card encouraged her to take a leap of faith and foster/adopt a 4 week old infant abandoned New York her substance addicted mother. When she arrived home 3 days later with her baby girl she sent me a photo of the you matter card resting on top of her beautiful new daughter.!!!
wrote on November 23, 2017
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8:38 pm
In the academic medical center where I work, there's a beautiful chapel where anyone can go for prayer or reflection. In the chapel vestibule there's a book where people can record their prayer requests for the chaplains. This month I have left a You Matter card at the prayer request book multiple times so that the next person who writes something there will find it. I haven't stayed to see anyone pick up the card, but I hope that it gave him/her a moment of hope in a difficult time.
wrote on November 21, 2017
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9:44 am
My husband has had ongoing medical concerns for a year with a broken ankle, including seven surgeries. Our church has kindly been bringing us meals. When I wrote the thank you cards to these wonderful individuals, I included a "You Matter" card, because they do matter. That people can take time out of their busy lives to bestow kindness on people in need are very worthy of the "You Matter" reminder. God bless them and this program!
wrote on November 15, 2017
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12:38 am
As my students and I prepared breakfast at a shelter for displaced children, women, and men, I put out You Matter cards at every place setting. When one young lady came to get her breakfast, she just said a simple, "thank you, I needed that." Sometimes that's all it takes...the feeling that one gets that she belongs; she is cared for; she matters. This reinforces in me how important it is for each of us to be seen; to not be forgotten about.
wrote on November 14, 2017
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8:36 am
This is my second "You Matter Marathon" and I am loving participating in it again! I even ordered an additional box for this years marathon in anticipation for the month of good feelings I get when sharing them!
Last weekend while on a out of town trip I almost felt like the "Easter Bunny" leaving the cards in random locations,in the airports and with fellow travelers. A card to each of the flight crew was fun to hand out as we de-planed (and that included the cleaning crew waiting to board the plane). The rental car agent wanted to tape his to the credit card machine to share with his customers. A bathroom mirror here, a passenger there, I was glad to have enough cards to indulge myself as much as I wanted to!
I drive a school bus for an elementary school and a jr. high school and have attached a card in my bus so my students could view it as they are leaving or coming on it. I also plan on giving a card to each of them (I have approximately 72 Jr, High and 50 Elementary!) and attaching a cool sticker on the back of the cards.
Thank you for providing this amazing experience!
Last weekend while on a out of town trip I almost felt like the "Easter Bunny" leaving the cards in random locations,in the airports and with fellow travelers. A card to each of the flight crew was fun to hand out as we de-planed (and that included the cleaning crew waiting to board the plane). The rental car agent wanted to tape his to the credit card machine to share with his customers. A bathroom mirror here, a passenger there, I was glad to have enough cards to indulge myself as much as I wanted to!
I drive a school bus for an elementary school and a jr. high school and have attached a card in my bus so my students could view it as they are leaving or coming on it. I also plan on giving a card to each of them (I have approximately 72 Jr, High and 50 Elementary!) and attaching a cool sticker on the back of the cards.
Thank you for providing this amazing experience!
wrote on November 13, 2017
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3:54 pm
I received a "You Matter" card from my co-worker Dana Wise and I was sooo touched. I thought she had come up with it all on her own. I was moved to tears, cause it was JUST what the Dr. had ordered, I held them back when I went by to thank her. I am ecstatic that this is a "THING"!!!! I will share my 30 cards!!! Thank You!!!!
wrote on November 12, 2017
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6:48 pm
I have been sharing the You Matter Experience with my students this year. My wonderful older sister purchased 500 cards for my sister and me to use with our students. I first started with the video, and in no time at all, my students were on board. I first gave each of them two cards and they were to give them to someone in the school. We discussed possible people to give them to. Next, two cards went home with them and they could give them to someone in their family. Next, I gave them two more cards and told them they could not be given at school, or to a family member, but to someone in their community. The story they came back with were awesome!. One student gave a card to a mother with active little ones, another to a homeless man who wanted a hug, but she said no, but you matter. It is rewarding to see my students make a difference in the lives of others with a simple card. Thank you. PS. YOU Matter!
wrote on November 7, 2017
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9:24 pm
I gave my cards out at my work , I work in a hospital and thought some co-workers and some sweet elderly patients one coworker held on to hers in her pocket said I made her day, a patient smiled and said it put sunshine in her day since she missed her family a small gesture and a caring humble feeling makes it worth all to both me and the receiver I felt really humble and hoped I made a difference in letting others know they matter I don't have much and have made a huge life change myself, I Try to just say a kind word or smile or just give a positive gesture.
wrote on November 7, 2017
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2:39 pm
Today I had a very special occasion to give out a you matter card. I work for a municipal building as their receptionist. I speak to everyone that comes in the door about the issues that they have. Today a nice woman named Audrey came in and was a little sad. I asked if she was ok and she said that her mom had recently passed. As she started to tear up, I told her that I had lost my mom too. I tried to tell her that it will get better, then handed her a box of tissues and walked over to her to give her a big hug. I also handed her a "you matter" card which made her cry more-but a good cry- like she knew she mattered. I made a new friend today and she promised to visit me again to telll me how she is doing. I cried too- it was beautiful.
