Share Your 'You Matter Marathon' Story

It may sound a little cliché to say "you never know what someone else is going through' but I experienced first hand just how much truth there is to this statement. I decided to give my first card to a random stranger. I did not know when or where this would happen but decided to just trust my gut. I was waiting in line to check out at a department store and engaged in conversation with another lady. By the end of the conversation, I knew she would be the recipient of my first card. When I handed her the card, she began to cry and shared her story of a recent battle with breast cancer. There I stood in the middle of the store with a perfect stranger, crying with her, while also letting her know she matters. My story doesn't end there. I had one more purchase to make at the same store. While paying for my merchandise, my gut told me to give the cashier a "you matter" card. Again, when I handed her the card she began to cry. She too shared a story with me. She had just escaped a five-year physically abusive relationship. Once again, I found myself standing in the middle of a department store crying with a total stranger. Giving the "you matter" card to these ladies touched my life just as much as it touched theirs. I smiled all the way home.

I am giving away several cards in small envelope which includes a second card with short note that asks the recipient to pass along the second card to someone who least expects to receive it. Also prompting the receiver to keep the first card somewhere they will remember to view it for self discovery.

I just gave out my first You Matter card. I thought it would be to someone down and out to help lift them up. To my surprise, I gave it to one of the most upbeat person I have ever met. A preschool director. I have known her over a year and have Never seen her without a smile, a kind word for everyone, etc. when I saw her this morning I thought even the most upbeat person wants to know they matter. She hugged me and thanked me and I walked away feeling I gave it to the right person to start off the marathon!

Last night while waiting for my husband of 15 years to come home after a 12 hour shift. I was taken back by a phone call, "I'm ok" but the bike... I quickly asked "Are YOU ok?" The motorcycle can be replaced but "You Matter" more than the bike! My husband knew that my 1999 Springer Softail belong to my late brother and it was my pride and joy. It broke his heart to lay it down when a deer ran out of the dark. I can't imagine life without him by my side!
When I turned on the morning news I heard of the "You Matter Marathon" and it was eye opening moment. If I could only give one to each of victims of the recent disasters and the people working with the humanitarian crisis. To give hope in a time of despair is what we all need in this day and time. Thank you for this program it is a blessing to know that someone hears our cry for help and is willing to reach out. 🙂

My husband and I are handing out "You Matter" cards this month and the experience has been amazing! You touch people's lives and they yours that would never have happened if not for this marathon. I want to share one encounter that will remain with me forever.
I was in an elevator, at a motel, while on a weekend away. A young man, very emaciated dripping wet in his bathing suit got in with me. I commented on him taking a swim and he said he took a "soak" in the hot tub. The conversation went further, me asking him where he was from and was he on holiday. His response, "I have given up the will to live and I am checking things off my bucket list." My heart dropped and I reached into my purse, saying that I had something for him, and gave him a "You Matter" card as we got out of the elevator. He read it, shook his head, and we walked in silence a few feet to our room, which were next door to each other. I heard him mumble under his breath as he entered his room, "I'll be damned. I matter."

The cards arrived on time and I am enjoying distributing them so far. People have been positive upon receiving the cards. I look fwd to opportunities to put another smile on someone's face.

I joined the YuMM at the beginning of the month after finding out about it from the GreaterGood website. I enthusiastically signed up to receive my You Matter cards and started my marathon with running shoes on! After handing out a few cards to unexpected strangers and realizing the impact these 2 little words made to each recipient, I decided to pass this good will message on! I lead an "Inspirational Discussion" group each week at a senior community where I work. 2 weeks ago I invitated participants to join in on the YuMM movement. I handed out 10 cards to each person to start with, and challenged them to give a card to 10 people of their choosing during the week. The following week at our discussion I asked who they chose to give to, what was the person's reaction and how the group members felt after witnessing their reaction? Each member responded with an overwhelming sense of joy and heartfelt impact from their ability to brighten someone's day and touch their life in an instant. The responses were priceless. More cards were requested and the invitation to join the YuMM was passed on to their friends and family. The ripple effect continues to grow spreading kindness, compassion, and most importantly the message that we all matter and are not alone! Thank you Cheryl for beginning this movement and all you YuMMies who continue this magical marathon!!!

Day 17 of the YMM and unlike most marathon's this one actually empowers the participant (me) instead of making me way exhausted! Positive vibes incredibly produce MORE instead of less! Thank you for creating this wonderful vehicle to help turn on the light within. I relish each opportunity to share a card. I left one in the locked up postal box for the post-person to find, gave one to the "Apple Genius" when he was patiently listening to my computer's woes, the checkout person in the grocery store turned her yawn into a nice smile when she was presented one! And the list goes on....this is one habit I will look forward to integrating into my life, even AFTER the Marathon is finished! ?

A group of psychology students on our campus was participating in a "Random Acts of Kindness" event this past week - passing out treats and uplifting quotes at the entryway to the campus. I approached and accepted their offering and then had the joy of sharing a card with each of them. It was fun to add a twist to their activity - and be able to thank them for what they were doing for our community!

I gave my first "You Matter" card to my partner. He lit up and immediately wanted a bunch to hand out to people.

Today I gave 22 cards to co-workers. Most of them said they wanted to cry, some hugged me, some said this was EXACTLY what they needed right then, one said I LOVE THIS. It was wonderful for me and for them!