There was a little bit more color than usual around Grounds last week. If you looked hard enough, you could spot the small squares of pink, red, orange and green that added subtle springtime decorations to some libraries, hallways, and even a few bathroom stalls. Though the Post-it notes weren’t big themselves, they carried great intentions.
I had seen this once before in my first-year dorm when an anonymous Lefevre resident took it upon herself to cover every hall with pink Post-it notes one day. They were filled with simple phrases such as “Smile – the world deserves to see it” or “You make my day better just by being you.”
Though my roommate and I had no idea where they had come from, we loved the idea and co-opted it as our own. It became a fun surprise for us: every few days, we would leave each other notes of encouragement. They were often goofy jokes or song lyrics we loved, but they became a constant reminder that someone loved us.
So, with that memory in mind, we took on a Post-it project as the Happiness Group. Our hope was to catch someone’s eye. We all took song lyrics, famous passages, compliments and words of affirmation that we would love to hear and placed them where we went throughout our days, hoping others would enjoy them too.
Just writing them was encouragement enough, and finding ones that others had written even brightened our days a little. “These small bits of support gave us each cause to think how small words can spark motivation or happiness that may have otherwise been lost,” one of our members said. “It’s nice just to recognize that there are others out there, complete strangers, that actually care if you are having a bad day or [are] stressed out.”
The most rewarding part of the week, however, came about halfway through. Friends of friends began to get in touch with us, saying they had seen the notes and wanted to contribute — a result our group hadn’t even considered as a possibility. Though these notes were small, several students said it inspired them to perform their own acts of kindness. Others picked up Post-it notes and dove right in. We began with the simple goal of brightening someone’s day, but our fellow students turned it into a community endeavor.
Whether the Post-its reached your daily journey across Grounds or not, we hope just the thought brings you a little joy. It was with these small gestures that we all felt loved and encouraged, and we want to impart that same comfort to you just as we have had it given to us. And, to that unidentified phantom Post-it noter who decorated Lefevre second right two years ago — thank you. You made each day a little better for all of us.
As always, we welcome any new members. If you wish to be a part of the Happiness Group, or simply wish to share your thoughts or questions, send us an email at happiness@virginia.edu.
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