Making Personal Growth A Priority in Your Chapter’s EEC Work

 

It’s a new year, and in our Delta Kappa Gamma chapter and state organization work, we are all trying to plan relevant programs and individual activities that will help us meet all the Seven Purposes of DKG International. So much of our work is in outreach and professional work, but let’s not forget the power of profound work in personal growth as well. Here are some ideas for activities—both for groups and for individuals— to support this important aspect of Educational Excellence:

 

1. Try innovative and unusual journaling. My chapter had a mother-daughter team (both of whom are members) present on ways to liven up journal writing. Consider collecting a keepsake from a recent event, pasting it in the journal, and then writing about the event, the person, the feelings. Or try a sketch journal, where before you write you sketch the pretty place, the person, or a symbol and then write about what you have drawn.

 

2. Treat yourself to a dose of nature. Even in the winter months, a little dose of sunshine can make us feel better. Even sitting by a window and enjoying the warmth or the clouds can help us feel better. A quick five-minute walk outside can clear cobwebs and help us appreciate the wonderful warmth once we return indoors. Do this individually or even as a way to start or end meetings.

 

3. Take time to read, including reading that simply and purely entertains. It’s always fun to talk about a good book with others. In my state, 11 of us are doing a book study on the DKG International Book Award winner and discussing it virtually. But why not also consider asking another member to name the best book she’s read in recent years, reading it, and then informally sharing later?

 

4. Splurge with a personal treat of a candle bath with great smells and soft music. Or a hot shower, maybe after your quick step into nature? Light some scented candles, put some nice-smelling Epsom salts in the water, and listen to instrumental music for 15 minutes. Let your mind relax along with your body. Treat yourself!

 

5. Reach out and do something nice for someone else. In DKG we are stars at doing community service. The pandemic may challenge us on doing this successfully, but remember that even small, incremental kindnesses can literally lift up another person. Recently, as I was going through airport security, I was asked to lower my mask for identification. I smiled hugely at the agent and said, “I’ll bet you don’t get enough smiles! Thank you for your work to keep us safe.” The agent literally beamed!

 

6. Remember to take care of your body, especially giving it time to relax and de-stress. Last spring my chapter was gifted with a speaker who took us through some simple chair yoga moves during our Zoom meeting. What a refreshing and relaxing time this was for us! Life is hard. Don’t forget that life is good, too.

 

7. Write a “tribute letter” to someone who has made in a difference in your life. After writing yet another eulogy for one of my departed friends, I realized that I wish I would have shared my tribute with her BEFORE she was gone. Now I write a “tribute letter” once a month to someone who is very much alive and who has had an impact on helping me become the person I am now. I mail the letter, with wonderful, positive results. Maybe as a chapter, try doing this as an activity and send out those powerful notes to the world. We all need these!

 

8. Consider trying a new creative hobby or craft. In our world of high tech, we have come to value the “high touch” (“hands on”) activities even more. Try a new recipe, pull out that embroidery or knitting you used to do, paint a pretty picture, or do a sculpture using a bar of Ivory soap. There is much to be said for the feeling of accomplishment when we are creating something! Ask members to bring something they have created, or plan a group “craft” project for a meeting.