Five years ago, I wrote a blog forKansas PACEs Connection to encourage readers to engage in a different type of cookie exchange to spread comfort and warmth during a time of year that isn’t always experienced as “merry” or “joyful”. I’d like to revisit that 2019 post with a “HOPE-ful” lens…

In their book, Fostering Resilient Learners, Kristin Souers and Pete Hall introduce a concept called “the cookie jar” – the art of giving praise. It’s part of human nature to rely on external feedback to develop a sense of worth and where we fit in the world. This may be even more true for those who have experienced toxic levels of stress and are less likely to have the skills to recognize and acknowledge their own strengths. Praise from a caring adult helps children develop positive relationships, manners, and self-esteem. Souers calls these tokens of kindness “cookies”.

The HOPE Framework relies on four building blocks for creating positive experiences: relationships, safe and stable environments, engagement, and emotional growth. Taking the time to share “cookies” with others is a practical example of all four of these building blocks - both for the giver and the receiver. During this holiday season, challenge yourself and/or your friends and family (regardless of their age!) to identify what is strong in someone else, share what you notice with that someone, and then later reflect on how the experience may have made you and the other person feel.

On behalf of the team here at the WSU Community Engagement Institute, we thank you for all you do to build strong connections and communities in Kansas and for allowing us to be a part of that journey. We hope that you have the opportunity to take time over the next few weeks to do whatever it is that fills your cookie jar and look forward to seeing you in the new year.