Tell a Man "You Matter"

I've had some incredible experiences giving away these cards to strangers. It is one of the most rewarding feelings, to bring joy to someone random for no other reason than to uplift them. I've learned that people are so used to being sold to that when they see me coming to hand them something they are typically very defensive. Seeing their faces go from sour to smiling is amazing. Amongst everyone I have handed cards to, the most meaningful times are with older men funny enough.

I was getting dinner one night, and while waiting for my food I saw an older man probably in his fifties sitting alone waiting for his food as well. I walked right up to him and held out a card that said. "You Matter". He looked at the card, and then at me, and I simply said to him "You Matter". I will never forget the look on his face. He was almost in disbelief at what was happening. He took the card smiling and said back sincerely, "Thank you, I really needed that". That was the entirety of our interaction. I got my food and didn't see him again.

I realized many things from that moment. Small actions of kindness can have a profound impact on other people. I have no idea what the man at dinner was going through or how his day might have been, but I do know that the card meant a lot to him. He might have had an incredibly stressful day at work, or recently been in an argument with a coworker or family member, but a simple card of kindness brought the biggest smile to his face and an appreciation for his very being. It very well might have turned his day around or in the slightest gave him a moment of joy and support.

It has become clear to me from this experience and others like it that older men are typically unrecognized for the role they play in their families and communities and are seldom explicitly appreciated for who they are. I have handed cards to some mean looking men and when I tell them something like "You Matter" or even just "You are Awesome" they immediately flip into a joyous spirit and are so happy to receive a card.

Even the smallest actions matter. You never know what someone is going through and you cannot underplay your ability to impact others for good. It might not take much effort from you, but it can totally change the day for someone else. This is the essence of kindness and why I started the project, for moments just like these. Spread positivity and kindness, and every now and then tell the men in your life "You Matter". It just might make their day.

Sam