At our most recent Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering (UWG), we had a Kindness Tree. It was a joy to see this tree leaf out and fill with love throughout the week.

We had a sign posted on the wall that said:

Our tree is filled with good wishes, encouragement, love, hope, enthusiasm, and kindness. Help us spread kindness by taking and leaving as many leaves as you would like!

The tree was made from pipes and duct tape and clothespins.
 

Over 100 leaves of wisdom were written for our kindness tree. Take a look…

If life gives you lemons, don’t make lemonade. Get angry. Make life take the lemons back. It’s your life – you don’t need lemons.
YOU ARE THE BEST!
Take it to the limit
You are da bomb
It’s hard to leave when you can’t find the door
Draft the poodle!
It’s hard to leave when you can’t find the door
Awesome

Don’t be a lemon!
LOVE
Rock on!
Peace
Follow through…make your dreams come true!
You deserve good things
Free your mind
Good times
LOVE
You are loved!

Good day!
Sing! Make music
Remember before you speak that you can never take it back
#1
Om Namah Shivaya
U mad? Don’t be
Have fun. Be happy. Smile lots. Have good times.
We love UWG! You are awesome
Find yourself!
Shut up and hug me!
You’re beautiful
When life knocks you down, crawl
I don’t want to ruin the ending, but everything will be ok

This is so creative! I love it! Love all the creativity and passion and enthusiasm radiating out of this tree and UWG!
There’s no one like you in the universe!
You are worthy
You can do it!
Unschooling rocks!
My money is on the Schnauzer
Everything will be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, then it’s not yet the end.
We are all misfits living in a world on fire.
The best way out is often through
Be happy
Peace, love, and minecraft
You are here for a reason
I got this leaf with the intention of writing something awesome…but all I got is…be kind to yourself and everyone else. We all have “stuff”
Happiness
Meow
PEACE
Good vibrations!
Smile
Joy

Harmony
Happy…happy…joy…joy…
Be the awesome
Peace!
What’s that in your eye? Oh, it’s a sparkle!
May you have an Abundantly Joyful and full of LOVE life!
Always: have fun!
You are awesome!
Peace love light
Lead your own parade!
Break on through!
Joy to the world
Making friends is good
Smile lots
Believe you can and you’re halfway there
If you fall, dust yourself off and try again
Don’t let the sun in your heart decay
You are on your way! Keep going!!
You’re a superhero!
You are beautiful!
Enthusiasm moves the world
Don’t worry, be happy!
Be awesome
ME!!! Kawaii!
Try to be like the turtle – at ease in your own shell
Your soul’s unbreakable
You’re best
Count to three, then answer
Dream big
LOVE
You have so much swag right now
Xoxoxoxo
You are the best YOU there is!
Happy banana wants you to be happy too!
Be the person you’re looking for
Be nice. Be happy. Be loving.
Happy face!
Learn what you wish. Don’t learn what you don’t want to learn
Be all you can be!
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Happy is good
Don’t be afraid of what your mind conceives!
Who cares if you don’t like us? WE like us!

Make beautiful memories!
Flower power
Let your light shine!
Do your best
You are beautiful
Don’t eat yellow snow
Together we’re invincible!
Happy good time fun for everyone
Make every day count! Enjoy every minute!

Be kind!
Look to the stars. Let hope burn in your eyes
Be nice be good
Trust, peace, love, smile. Lots and lots of smiles!
When you’re at the end of your rope that’s usually where the good part starts.
Be awesome!
Never stop believing!
Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you..what you believe you can achieve.
You’re better than you think you are!
You are kawaii!
Freedom is mine
Never stop dreaming
Smile! Love love.
Be the change you want to see
Big hug
It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live
Hugs!
Free as a bird
Have peace

I love you grandma
Love the life you have!
Make friends
Love is strange. Love is weird. Love is pure.
Don’t let people tell you what you can or can’t do. You’re your own person. Stand up for yourself.
Peaceful easy feeling
There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for!

Photos courtesy and copyright Kimberly Bequeath Lowery, Mandy Ellis, and Jessie Voigts