Glenbard's Live Life Well Week to focus on gratitude, kindness, mindfulness

Glenbard District 87 students and staff will celebrate Live Life Well Week from Feb. 15-19.

Live Life Well Week is an opportunity to take stock of what is important and show appreciation and kindness. This year's theme is "Ignite Your Superpowers: Gratitude, Kindness and Mindfulness."

Shifting our attention to gratitude allows respite from fear and gives us room to focus on our connections with others and our place in the world.

While many things may be out of our control, we do have control over ourselves. Kindness and respect make the world better for everyone. It starts with being kind to one's self, taking care of one's self and becoming more aware of our everyday thoughts and actions. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present, intensely aware of where we are and what we're doing and appreciate and focus on each moment without judgment.

To kick off the week, the Glenbard community is encouraged to commit to acts of kindness and volunteerism. The Advocating Character Through Service (ACTS) Committee has organized opportunities to give back at www.actsgratitude.com.

Motivational speaker Shaun Derik will use music and humor to inspire all Glenbard students to thrive in a virtual program titled, "Dreams and Detours: Succeeding in Tough Times."

Community members have the opportunity to hear Derik in a live virtual performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, as part of the Glenbard Parent Series.

"Being T.H.E.R.E: Five Ways to Actively Engage Young People" will inspire adults to be present when they are with young people. Find details at glenbardgps.org.

Students for Students (SFS) and SADD clubs have organized several digital activities, including a guided meditation, random acts of kindness challenge, and Grateful for Glenbard activity.

Thanks also go to the physical education, driver education and health students and staff, as well as the other organizations, teams, students and adults that have organized events in support of Live Life Well Week.