How #VoicEdGratitude Grew my Heart 3 Sizes this Week

No, I am not implying that my heart wasn’t already very full this holiday season, but over this past week I have been exploding with love and happiness thanks to all of the great things that have been shared though the #VoicEdGratitude project. 


Of course, I always knew that the VoicEd community was supportive, positive and a safe place to share, reflex and learn.. but I wasn’t expecting all of the love that has been buzzing around the #VoicEdGratitude hashtag this week.


For those who don’t know what this project was, check out Brad Shreffler‘s blog from the Planning Period Podcast who was the main mastermind behind taking this Secret Santa to the next level along with Derek Rhodenizer : https://www.bradshreffler.com/voiced-gratitude-exchange-and-holiday-special/


What I’d like to share today is all of the warm and fuzzy feelings I’ve been having all week thanks to the great community members here at VoicEd!

From the THANKER’s perspective:
Wow! Does it ever feel good to make somebody’s day by sharing what they do best. I was honoured to have Carol Salva as my Thankee, and I started Day 1 by a simple video and Christmas song. Day 2 was all about thanking her for her honourable content (blogs, podcasts, videos, books, stories, hard work, dedication, passion). Day 3 I offered her the challenge to brush up on some French and be a guest on my Bilingual podcast Que sera Sarah?. Day 4, I had to make her laugh! The best way I could think of doing that was creating a hilarious Elf Yourself. And today, I get to create something magical for her – stay tuned!


I have to admit, making Carol’s day (all week) was such a wonderful feeling. Giving and spreading all of her good content, superbe ideas and helpful resources was simple, effortless but utterly rewarding!  That feeling of bringing joy and happiness to people this holiday season is something we can all do that is free and worth more than material things. I loved infecting Twitter with VoicEd’s content from people who work so hard and with so much passion, like Carol. She deserves so much recognition for her hard work – she really does. #VoicEdGratitude also allowed me to explore in greater detail her website, watch more of her videos, listen to more of her podcast episodes and take a deeper dive into all of the things she offers. I was so happy to share in many creative ways her brand and allow members of my PLN to get to know her and all she has to offer.

As the THANKEE:
As much as it feels good to give all of the love and recognition, receiving the love is just as fulfilling. Shane Lawrence from The EdPodcast was my Thanker and I his Thankee. He did such a great job! I’m sure it wasn’t easy. His messages of support and feed back on how to improve was something I take to heart. And, having his students send me a personalized Merry Christmas message made me grin ear to ear… Every morning, I woke up looking forward to and not knowing what to expect from my thanker. The long terme benefits of having Shane share things about me, my podcast and my website for this project allowed me to grow my network of listeners and will allow me to connect with more people. 
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I am forever grateful for my VoicEd family. For something that cost 0$ and took very little time, this #VoicEdGratitude made me think of something I hadn’t before. Maybe Christmas, I thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little more. 

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