Before extending the project to the public, I began with myself. Recognizing the importance of authenticity and self-reflection in any social endeavor, I immersed myself in a 21-day journey of affirmations. Through nightly affirmations and morning rituals of self-affirmation in front of the mirror, I confronted the challenges of being a Crohn's warrior, battling not just physical symptoms but also spiritual and mental obstacles. These affirmations became my tools of resilience, helping me combat negative thoughts and find a sense of purpose amidst adversity.
“We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” — Whoopi Goldberg
From boosting your mood to lowering stress, the power of kindness is real. In fact, science shows the benefits of being kind are greater for the giver than the receiver. So, as Calvin Holbrook suggests, "help others and help yourself, too."
A Personal Journey of Transformation
KINDNESS
Love is kind; Kindness is love.
In 2023, inspired by a persistent idea that had taken root in late 2022, I embarked on a journey to spread love and kindness throughout Atlanta. The catalyst for this endeavor came unexpectedly through a grant opportunity. Though I didn’t receive the grant, the seed of the idea had already been planted, and I was determined to see it through.
650+
Affirmations
250+
Individuals
1 City
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The ATL Kindness Project aimed to spread affirmations and love throughout Atlanta, leading up to the culminating ATL Kindness Day. From the creating to the spreading phase, the project involved the use of affirmation notes in significant Atlanta locations, fostering community engagement and positivity.
I planned and organized a series of events where friends and strangers could come together to create and share affirmations, ending in a day of kindness in Piedmont Park. Though adjustments were made, by the project's June 25th deadline, approximately 650 affirmations had been collected. These affirmations were "spread" at 5 locations that held significance to me during my 5 years in Atlanta.
Early in the project I shifted my approach to conducting kindness project "pop-ups" instead of small gatherings. These pop-ups provided more accessibility, allowing me to engage with diverse communities across Atlanta.
AIRLOOM ENT
ALL MY FRIENDS GLOBAL
OUR BAR ATL
PAINT n SIT ATL
PETER STREET STATION
THANK YOU.
"DEAR ME" 2026
Building on the impact of the ATL Kindness Project, “DEAR ME” is a city-wide participatory art project exploring vulnerability, self-reflection, and human connection through handwritten letters. Participants are invited to address letters to themselves beginning with the words “DEAR ME,” writing what they most need to hear in that moment. These anonymous letters are collected and placed inside Kindness Mailboxes installed throughout Atlanta in partnership with local businesses, community spaces, and public activations.
"DEAR ME" 2026
Phase I: Reflection
The personal exploration and development of the project through self-letter writing, emotional reflection, and community prompt testing.
Phase II: Collection
Current Letter Count: 200
Participants contribute handwritten “DEAR ME” letters through workshops, pop-ups, community activations, and public participation.
Phase III: Distribution
Letters are placed inside Kindness Mailboxes installed throughout Atlanta, inviting the public to engage with, exchange, and contribute to the growing archive.
