25 Ways to Make the World a More Beautiful Place: Inspired by Miss Rumphius
Inspiration from the Lupine Lady
On a recent hike with friends we were inspired by a lovely sea of purple lupines covering the fields at Chipman Preserve in Galesburg, Michigan. In tandem we re-read one of our favorite children’s books, Miss Rumphius.
I highly encourage you to pick up a copy of Miss Rumphius, a lovely picture book written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney. It features the life story of Miss Alice Rumphius, the Lupine Lady, a woman who sought a way to make the world more beautiful and discovered it by planting lupines in the wilds of Maine. Her philanthropy spirit and the beauty of lupines motivated us to serve our community too.
“You must do something to make the world more beautiful”- Barbara Cooney, Miss Rumphius
This beloved story sparked conversations with my children about spreading kindness and making the world a better place. A message that we all need to strive toward.
We discovered that these self-seeding beauties spread when the lupine pod emits seeds, spreading them several feet away from the mother plant. I love this lovely illustration of how one act of kindness can continue to spread beauty.
Mommas, it all starts with us.
The world can seem quite scary, especially in light of recent events. During these daunting times, one concept I teach my children is to look for the helpers, and more importantly to be them. Let’s use this summer to demonstrate to our children that every act of kindness spreads love. As you make your summer bucket list, I challenge you to add a few acts of service to your list. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
25 Ways to Make the World a More Beautiful Place
1. Volunteer with the land conservancy
2. Pass a good book on to a friend
3. Plant a garden and share its produce or flowers
4. Bring a meal to a family that just had a new baby
5. Stop and help an animal
6. Let someone in line go first
7. Leave a big tip at a restaurant
8. Donate your hair after a hair cut
9. Donate your toys and clothes that you no longer use
10. Plant a tree
11. Give someone a compliment
12. Leave treats or drinks for the mail or delivery workers
13. Give lunch and a kind note to a homeless person
14. Volunteer at an animal shelter
15. Give to a good cause
16. Cut a coupon and leave it next to that item in a store.
17. Give lunch to a homeless person with a positive note attached
18. Leave money at a vending machine or laundry mat
19. Write your friend a note about how much you appreciate them
20. Visit or call your grandparents
21. Put an encouraging sticky note in someone’s lunch
22. Pick up litter at a park
23. Hold the door open for someone
24. Run in a 5K fundraiser
25. Use your beautiful smile to brighten someone’s day
This year let’s make this world a more beautiful place and spread love and kindness! Make sure to save and pin for later. Interested in more nature inspired art. Follow Discovering Anew for more activity ideas and family travel adventures. Looking for more summer time fun, here are some additional ideas for Outdoor Activities and Crafts for Kids.
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These nature inspired fall leaf activities and crafts will keep kids excited about being outdoors. Simple leaf art activities will elevate your hikes with children. These leaf crafts require minimal props and focus on using natural elements found in nature to inspire children’s imaginations and encourage more time outdoors.