​Nika V. | SisterHood 351 
StoryTelling Across Massachusetts
Barnstable's Megan Murphy
​Author: Available
​Illustrator: Available
​Editor: Annika
​
Background on Megan Murphy + The Kindness Rocks Project

  • Megan (pronounced with a long e – like Mee-gan) Murphy, founder of The Kindness Rocks Project 
 
  • Lives on Cape Cod in the town of West Barnstable
 
  • From 2004 to 2013, ran a successful jewelry business with 3 stores on the Cape
 
  • In 2013, realized her success was not making her happy, sold her business and began training to become a “life coach”
 
  • Took walks along Sandy Neck Beach near her home to think about this transition
 
  • Thought a lot about her mom and dad, who died when she was in her early 20’s, especially when she saw heart-shaped sea glass or rocks on her beach walks
 
  • Started leaving rocks with inspirational, painted messages on the beach and on boardwalks near her home
 
  • The goal was for people to find or discover the rocks with messages that might change their day or their lives for the better
 
  • After realizing that she was impacting people in her community, she started painting 100s of rocks per week
 
  • Created the name “The Kindness Rocks Project” with a hashtag and Facebook page
 
  • The purpose is to connect and make people happy through simple acts and messages of kindness -- and to help to create a kinder world
 
  • Hundreds of people started painting their own rocks, sending pix of them and sharing their stories about how the rocks helped them in a range of challenging situations  
 
  • Thousands of stories have been therapeutic fo those who share them and those who hear about them 
 
  • Rock-painting has also brought many people back to their artistic passions or has helped many people to start a new hobby
 
  • TKRP has been a global movement for almost 10 years now -- impacting people in their daily lives, students and teachers at school, soldiers at war, and more!
 
  • Messages can be original or they can include quotes from famous people such as: 
  • “Great things are headed your way” 
  • “Focus on what makes you happy & what gives meaning to your life”
  • “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire”
  • “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” – Robin Williams
  • “What you do makes a difference.  Decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
  • “Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” –  Michelle Obama 
  • “Change yourself – you are in control.” – Gandhi

Eco Friendly + Mindfulness Approach
  • Supplies: TKRP wants people to use eco-friendly paint supplies when creating their own rocks at home / at school / etc.  
    1. TKRP has a buy one / give one program on their website
    2. They also share info on a family-owned biz that sells paint pens 
 
  • Environment: LNT = Leave No Trace and is a very important policy that TKRP practices. The basic mission is to teach and inspire people to enjoy and respect the outdoors responsibly. Learn more at www.LNT.org .
 
  • Mindfulness: TKRP had a 5 step mindfulness policy that includes that following: 
1. Dropping 1 rock with encouraging words on it in a public place can be inspirational
2. Dropping hundreds in one place could undo any good intentions you have created. 
3. Never leave Kindness Rocks™ in national parks
4. Never leave Kindness Rocks™ on hiking trails 
5. Never leave Kindness Rocks™ at businesses or organizations without prior permission from your town


Giving Back Philosophy
  • The Happy Hope Factory which is based on Cape Cod is one organization that TKRP gives back to. Click on the link above to learn more about this great organization.  

TKRP Resources  
  • School Programs: TKRP also has a Social Emotional Learning program for schools so they can work “kindness” activities into lessons and units for a range of ages and grades.  Learn more by clicking on this link. 
     
TKRP Media
  • Sharing Your Posts: You should “Like” or “Follow” TKRP  and then use #TheKIndnessRocksproject or @TheKindnessRocksProject in your posts.
 
  • Kindversations Podcasts: Listen to the many conversations (“kindversations”) that Megan has had over the years.