Feeling down? Call this hotline for a sweet pep talk from kindergarteners

Who couldn’t use a little jolt of joy right about now? If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, you’re in luck. A new “pep talk hotline” is free for anyone to call at any time and receive sweet messages from elementary students at a small rural school in California. Warning: if you call, you’ll hang up the phone with a giant grin on your face and a lighter heart.

The public art project, called the “Peptoc Hotline” (because the little kids mistakenly spelled “pep talk” that way, bless their little hearts), is from the students at West Side Elementary School in Healdsburg, California. There are a number of encouraging (and unintentionally hilarious) messages to help anyone who might be going through a rough time or simply having a bad day.

Jessica Martin, a local artist and art teacher for the school, came up with the idea in hopes of inspiring a few smiles. In less than a week, the project has gone viral and people all over the U.S. have had their spirits lifted by calling—Martin estimates there have been as many as 5,000 calls per day!

Here are just some of the absolutely adorable messages you can expect to receive should you do what I did and call:

If you’re feeling mad, frustrated or nervous, press 1.

“If you’re feeling mad or frustrated, go to your bedroom and punch a pillow or cry on it. Or go scream outside.” (Whoever this little girl is, she’s my people.)

If you need a pep talk from kindergarteners, press 2.

“You can do it! Keep trying! Don’t give up!” This one actually features an entire chorus of tiny little voices cheering you on, and it feels absolutely amazing to hear.

(You can call 707-998-8410 to receive your own pep talk, I won’t spoil all of the surprises for you.)

Amy McWilliams, who lives not far from the elementary school, tells ABC News 7 that a friend passed the number along to her. McWilliams, who has stage 4 malignant melanoma, says she’s called the hotline many times herself. She’s also shared the number with fellow cancer patients to help them endure rounds of chemotherapy.

“It’s joy, straight from the literal mouths of babes,” she said. “We adults forget that spreading kindness and positive thinking can really be that simple.”

Call 707-998-8410 and your day will be instantly made better.

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