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Day 170: The Giving Tree

Somewhere deep in my child’s mind he’s understanding the concept of giving – at the age of 3. We took a trip to Vancouver’s largest library and it will be a moment I will always remember.

Day 170: Give 170

I give my son Nicolas the recognition for this give today. He amazes me every day. Yesterday was a day I will always remember. We took a trip to Vancouver’s largest library. Their children’s section must have 10,000 books to discover. I love public library’s for many reasons. It teaches your child to reuse books, it encourages literacy and makes them aware of the responsibility for returning them. In this day and age of abundance it can be a hard lesson to teach that we don’t need to keep everything or buy everything.

I wanted to get a few books out while we were at the library and we headed for the section that was suitable for his age (3). We looked through the shelves and a few titles caught his eye. A young girl also suggested a great Diego book which my son instantly took. Go Diego Go! He then went off in his own direction and returned a short while later with a book he insisted we take home. It was called The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Talk about melting your heart when your Mom is giving every day for 365 days in your honour. I had nothing to do with this choice at all and the fact he wanted to borrow it made me smile.

We took it home and his Dad actually had the honour of reading it to him last night. Once it had been read once I was called into his room. He said to me “Mom, sit down. You will love this book.” From the mouths of babes. I did love this book. It is about a tree that gave a man everything it had to make him happy. It is how I feel about giving every day. I give because I know it will make someone happy at the other end of my give. It could be the planet, a person or an animal. We had a good chat about this book and what it meant.

If you have a chance, go to your public library and check it out. A timeless story of giving that inspires great conversation even with a 3 year old. They are never to young to learn as I have discovered.

A special thank you to my son that gives to me every day. You make me smile when I don’t expect it and bring me the greatest joy and love to my life. Truly the greatest “give” I have ever received in my life.

Time Commitment: 30 seconds to find the book

Cost: Free – a library borrow

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)