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A Mom From India is Inspired By 365give – Guest Post

I discovered 365give and have never looked back. This is my story and one I think worth sharing.

It was summer of last year (2017) when I got fascinated with positive psychology and decided to initiate first lesson of gratitude with my six year old son. One night, after singing the prayers and hymns, I asked my son to thank God for five unique things he had. He started with his mommy, followed by rest of the family and toys and then he was blank. By a lot of well-to-do kids of this generation, things like food, education, shelter and the like are taken for granted. So was the case with my son. I went ahead and told him that millions of kids in the world do not enjoy these basic necessities and he was fortunate to have all of these and therefore he should thank God for these. He asked innocently, “but mumma, why should I thank God for this?”. I was taken a back that my son who was so empathetic couldn’t understand why gratitude in this case was an obvious choice to make. He then said something that made me ponder on my definition of good, “mumma, I will thank God for all this the day He gives these things to all the kids and not just me. Can we not do something so that all the kids enjoy having these things?” These words changed my perception forever.

I started looking for ways to give to society and it was then that I bumped into Jacqueline’s 365gives. It was a euphoria moment for me and i told my son about it.
He was totally in awe with the whole idea of giving.

365give – give one thing once a day for a year. Sounds difficult? No it isn’t. We made our list of gives and put it on the wall of his room. He started with his own small gives like watering the plants, cleaning the society, giving a pencil to a poor kid going to school and would be on cloud nine while sharing his stories with me.

The outcomes and benefits of this initiative seem to be helping the world only but truth is that it doesnt only create a better society but also a better and happier self  It made my son feel valued which in turn increased his motivation.  It made him more aware of the world around him. It made him value the things he had as he had become observant of the surroundings and misery that is contained in the whole world. And above all, it made him happier. It strengthened our relationship as he became a lot more empathetic and  grateful for everything his mumma does. It made US happier.

Just do it for a week and it will become a habit. This is an addiction that makes people happier and kinder. This is a booster that increases your serotonin and dopamine levels without any drugs or medications.
Do it to feel it and you will be in awe just like me and my son….

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)