I read many blogs and articles that span a variety of topics. What stands out for me the most is any topic “of value”. I read personally to build a better future, by gaining knowledge, expanding my thoughts, raising my awareness and becoming well rounded. On the other hand, sometimes, it’s nice to just read something that gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling, one that lifts you up or just makes you smile..

For example, recently I read an article that really inspired me and reassured my beliefs in all the good that exists in this world. Typically the news, media, blogs, etc. are focused on whats wrong, rather than whats right and how to spread that goodness.

The article I read was written by Melissa Chapman-Mushnick. Melissa is a columnist for the Staten Island Advance newspaper. The article entitled “THE GIFT OF GIVING BACK” really struck me. Melissa as a writer in her column and Blog is on a mission to inspire, educate and create a forum for parents to have all the tools necessary to be excellent providers, leaders and models for their children. She also writes a hysterical Blog and posts about topics that we deal with everyday and yet, not many are courageous enough to express!

The article also reminded me of a quote that I love and use often.

“The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” –Ethel Percy Andrus

I especially loved this article because it resonates with me personally, yet, far more important, because of its value which I try to instill in the children in my life. I was really touched by the sentiment in the article and wanted to share this with my readers.

Basing our actions on our values from which we were either raised or have developed on our own can create a direct impact on the life of those around us, children especially. It’s in what we do daily, starting now, that leads us to the service we provide in the future, at home, at work, and in our communities. Obviously the values that were instilled in Melissa as a young child made a permanent mark on who she is today, the service she provides to her readers and the gift she is giving to her family in raising them with the same values based principles she learned from her parents.

We as adults have an opportunity every moment we are with a child to make a lasting difference in their lives. Let’s all step up to the plate by taking a child and guiding them through a healthy, empowering, and gratifying journey. It may be a smile, a word of encouragement, a self-esteem booster, or a well deserved lecture, either way, they will benefit and ultimately, thank you for it when they are adults.

Have a beautiful day!