Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference- Meme

Laura of Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference tagged me for this meme. I’m honored to be joining her in her efforts to make a difference. She’s been such a positive role model for kids and adults alike. Here goes Laura:

1. In your opinion, what does it mean to make a difference?

To me, it means to do something small or big that impacts another in a positive way. It doesn’t have to be another person, it can be an animal or the environment. If you slow down and analyze your part in this world you’ll see that to make a difference you first need to make a difference for yourself. That means making goals and honoring yourself enough to keep them.

2. What is an example of a unique way to make a difference?

I think one of the best ways to make a difference is just to be kind and gracious to the people around you. We need to drop the habit of complaining and cultivate gratitude. If you really desire to be kind and giving, you can’t help but then go further and help others by donating time and resources.

3. Who has made a difference in YOUR life this week?

My friend Colleen on her day off took care of my little girl. Brianna woke up with a fever this week and I couldn’t take her to daycare. So I packed up her crayons and blankie and set her up in my office. When my friend heard that she was there she insisted on coming and getting her! This is huge! As a working mom it often becomes difficult to balance my responsibilities as a mom and as a doctor. I’m grateful for such caring friends.

4. If I didn’t have a blog, would you still be making a difference?

Yes. I’m a pediatrician and by definition I have dedicated my life to helping others but day to day life gets busy and sometimes I forget why I really wanted to do medicine in the first place. Because of my Mommy MD column, I found out about Laura’s blog and it re energized my goals! There is more accountability when it comes to writing about my experience. I have made a promise and have been working hard to keep that promise

5. What is your favorite thing about the internet?

That this huge world suddenly becomes very small and connected. I love that there are so many good people out there doing good things.

Sheila Cason, MD

Ideas for Making a Difference

Well it’s been a great few days on our journey with Laura Stockman of Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference. Already we have baked cookies for the neighborhood painters. They have been working so hard! In Guam mold builds up easily because of the humidity and these painters have spent weeks power washing the houses and then painting them by hand! It’s very hard work and we’re appreciative! These are some of the workers in the picture enjoying their breakfast before the day started.

We have also started a bag for recycling, shopped for a family in need and pledged money for Laura’s blog. The kids have been extra helpful around the house – or rather I have been extra appreciative and they have responded accordingly! Below is a list of ideas for making a difference that Laura posted to her blog. Thanks Laura for some great ideas!

Laura Stockman's Ideas for Making a Difference:

1. Shovel snow for a neighbor who is elderly or busy.

2. Make cookies and cards to take to a local retirement home.

3. Go through your old toys or clothes and donate them to local places who might want them.

4. Donate old books to your library. Ours is in need!

5. Donate your time to your local SPCA.

6. Spend some time visiting with an elderly neighbor who may like your company.

7. Give free rice to hungry people by playing a word game.

8. Getting a laptop? Give one too.

9. Pick up litter in your neighborhood.

10. Take the bus, instead of driving, like my dad does.

11. Walk to school.

12. Donate new toys, food, books to sick kids or to those who can’t afford them.

13. Start a fundraiser.

14. Write a letter to someone you love, and tell them how much you appreciate them.

15. Learn how to go green.

16. Run or walk for a cure. Find a race in your area.

17. Smile and say thank you to everyone you are grateful for today.

18. Clean your room before your mom or dad asks you.

19. Do the dishes.

20. Make your Christmas gifts instead of buying them.

21. Buy your groceries from local farmers.

22. Learn something about a culture you don’t understand.

23. Read.

24. Don’t watch television for a whole week

25. Pray.

26. Write a letter to a soldier overseas.

27. Buy something small to send to a soldier.

28. Be a good role model for younger siblings.

29. Stand up for what is right when it is hard at school.

30. Compliment your teachers for a job well done.

31. What do you think? Let me know!

32. Donate your hair to Locks of Love.

33. Recycle cans and donate the money to a charity.

34. Use Good Search to raise money for Suneel’s Light.

35. Check out World Vision. Donate.

36. Click to help: breast cancer, hunger, rainforest, child health, literacy, animal rescue

37. Stop violence against women.

38. Write a thank you note to someone who deserves it.

Sheila Cason, MD

Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference

10 year old Laura Stockman and her mother are making a difference this holiday season. With the help and guidance of her mother, Laura started a blog: “Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference". She has been blogging daily about her efforts at making a difference and she will continue this until December 25^th. She is challenging others worldwide with her endeavor. In only 10 days this blog has had over 9,000 hits and CBS is considering featuring her story for their program. This is what she wrote:

I hope that this inspires other grown ups and kids to make a difference in their communities too, by doing little things. For this reason, I am challenging everyone who reads this blog to TRY to do something every single day during the holiday season to make a difference in his or her world. Leave a comment or send me an email at twentyfivedays(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know what you did and when you did it. Even if you can’t do something every day, you can do one small thing to help make your world a better place.

Well Laura, you’re so right. Already you have made a difference because all the way over, on the small island of Guam, things are changing. Today when I woke up and read your story, I immediately started to think that I’m too busy and wouldn’t this be a great idea after the holidays were over. But as I kept reading I ran across your list of ideas for making a difference. You listed big and small, grand and simple. With your help I have realized that making a difference is not only something that we should do with our children but that we must do with our children. They need to be taught about generosity especially during the holiday season when time and money are spread thin. It’s in being generous that we remember our humanity. It is critical to our well being to be connected and show love and concern for our fellow human beings. Thank you for reminding me.

Even though December 25^th is only a few weeks away, it’s never too late to make a difference. Laura has inspired me. I spent the morning thinking of ways that my family and I could make a difference. The best way I can do that now is pledge to join Laura in her journey! For the next 2 weeks I will chronicle our contribution to this worthy project. Please let Laura be an inspiration to you as well. Show your children that generosity is contagious. You may find her blog at http://twentyfivedays.wordpress.com/.

Sheila Cason, MD