This past weekend, I took part in a run/walk event benefiting breast cancer. During the opening ceremony we saw the cancer survivors, standing proud in their blue hats.  We saw the names of those who had lost their battle carefully printed on the backs of those who loved them.  We also saw a woman who for the past 10 years has volunteered her time to prepare all the food for this event. Each year she cuts apples, bakes brownies and washes grapes. 10 years ago this woman lost a friend to cancer.

I also heard the story of a woman, who was crying and all alone in a hospital bed following a radical mastectomy. She was already an amputee and had to drive herself to the hospital. She did not have friends or family and longed for a balloon or some flowers to brighten her day.  Life was certainly not fair for this woman. Thankfully a group of strangers helped her out and made sure she had balloons, flowers and meals after she was released from the hospital.

These people are just a few examples of the “Givers” who would do anything in their power to lessen the pain of a friend or a perfect stranger. These positive change crusaders work tirelessly, every single day, to make a difference in this world. They do so without pay or compensation. They are content to stand quietly at the back of the room unnoticed.  Some would ask why?

Ah that answer is very simple… People who want to really make a difference in this world do so not because they want to be sweet or because they want others to notice their good deeds. Those who really want to make a difference in this world do so because they have the soul of a giver. A true believer in positive change!

So the next time you hear the story of a Giver, don’t tell them they are sweet or that you are proud of what they have done. Instead stand up and join them in their quest to bring about positive change and truly make a difference in this world. 

One person can make a difference but a group of people can change the world!