Small things count, small things matter, the smallest of good deeds will never fall flat. I have taught this to my boys since before they could understand it. It’s what my mother taught me, that we should do all the good that we can, no matter how small. The problems of the world are many and yet children hold this boundless courage and innocence that allows them to think they can change the world. One small gesture at a time they go about doing good–a painting for mom, a fundraiser, collecting canned goods for the poor. Kids want to change the world, they see a need and naturally want to fill it, it’s up to us to nurture our small philanthropists and conservationists into adulthood so that their want to do good becomes second nature.
The most memorable moments often stem from the smallest gestures—such as holding the door open for someone, offering a warm smile, sharing a kind word, or giving a comforting hug. These seemingly insignificant acts of kindness are the building blocks that pave the way for great achievements. We should never overlook the power of our capacity to positively impact the lives of others. This understanding is well-known among children, who innately recognize the value of these resources in fostering meaningful connections and making a difference in the world around them.
One of my favorite inspirational quotes to share with my boys has become a sort of family motto…
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – Unknown
A small, single, good deed can in fact change the world. Good deeds have a ripple effect, goodness spurs goodness: a single act can influence dozens more.
It’s been 4 years since my trip to Guatemala, where I was able to see first hand how vaccinations are saving children’s lives. My trip to Guatemala with Save the Children opened my eyes to the plight of the worlds children. To watch a child deteriorate due to diarrhea or struggle to breath from pneumonia is not only heartbreaking but preventable. 1.8 million children die each year from diarrhea, the second largest cause of global children mortality. Every year, 2.4 million children die from preventable diseases despite the availability of effective vaccines. Through the month of August our small deeds will make a huge impact on children worldwide.
Blogust is back for the fourth year and I’m beyond humbled and excited to be a part of this life saving campaign once again. We have the opportunity to turn our small gestures into something big, like saving a child’s life!
During Shot@Life’s Blogust 2015—a month-long blog relay—some of North America’s most beloved online writers, photo and video bloggers and Shot@Life Champions will come together and share inspirational quotes for their children. Every time you comment on this post and other Blogust contributions, or take action using the social media on this website, Shot@Life and the United Nations Foundation pages, one vaccine will be donated to a child around the world (up to 50,000).
Please comment below to give a child a shot at life!
Learn more and connect with Shot@Life online, join the #Blogust conversation on Twitter and Facebook.
Linda B says
Great quote! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences … and for your support of Blogust 2015 and SHOT@LIFE.
TraceyClark says
Great quote! It’s amazing how small deeds can add up to big change!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I don’t have children but I was a Special Education Teacher and reminded my student every single day that what you believe is what you achieve and that by changing their perceptions and perspective they could change their worlds. Thanks for participating in Shot@Life’s Blogust 2015, it’s great that comments will give one vaccine to a child that needs it!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly recently posted..{#TheatreThursday} @OnYourFeetBway ‘s journey to Broadway this Fall, previews begin October 5th! #OnYourFeet
Sisters From Another Mister says
Yes … Oh so much this … love that we share these messages with our own children for change!
Sisters From Another Mister recently posted..What is White Guilt?
Diane Glasgow says
You’re SO right on!
TFS!
Warmly, Diane Glasgow
Shot@Life Champion
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
It;s so important to make sure kids are vaccinated against these deadly diseases. How great that you were able to help.
Sili says
I love this!!!! YAY YOU!
Sili recently posted..Need Pampers? Babies R Us Has A Great Offer!
Christy Maurer says
Shot@Life is amazing! I love easy ways that we can give. We can all make a difference. 10 kids from my church raised $88,000 in a MONTH to start a church in Ecuador so that Compassion International could come in and get 200 kids sponsored!
Christy Maurer recently posted..Ladies, It’s Time for TMI #TimeforTMI + Giveaway
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Doing good every day is the best way to improve this planet. I don’t have a quote I give to my kids, I just teach them every day what it means to do good.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted..Slower Cooker Tomato Meat Sauce Recipe with Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread #Crockpot #MicrowaveTheFlavor
Serena says
I love that this is your family motto. Great words to live by!
Breanna says
This was an amazing read – you are a wonderful person, and I couldn’t stop smiling while I was reading this!
Megan Elford says
We take so much for granted living where we do. I can’t imagine my child dying from something as easy to treat as diarrhea or pneumonia! That’s why this initiative is so great. Thanks for being a part of it!
Megan Elford recently posted..What is Kinship Care?
Caryn/The Mid Life Guru says
Your boys are blessed to have this as your family motto!!
Caryn/The Mid Life Guru recently posted..My First Uber Experience
rika says
absolutely! Small things count and will add up ! I love reading this article, great messages
rika recently posted..Farm Fresh To You: Save Time and Money on Organic Produce
Liz Leiro says
What an amazing thing you’re teaching your kids! And even more amazing is this awesome program 😀 I’m all for helping children grow up into healthy, intelligent adults and providing them with basic healthcare during their formative years is paramount. Kudos to you and this whole organization!! 🙂
Liz Leiro recently posted..Inspiration for Writing
FelisaHilbert says
I love reading your experiences in Guatemala and your family motto quote. children are amazing . They are the best in giving .Thank you for sharing and helping in this wonderful easy way to give a vaccine to children in need.
Julie Marsh says
Love your quote. The key words, I think, are “you can.” Because each of us can do something.
Jenny says
Lovely quote, thanks for sharing.
Katie says
Commenting for a shot
Alli says
It is those little things that count! Every child should be able to get vaccinated. This is such a worthy cause.
Alli recently posted..5 Ways to Chase Away Post-Vacation Blues
Cara (@StylishGeek) says
What a wonderful quote and such a philanthropic cause this post is! Thanks for sharing and supporting an amazing cause!
Cara (@StylishGeek) recently posted..What to Expect® Books
Polly Palumbo says
Great words. Thanks for sharing for such a great cause!
Polly Palumbo recently posted..Ditching Normal, Seeking Amazing
M says
Great quote!
Jeannette says
I adore this program and the way it helps give children a shot a life! I hope everyone will get involved and make the world a better place one shot at a time.
Jeannette recently posted..Tips for Picking the Perfect Flooring for Your Home
Liz Mays says
What an incredible way to contribute. I will keep my eye open for more Blogust posts.
Liz Mays recently posted..Ricki and The Flash Movie Review
Katie says
First of all Thank you for participating in a great program and sharing your story! I have neve hear of Blogust but I am glad I did today.
Katie recently posted..Taking Stock of July
Joanne T Ferguson says
WOW and what a positive uplifting program this sounds like! I have never heard of Blogust, so thank you for highlighting it today!
Lynn J says
I LOVE this SO much!!! Thank you for helping kids!!!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
You are one amazing person! Thank you for sharing this awareness that we can, even in our own little way help change the lives of children.
Annemarie LeBlanc recently posted..NETGEAR Trek N300 Travel Router & Range Extender Review: Free, Safe, and Reliable WIFI on the Go
Delores Van Horn says
What a wonderful story – and what a wonderful mom to teach her children the true meaning of giving. Love the quote – plan to use it in other places.
Gina says
AMEN! Great quote!
ASHISH SHRIVASTAVA says
Thanks for #Blogust & Shot@Life contribution & ensuring healthy lives of children.
#Blogust , Address http://ashish-shrivastava.place.xyz/post/55c33d2f51cadd84698b4586/mdg-4-infographic
ASHISH SHRIVASTAVA recently posted..Welcome To The New Catholic Cafeteria
Ourfamilyworld says
I love the quote. It’s so nice of you to do this. I believe that all children should be vaccinated to protect them from diseases.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted..20 Perfect Organic Kid-Friendly Snacks for Back to School
jyl from @momitforward says
I love this pic! My parents lived in Guatemala for 6 years and just moved home. Our family had the chance to visit them and get to know the amazing people there. I love that Blogust helps kids all the way from Guatemala to Ghana and everywhere in between and beyond. It truly is the simple things, like leaving a simple comment, that make big things possible. Love your quote and the thoughts in this post.
lisa says
This is a fantastic quote. Vaccines are such an important thing for children in this world. What a great thing you are showing your children.
lisa recently posted..10 Things You Can To Do To Celebrate Be Kind to Humankind Week
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
I love the quote. I totally agree!
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey recently posted..Meijer Preview for 8/9
Ann Bacciaglia says
This sounds like an amazing campaigne. I will have to look into how i ca help.
Nicole says
Perfect family motto!!
CourtneyLynne says
What an amazing campaign to be part of!! Vaccines are so important. They save so many lives 🙂
Rebecca Swenor says
This is an awesome way to donate with every comment etc. which helps so many people. Kudos to Shot@Life and the United Nations Foundation pages for donating so many shots. Thanks for sharing.
Kendra Frampton says
Amazing! Great quote!
Jesica H says
Way to take a stand for what you believe in, and you are living and proving that vaccines are beneficial! Way to go!
Dresden says
I love how collectively we can all make a difference. Happy Blogust!
Dresden recently posted..inside my panic attack
aly mashrah says
That is awesome! Giving back is so important because it really changes you as a person. What a cool experience.
aly mashrah recently posted..Quick and Easy Skincare Routine #ANaturalClean
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies says
That is such an excellent quote and so true! This sounds like an excellent cause and I’m glad they’re doing this to help out the kids.
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies recently posted..Peach Coffee Cake
Chubskulit Rose says
Its always nice to do good everyday. It makes you feel like you accomplish something even it is just a small thing.
Chubskulit Rose recently posted..Indian Echo Caverns – Part1
Krystal says
I love the idea of Blogust! That is a great campaign to show how we can accomplish something so important one day at a time.
Krystal recently posted..11 Social Media Tips For Bloggers
Nate Bradshaw says
Thank you for moving such an amazing cause forward!
Lorraine says
Such a great quote! And, love small things matter, too! 🙂
Beth says
Love Blogust. Thanks
jana says
Fantastic quote! Happy Blogust!
Christine Crank says
This is a good way to do good by sending polio vaccines to kids who need them!
Emma says
Thank you – really good reminder.