Written by Molly Schreiber, Founder + CEO, Challenge to Change, Inc.
" Remember that even small actions can have a big impact, and that each one of us has the power to create positive change in their own unique way. That is what being a Changemaker is all about! " ~ Molly Schreiber
September 12th is Changemaker Day! Yes, we have made a special day for all of the Changemakers in our world. At Challenge To Change, Inc. we have decided that the humans who strive to make the world around them better than they found it deserve a day. A day to celebrate all the growth they have made and celebrate the best versions of themselves.
Changemaker Day was chosen for September 12th because it is the day, eight years ago our Yoga in the Schools program launched in a Dubuque school. The year was 2017 and we were four women with a dream of sharing yoga and mindfulness in the classroom. On this day, shared a lesson with all 250 students in the school. This day began the mission of a program of Mindful Education that now reaches over 30,000 students a year.
Changemaker Day
We believe at Challenge To Change, Inc. that September 12th was not only a day to celebrate the beginning of the program, but the beginning of a movement of allowing ALL humans, no matter their age, the opportunity to learn the tools of mindfulness and emotional intelligence to make the world we live in a better place.
Changemaker Day is not just to celebrate the four like-minded women who began the mission on Challenge To Change, Inc. that day, it is to celebrate all humans who want to be a part of the mission and spread peace, growth and acceptance in our world.
You may ask, “Am I a Changemaker?”
My answer for you is, “YES! YOU ARE!”
If you are reading this blog to this point, I know you have found yourself in the definition of Changemaker. Therefore, National Changemaker Day is a day to celebrate YOU. I invite you to reflect on how you are a Changemaker in your corner of the world. What do you do day in and day out to live your best life?
What's a Changemaker?
If you still doubt my excited cry for you to be the best version of yourself, read the definition of a Changemaker and see how you fit into the fold of making your world better than you found it by living your best life. This definition is set in stone through our published book, “GROW: Tending to the hearts and minds of children through mindfulness.”
“A Changemaker is anyone and everyone who wants to make the world better and brighter than how they found it. Changemakers are forces of good who seek to make truth, love, and kindness a universal human experience. Changemakers are the people who are inspired by both the beauty and struggles in life. They see, acknowledge, and celebrate all the good that exists in the world; while also honoring the acute aches of living, because they know that it is often only through pain that we grow.
But changemakers do not stop there. They use their collection of joy and sorrows in order to teach others and make a positive difference. The transformation of a Changemaker begins internally. They start by acknowledging their true potential and actively take steps toward being the best version of themselves by changing their thoughts, habits, and behaviors for the better. They do this because they know that this self-care makes a positive difference for themselves, as well as for everyone else in their lives.
Once they cultivate a more positive lifestyle for themselves, changemakers bravely and compassionately plant seeds of change for those around them. They utilize their unique gifts and talents to influence matters that are close to their hearts. We all contain the power to make a difference. We all possess the ability to make a change. May we remember it. May we use it for good. May we always continue to grow.”
Purchase your copy of Grow: Tending to the Hearts and Mindful of Children Through the Practice of Mindfulness. Also available on Amazon.
5 Ways to Be a Changemaker
Remember that even small actions can have a big impact, and that each one of us has the power to create positive change in their own unique way. That is what being a Changemaker is all about!
Here are five ways you can work to continue being a powerful Changemaker in your community:
1. Practice Kindness and Compassion
Small acts of kindness can go a long way in making the world a better place. Whether it's smiling at a stranger, helping a neighbor in need, or volunteering at a local charity, showing compassion towards others can create a ripple effect of positivity and connection.
2. Reduce your Environmental Footprint
Taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize waste can help protect the planet for future generations. This can include recycling, using reusable items, conserving water and energy, and supporting sustainable practices.
3. Support Causes You Care About
Get involved in organizations or movements that align with your values and beliefs. Whether it's advocating for social justice, environmental conservation, animal rights, or education, your support and voice can make a difference in creating positive change.
4. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness
Cultivating a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness can help you appreciate the beauty and abundance in your life, while also fostering a sense of peace and contentment. By being present in the moment and expressing gratitude for the people and opportunities around you, you can spread positivity and inspire others to do the same.
5. Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is a powerful tool for creating positive change. Take the time to educate yourself on important issues, engage in conversations with others, and share information and resources that promote awareness and understanding. By being informed and actively participating in conversations and actions that promote social and environmental justice, you can help create a more informed and empowered community.
By taking these steps and making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can all contribute to making the world a better place than we found it.
So I ask you Changemakers, how are you going to continue to make the world around you better than you found it today?
Peace,
Molly
P.S. This blog post was inspired by my upcoming Masterclass which will take place on September 12!
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