When GIVING Changes Your Mood for the Better

I must admit I wasn't in a great mood this morning. I was tense, easily annoyed and frustrated because I had to train a new employee. My former one resigned abruptly. As a business owner, it takes a lot of your time and you get to start with the basics all over again. Plus, my son was bugging me to buy him a Kinder Egg surprise (a candy wrapped in the shape of an egg with a toy inside) in such a busy and hectic day. So my irritable mood heightened that early morning.

the JPIA student volunteers

But when I passed by a fast food restaurant on the way to my food kiosk, I chanced upon a jolly group of college kids on the street. They were greeting people singing happy songs and they were carrying a box.

the donation box for the affected Marawi City residents

Out of curiosity I approached them and asked. And in a happy tone they told me they were raising money for the victims of the Marawi City Seige where residents fled to neighboring towns and cities in evacuation centers. They are accounting students and members of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accuntants (JPIA) from Northern Mindanao and CARAGA regions. Their group took the initiative because they knew that donations were badly needed at these times.

I smiled because they reminded me a lot about myself before. It's been a long time since I've participated in such causes where I belong in a group. I used to be a member of a religious organization where we conducted various outreach programs. A small donation from my pocket and a little chat here and there made me realize that my mood changed for the better. I was already smiling and my frown earlier was replaced. I joined them for a few minutes and solicited from passersby as well.

yours truly with the volunteers, from frown to smile

Today's incident humbled me for being petty and a bit bitchy for complaining about trivial things. It just takes a smile and a giving attitude. I feel even more blessed because a lot of people out there have bigger problems than I do. People lost their homes, stay in shelters that are uncomfortable and here I am, just complaining about little stuff. I realized that yes, we can get angry and be pissed, but let's not prolong these negative emotions because it will consume us for the rest of the day.

Life is short and if small stresses affect us most of the time, it's just not worth it. And we always wonder why our day took the wrong turn because we see it negatively in the first place. So from now on I will try to remember that whenever I'm in a bad mood. I'll give or share what I have, be it a smile, a helping hand or a prayer especially to those who need it the most. A small positive change in perspective can go a long way. 😊