The Joy of Appreciation - Aashay Nimish Gaitonde

It always feels great to be appreciated. It is a beautiful feeling when people around you encourage you for the different things you do in life, both big and small. Appreciation motivates you to try harder in whatever you do and be a better version of yourself.

I would like to share a couple of incidents recently that I remember when I was received praise and appreciation.

Winning an inter-school roller-skating race

I once participated in an inter-school roller skating event where I came second in the Finals. I won a trophy & my parents were elated. I have been skating since I was six years old, so it was a wonderful moment. They hugged me and rewarded me by taking me to a “Marvel Studio” to visit my favourite comic superheroes and their film set. Here are some of the pictures taken -

Even today, my mom & dad always take time out to drop me at skating class every day & this motivates me to keep practising and being a better skater day by day! 

Securing the First rank in the NELTAS examination

The second incident was when I came first across all schools in India & UAE in a competitive exam for English language (NELTAS). I have been giving this exam for four years & this was the first time I ranked first in the Grand Finale.

I was thrilled when the results came out but was happier when everyone in my family & my teachers appreciated me. They have supported me through thick & thin; hence their applause was all the more special for me.

There are many such times when I have been complimented & supported by my family and friends, even when I have failed. It’s only when you receive such tremendous support that you feel that you can excel in anything you put your mind to!

Aashay Nimish Gaitonde

Grade : 5 Division: A Billabong High International School, Thane

Happiness and Me - Saisha Jain

In today’s blog, I will talk about happiness, what does happiness mean to me, and how do I pass on this happiness. There are so many things that make me happy. I am painting, being creative, listening to music when I am praised for my good deeds, and doing what l love.

I am a foodie, so yes, having good food makes me happy too.
 
Now, what happiness means to me?
For me, happiness is when I feel content. Happiness is a heart filled to the brim, celebrating little victories. Happiness is when I do something good when I create an aura of goodness in which every creature is satisfied.
 
How do I make others happy?
First, I will ask them to smile and give them reasons to smile. This is the easiest way to pass on happiness. Next, I will give them a compliment, making them happy and making me happy. Everyone loves to be complimented, and so they would love to hear these compliments. Now comes the sense of gratitude. I will teach this to everyone, which will help create an incredibly positive vibe in our environment. 

I could also arrange a big surprise get-together for family and friends to make them happy.
So, that’s my big splurge about my view of happiness. And writing about it makes me happy once again!

Saisha Jain 
Class VII
The Doon Girls' School