In this day and age, we seem so busy with our own problems that we tend to forget to help those around us. It’s nice when our family or friends support us, but we forget to support them back! We need to return the favor and support and give back to those around us. Your little act of kindness may be returned back to you as well in the future

Growing up, I was always told how important it is to give back and why it’s not just about the act of giving back, but the purpose behind it. When you decide to give back, it should be towards a cause that you care about and what stirs the emotions of your heart. Also, it’s not about how much you give back, but it’s about whether you feel you have made some difference by contributing to the greater good of the society around you. When I was volunteering at an animal shelter while I was a student in Philadelphia, I used to contribute a few US dollars every time I was there towards the shelter’s purpose of safe-guarding and sheltering animals that were abandoned or lost. Although it was not a lot of money, it made me realize that I liked taking care of these rescue animals and a few years later, my family adopted a dog. Had I not volunteered my time and given back some money to this shelter, I would have never realized how important it was to help those around me.

When we got Cookie the Rescue Dog, he made me realize how lucky I was to have a family that cared about me and now would also take care of him. Adopting Cookie was the best decision we ever made. Cookie’s temper in the start made us all realize that there’s a reason why we all go through the things we do in life. Once Cookie simmered down and soon adjusted to our home, he was the most loving pet ever. Because of what Cookie went through, although he was angry at first, it made him more open to being with a new family. Cookie is such a sweet, mild-mannered dog nowadays that you would have never known he went through so many traumatic issues before he was adopted.

It’s important to give back. When we give back, we learn to be grateful for what we have. Even if you volunteer at a local animal shelter or donate clothes to those who need it, your act of kindness does make a difference. Cookie the Rescue Dog taught me how to be grateful for my family, and how a small act kindness can change someone’s life. When you give back to those around you, you become a better person from it. You learn to love.

Shefali Karani is the author of Own It! Love What You Already Have of which all book proceeds go toward good causes. She is an executive at her family’s business, and board director for two other companies. She’s an alumna of Columbia Business School in New York City and Drexel University. She lives in Dubai with her husband and continues to travel for work. To learn more, visit shefalikarani.com