“This is my son Jon with his prom date Maddie. He is a junior and he has autism. About a month ago, Maddie, a senior, came to my office (I’m a teacher at their school) and asked if Jon’s mom and I would allow her to take him to prom. Maddie had gotten to know Jon through a school club that promotes friendships between special needs kids and regular kids.
“He’s a junior,” she explained “so it’s his prom too. I just think he should have the chance to go.” I told her we would be honored to have him go with her.
During the next couple weeks, she asked what his favorite color was (orange) so she could get a dress in that color. She also made reservations for their group (they doubled with another couple)at a restaurant that served his favorite food – chicken fingers and French fries.
I encourage everyone to like and share this for three reasons:
1. To show support for special kids like Jon
2. To show support for groups that promote these friendships
3. To remind us all, in a time when we hear about all the terrible
things going on, that there are wonderful kids like Maddie working to make other’s lives better.” 
Author: Jon’s Mother
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The focus of my Daily Positive Impact posts is captured in many studies:
–Witnessing acts of kindness produces Oxytocin, which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when we’re anxious or shy in a social situation: www.randomactsofkindness.org
–Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.
–In the 2016 article, “POSITIVE EMOTIONS AND WELLBEING,” by Marianna Pogosyan, Ph.D. she wrote, “The health benefits of positive emotions is well documented. They improve physical health. With frequent experience and expression of positive emotions comes resilience and resourcefulness.”
I hope, through the publication of positive stories and resources, to energize readers to take their own actions to make our world a better place. If you are already there, thanks!!
Have a healthy and impactful life, Peter Prichard CMF
-WEBSITE/BLOG – Have Positive Impact – https://havepositiveimpact.com/
-AUTHOR – the International #1 Amazon Bestseller and Readers’ Favorite 5 Star Award Recipient – “Have a Positive Impact During Uncertain Times” – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732793808 – All revenue from the sale of my three books available on Amazon goes to Lessening Sexual Assault and Bullying, Lessening Deaths by Tobacco Products, and Increasing Instances of Positive Impact.