How SoulKids Changed My Life

How SoulKids Changed My Life

By Sashwika S Venkatraman
SoulKids Ambassador, www.soulkids.org

30th July 2018

Hello, my name is Sashwika and I am 14 years old.

Today I would like to talk about my experience with SoulKids and how it has helped and changed me throughout my growing years. I know that as teens it is crucial to develop a healthy mindset and that is a fundamental step that leads to a happy and successful future.

I began my SoulKids journey at the age of 9. Frankly, at that time I didn’t know what I was signing up for. I was a shy, introverted kid that just did what my mum insisted on. I remember on the way to SoulKids my mother was excited and kept talking about how beneficial this was going to be for me. I didn't really believe her at that time but I am who I am today because of this step my mother took for me and SoulKids really did change my life.

SoulKids has played a significant role in making me into the positive person I am today. The environment at SoulKids was so open, positive and friendly. The mentors were friendly and at the end of the session, you wouldn't want to leave. It was a very safe space and you could happily speak your mind without being judged or feeling shy. At SoulKids, critical life lessons are conveyed in engaging ways. We learn these through many stories and games that are both interesting and fun. SoulKids has been such a game changer in my life and I will now share with you how.

When I had just started SoulKids at the age of 9, I was kind but very shy. I wouldn’t speak my mind and would hide from social situations in school. I wasn’t worried about this until I started to get bullied. I kept questioning everything. Why was I getting bullied when nothing was wrong with me? How come I got targeted just because I was slightly different, I mean wasn’t everyone different in their own way? For a while, I was trying to hold my ground but soon I started to develop insecurities relating to my personality, appearance, and ethnicity. I was so sad coming back from school and I felt like life was so unfair. I would constantly cry and wish I was someone else till I came to SoulKids.

Two SoulKids stories really stuck with me then and continue to do so even now. These stories taught me that my happiness was in my own hands, not in other people’s control. I had the power to make myself happy and no one could take that away from me. This gave me a new outlook on life and I started to consciously make an effort to think positive.

As teenagers, we continue to face challenges in the form of peer pressure or the media. Social media plays a huge role in our lives. Yes, it has its benefits such as the ability to communicate with others and make new friends and catch up but it can have a negative effect as well. It can often set unrealistic standards for both behaviour and appearance which can be quite harmful to a teenagers mental and physical health. Not to forget the bullying that can also happen. The SoulKids lessons have always helped me keep myself in check.

The lessons are deeply ingrained in my mind. I now realize and believe that I am unique and special in my own way and I should love myself for that. The most important thing I learnt was that you should never compare yourself to others because you are you and not them. This has had a great impact on my thoughts and helped me feel more confident about myself. It has helped me focus on everything I like about myself and enjoy doing. I am a happier person now and I am no longer an insecure girl that was defined by others standards. SoulKids taught me to be the best me that I could be and that completely changed me.  

As I am only 14, I understand that these aren't the only obstacles that are in my path. There are many more to come but through SoulKids I have the confidence that I can manage them no matter what and keep a positive mind always. Whenever my life takes a turn I always look at it from a different perspective instead of getting flustered, angry or sad. There is always a SoulKids story or lesson to go back to. My method of dealing with issues has changed and I am able to help those around me to be the best people they can be as well. When I look at myself now I realise that I am the confident, positive girl all thanks to my SoulKids experience. 

My gratitude goes entirely to SoulKids for helping me become the person I am today. I wish all children could experience SoulKids just like me!

Best Regards,
Sashwika

SoulKids is an award-winning training program of essential life-skills for children.

Read more about SoulKids here www.soulkids.org

The next SoulKids Self-Confidence program is coming up on 6 / 7  / 8  August. An ideal moment for your child to grow self-confidence and have fun during the school holidays at the same time.

For registration, click here.

For all upcoming SoulKids events click http://www.soulkids.org/events

One on One coaching sessions can be booked at your convenience by contacting the SoulKids Manager, Vidhya on soulkids@soulcentre.org

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE CARDS - SOULKIDS

Do you ever wish you could simply find the answer to a question in life or do you ever feel a bit lost and would just love for some words of wisdom?

Well we have the solution, or as we love to say, the SOUL-ution.

SoulKids Inspirational Words of Wisdom – Our SOUL Card series.

• Children can play a game and pick out a card and think of an occasion when they acted like this or think of an occasion when they saw this quality in others.
• They can send cards as gift notes.
• They can put them on their walls.
• Leave these cards in your home and see the difference in your child’s self confidence. 

Available through SoulKids – Order on line or simply just drop us an E-mail and order your set today.

www.soulkids.org

Interview with Dana Ilies, SoulKids Mentor

Sally: What brought you to SoulCentre & SoulKids?

Dana: I first applied for an open job position at SoulCentre. I was recommended by a friend who is a student at SoulCentre.

In my interview I was very impressed by Sally who I found to be a very positive and happy person and by the calmness and peacefulness of SoulCentre itself.

And when I was accepted into the company, little did I realize that working for SoulCentre would be so exciting. In my 6 months since, I’ve grown and learnt about life and work, beyond my imagination. I’ve been involved in areas from basic admin to future planning, and everyday has been a fun and learning experience for me.

S: How did you hear about SoulCentre/ SoulKids?

D: My friend’s daughter attends SoulKids and she really loved Sally and Vikas. She told me how nice they are and how everybody at SoulCentre is happy and friendly.

I was recommended to SoulCentre by my friend.

S: What were your experiences of the SoulKids Mentor Training and the SoulKids Weekend?

D: The SoulKids Mentor training was the most transforming and enlightening experience of my life.

Vikas teaches that in order to be a Mentor you have to be an example of what you teach, and that the first step to mentoring is to make your teachings a part of you. You can’t give what you don’t have.

I think this is why the SoulKids programs are so powerful, because Mentors not only transmit information, they are living examples of what they teach.

The SoulKids weekend was a blast. To see 23 children have so much fun while learning such powerful life lessons was a true joy. I was impressed by the way children really absorb the lessons in SoulKids.

Hearing them say “This is my best day ever” or “I want to come to SoulKids everyday” was very rewarding too.

I’m also very grateful that I had such wonderful fellow Mentors on the mentor training with me. We were a very good team and had the best time together.

S: How has SoulKids changed you as an individual?

D: I will be the most positive person I know! This is my new motto after the SoulKids Mentor Training.

I’m empowered with all the wisdom Vikas gave us during training, and I now know how to keep myself positive and transmit positivity to people around me.

SoulKids mentor Training was really transformational for me!

S: What is your most important lesson from the SoulKids training?

D: It’s so difficult to choose only one!

I’d say the one that impressed me the most was the story of 10 000 mirrors who teaches us that the universe is a reflection of what we are.

If we are unhappy and negative, then what we see is all that’s unhappy and negative. If we want the universe to give us positive things we have to change our inside first.

There are so many great lessons, but that’s been a very impactful one for me!

S: What are your hopes / dreams and visions going forward?

D: My dream is to transmit the SoulKids wisdom and life lessons to as many children as I can.

I’m convinced that if we equip children with life skills which guide them to success and happiness, then not only will we have a lot more happy people, we will also be living in a better world.

I want to change the world one child at a time!

S: Anything else you want to share with our readers?

D: Action brings results, intentions don’t! I learnt this in my mentor training, and I apply it every day.

I advise everyone to get in touch and learn from SoulCentre, it will change your life for the better.

Thank you.

Parenting tips for stress free travel

The holidays are finally here!

Summer vacations, trips back home, family time, and travel to exotic locations. While all of the above sounds exciting and fun, if you are not well prepared, they can prove to be stressful as well.

So here are our top tips to enjoy stress-free holiday with your family:

1. Plan in advance.

Children need something to do, something that stimulates them and excites them. Just sightseeing or tagging along for a shopping trip sounds extremely boring to them. Instead make a fun experience out of the same outing. Let them lead the way for you or talk to you about where you're headed. Get them to do some research in advance and take on the role of a guide or explorer. By giving them this responsibility, you are just turning a potentially boring trip for them into a fun learning experience.

2. Set some goals

A fun way to engage the children is to sit together as a family and set some holiday goals for each of you. Make sure the goals are achievable, realistic and measurable. Set goals for yourself too and work on them everyday. When the children see you working on your goals, it inspires them to work on theirs too.

3. Encourage the children to read.

Holidays and travel are a great time to read. SoulKids books provide a wealth of wonderful stories, which not just intrigue their interest but also serve as a wonderful conversation starter. The stories in SoulKids books help you to coach and mentor your children even whilst on holiday.

The SoulKids® books support the children to earn essential life skills such as self-confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, leadership and resilience.

You will be able to relate to the stories as you travel and explain the lessons with real life situations.

For example one story teaches about seeing the good in every situation – this could apply to many situations whilst travelling.

4. Start each holiday morning on a positive note.

Switch your thinking from 'what can go wrong' to 'what an exciting new experience, I’ll make the most of it'.

This way you transmit your positivity to your children and create for them the opportunities to see positive thinking in action.

5. Remember holidays are meant for rest and rejuvenation, whilst having fun.

It is a well-deserved time-off not just for you but for the children as well. Make it your goal to create happy memories.

After all " the quality of what you do is more important than how much you do."

SoulKids was a huge success in May!!

SOULKIDS WAS A HUGE SUCCESS IN MAY!!

We had an amazing time with 23 children at SoulKids on 14/15th May at the Hollandse Club.

Children gave us some wonderful feedback about what they learnt in SoulKids …

•  I learnt to work in a team. 

•  I learnt to be patient.

•  I learnt how to be confident and open-minded.

•  I learnt to never give up on my dream.

•  I learnt that my value does not change even if someone makes fun of me.

•  I learn lots of new things - it's great fun.

•  I learnt to be happy with who I am.

•  I learnt that I should be positive because what comes around goes around.

•  It's fantastic and such fun and I learnt so much.

•  It's so lovely and I became creative and happy.

•  I felt so happy, amazing and so special.

•  I feel happy, great, positive, strong and awesome.

•  It was such a new experience. I am so happy and I made so many new friends.

•  I learnt to be positive and not negative.

•  It's SUPER fun and I left feeling amazed and cheerful.

•  I have learnt to be a leader.

•  I learnt to inspire others.

•  I want to come back every day.

Children love SoulKids and the lessons we share stay with the children as they mature in life.

"I LOVE SoulKids - it teaches things in such a FUN manner and it teaches me how to LIVE my life and how to ACT in life."

More information about SoulKids programs on www.soulkids.org

Interview with SoulKids® Mentor - Simon

Hi everyone! My name is Simon (although I have been known as sausage and snail on the SoulKids® Programs!). Originally from the UK, I moved to Singapore with my wife and two sons in July 2014 after 11 years living and working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I love to travel and enjoy outdoor activities. 

In 2014, I completed a charity 7-day, 250km trek across the arctic circle with a team of Husky Dogs...awesome fun and one of the best experiences of my life. 

My SoulKids® journey started in November 2014 after attending a SoulKids® Mentor Training talk with Vikas. I immediately knew that the SK program fitted in with my values, contained inspirational life changing stories for young minds and.....sounded like lots of fun! Sign me up!

I was not disappointed! The SK Mentor training program was amazing...a real mix of activities, stories and games all focused on helping children cultivate a confident, positive, happy and open mind. As part of the training, the other Mentors and I got to be involved in a full weekend program where we all told stories, led activities and most importantly got to see how the children grew in confidence over the weekend. A special moment for me was sharing the experience with my son, who really enjoyed the whole SK experience and still loves reminding me of the lessons!

Since graduating as a Mentor, I have been involved in delivering both the full SK weekend and SoulKids® Quickstart Programs. It is so rewarding to observe how the children grow in confidence as they listen to the stories, take part in the activities and are able to share the lessons they have learnt. Very wise kids indeed!

SoulKids® is a transformational program and I am certainly looking forward to more stories, games and confident kids! 

Hope to see you soon for some SK fun!

- Simon

www soulkids.org

Lessons from a Peacock ...

Sally had a wonderful experience recently in Singapore. She was staying at The Capella hotel in Singapore and decided to take a walk in the rain. All the other guests were indoors and she felt excited and brave and wanted to walk in the rain and look at the gardens.

Look who she spotted...

SoulKids teaches Essential Life-Skills to Children

What a beautiful bird the peacock is..
Just look at the shape of the bird and its amazing colours.

SoulKids teaches Essential Life-Skills to Children

Sally said it reminded her of 'The Dancing Peacock' story in The SoulKids Book of Self-Confidence - Book 2. Peacocks dance in the rain - we can all learn something from this. 

Storms will come in life - things will not go the way you want them to. However do not run and hide, be like the peacock, simply give it your best and go out and dance in the rain.

Show your best - your true colours and simply dance

We like the outfit Sally is wearing - it is really the same colours as the Peacock ... Amazing ... The Universe was telling Sally that she is also like the peacock we think ;)

SoulKids® Rockstar - Ella

Sally our roving reporter has been out and about doing her interviews again. She met up with ELLA and had a wonderful discussion.

Q (Sally): Ella how old are you?

Ella: I am 8 years old

Q: You are fairly new to SoulKids®, when did you attend?

E: About 2 weeks ago

Q: What did you like about SoulKids®?

E: I liked the stories because they taught me new things. I also like the great teachers.

Wow thanks Ella – the teachers will be happy to hear that!

Q: What was your favourite story?

E: I liked the Bruce Lee story because it taught us never to give up and to always say YES to life.

Also once you start something, be determined and finish it.

Wow – great lesson Ella!

Q: Anything else you learnt?

E: I learnt to stop looking at others and what they have got, and to start looking at yourself and what you have. Do not be jealous of others- be happy with who you are and what you have got.

Amazing learning Ella – thanks for sharing.

Q: What would you like to see in the world?

E: I would like there to be no wars and have peace.

I would also like to see flying cars.

Q: And what about your dream? What do you want to be when you grow up?

E: I want to be a famous gymnastic teacher.

Wow Ella – that is exciting – what qualities do you have to achieve this?

E: I am gifted in being strong and a risk-taker.

I get lots of support and I practice a lot.

I also am happy when I help others.

Q: Anything else you learnt at SoulKids® you want to share?

E: Do not be afraid to put your hand up and tell what you know, even if it’s wrong.

Make friends and be kind and happy to others.

Do not feel sad when someone says something bad to you because you are special.

Be STRONG and have CONFIDENCE to always be YOU.

Q: Wow Ella- you are amazing and I think you will be an awesome teacher when you get older.

E: Can I tell one final story?

I had auditions a couple of days ago and they told us our roles. I did not get a main role and I was really sad, but then I thought life is full of opportunities and just because I did not get a main role that does not mean I should stop loving acting and and stop doing it. Just because one audition did not work out – it should not stop you from loving what you do.

Thanks Ella- great advice for us all.

We really look forward to having you back in SoulKids® soon.

SoulKids® Creative Mindset - 27th September 2015

What is the main lesson that you learnt?

• To be creative and to think outside the box
• It taught me to be open minded
• It taught me to be passionate and creative in life
• It taught me to be positive
• It taught me to think differently – not like anyone else
• It taught me never to give up
• It taught me that there is more in me than I think
• Always to try new things
• To be confident
• Always to be happy
• To believe in myself and to be creative
• I learnt that when you work together more can be done
• I learnt to believe in myself

What words would you use to describe SoulKids®?

• Fun and caring
• Creative
• A great self boost
• Interactive
• Awesome
• Amazing
• Mind Blowing
• The Happy Land
• This girl is on Fire!
• Positive
• Confident
• Helpful
• Kind and so nice
• Creative
• Open Minded
• GRATEFUL to be on SoulKids®
• It’s the best
• Great and the best
• Kind – exciting – cool – so worth it
• Caring and fun ..I am so happy
• Super great and amazing
• Makes me excited
• Life lessons that are awesome – great and cool
• Incredibly magnificent

What would you tell your friends about SoulKids®?

• It can change your life and it is a great experience. It teaches you to be unique and strong and to believe in yourself. SoulKids® is a fun way to learn secrets in life. You better go !
• It’s awesome. My second FAMILY.
• You should go to SoulKids® because it can change your life
• It’s FUN… FUN… FUN…
• You should go to the best place in the world - SOULKIDS® !
• SoulKids® is EXTRA ORDINARY
• It’s so FUN – you must go at least once
• It is awesome
• It’s AMAZING
• You should definitely go to SoulKids® because its amazing
• Its really good fun and you learn a lot of things for life 

SoulKids® weekend a huge success...

31 children and 9 graduating Mentors attended the SoulKids® weekend at the Hollandse Club this month. It was truly a fun and memorable event. Here are a few of the children's comments. 

What do you think of SoulKids® ?

• SoulKids® is awesome 
• It is fun 
• It is cool
• It is very fun and we get to learn new things 
• I like the stories !
• Its fun and joyful 
• Its extra ordinary 
• It teaches us a lot of stuff - its fun and the teachers are amazing !
• The awesomest experience ever !!
• Awesome and fun
• I could understand everything and I had a good time 
• I like how the teachers teach us 
• I had fun and learnt loads
• It is amazing
• Stories are good 
• I love SoulKids® so much !
• I had so much fun 
• Thank you for teaching us - I want to come back - will miss you 
• It is Super 
• Cool - awesome - fun - nice - teachers are nice 
• Thank you for treating me nicely and fairly- I appreciate it - SoulKids® is very fun - I will come back next weekend !!!
• It was awesome and they teach lessons about life
• It is real fun and it is so cool and you get to meet new people 
• It was excellent and FUN 

What are some of the lessons they learnt ?

• How to face my fears
• Do not look at others and what they have got- look at yourself and what you have
• I learnt to TRUST!!
• Face your fear - move forward and it becomes smaller
• Be confident and be positive
• I learnt about my dreams
• I learnt that we are special
• Always say yes to life
• Face your fears
• Be patient... Pursue your passion
• Never give up - be confident and stay positive!
• Do not not listen to negative words or let them affect you
• Focus on your goals and be consistent
• Now I have entered SoulKids® - if someone tells me negative words I will not listen - they will not pull me down
• I learnt to work as a team
• I learnt that in leadership, trust and confidence are important
• I learnt team work - never to give up - trust others and patience
• I learnt to be happy 

8 TIPS ON HOW TO BE AN INSPIRATION TO YOUR CHILD

Lessons From a Swan

It’s that wonderful time of year when many of us are blessed to take a break and go on holiday.

Vikas & Sally our SoulKids founders spent time in the Lake District in the UK and have just returned. They have shared many wonderful stories of all the animals and birds they met and some of the lessons that we can all learn from observing nature.

One beautiful encounter was with a swan on one of the lakes – look at the photo – how beautiful he is.

So what can we learn from the Swan as we go about our daily life?
Lets consider these points and apply them to our lives just for one day.
Become like the Swan and see how life changes.
If you like the changes then apply them each and every day ;)

1. The Swan is elegant and graceful on the surface, even though he is really very busy paddling his feet under the water.
2. The Swan is peaceful.
3. The Swan is silent and calm and only makes a noise when really needed.
4. The Swan gives out an energy of tranquility.
5. The Swan is CONFIDENT – just like all those of you who have been on SoulKids.
6. The Swan watches and learns from everything around him.
7. Every person who comes into contact with the Swan truly admires him.

So reflect on the qualities of the Swan and apply them into your life.

Singapore is 50 on 9th August ! Happy Happy Happy Birthday!

Hey SoulKids – what an exciting time to be living in Singapore
How are you planning to celebrate the 50th Birthday?

The first suggestion we have is to give GRATITUDE to Singapore – it’s truly an amazing place to live in.

50 years ago Singapore was very different to today and it’s all down to the hard work and dedication of the founders of Singapore.

So here is a challenge to you all – do something nice to 50 random elderly Singaporeans (ideally those aged 65 and over). It’s a nice surprise and a way of saying thank-you and that we all appreciate all the work they did to make Singapore great. Talk it over with mum and dad and get the whole family involved.

Do you think you can do this? We think it will be fun.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Give them a smile and say "thank you for making Singapore great"
• Shake their hand or ask if you can give them a free HUG ;) Just like the ones you get on SoulKids®.
• Write 50 creative thank you notes and give them out.
• Offer to help them in some way – carry their shopping /clean their windows/ walk the dog etc.
• If you have a full piggy bank – maybe you want to buy a local coffee/tea to some of the elders you meet. Or maybe give a flower or a chocolate to make them smile.
• Tell your friends about this idea and get them to do the same! Your friends should also come on SoulKids® for their free hugs from Sally & Vikas ;)
• Write to us and tell us what you did – take photos and feature on our upcoming blogs.

Do let us know if you are going to do this – once you shout out to the Universe that you intend to do it – then amazing things happen – so get ready!

Remember the Grand Canyon Story – what you give out comes back to you …so make it AWESOME!!!

Sally, Vikas and the whole of SoulCentre® and SoulKids® team are also going to do this – so lets together make everyone happy!

SoulKids sets children ablaze with joy

SoulKids® believes that every child comes with the promise of potential. That children are furnaces to be lit, not buckets to be filled. As a certified SoulKids® Mentor and Coach, I was lucky enough to facilitate a blazing inferno of child furnaces, as I hosted my first SoulKids® Self Confidence Weekend.

Along with my team I welcomed 12 eager yet somewhat apprehensive children aged 8 to 11 into the program. They soon learned that this was their ‘safe space’, a place for them to shine and realize their limitless potential. What followed were 2 days of what children love most… having fun. They heard engaging stories and played endless games – each loaded with concepts and lessons of life skills that were easily digested and absorbed, because when a child is having fun they are engaged and their mind is wide open.

We covered important issues such as bullying, losing, friendships, fear and opened them up to a world of possibility and empowerment. They danced, they screamed with joy during the games and were focused and reflective during the stories. For many these concepts were new. They relished the notion that there were techniques they could use to be happier; that they could improve their self-esteem and were in control of their emotions.

We were able to facilitate the transformation of some who were quite anxious about entering the program – worried they would have to do something in front of other people - only to watch them stand confidently on a chair and present to the group, positively beaming.

On the second morning we had a bunch of children waiting at the door an hour before the program was meant to begin, as they were so eager to return for more!

The parents’ session I held at the conclusion of the weekend armed parents with tools to carry the momentum into the household in order to keep their child’s furnace alight and glowing. The feedback from them and the children has been incredible.

I feel blessed to have conducted this program together with my amazing team, and eagerly look forward to my next SoulKids® program in August.
Let the fires rage on…

If you want your child to benefit from SoulKids®, get in touch with me on nicischueler@bigpond.com or write to SoulKids® on info@soulcentre.org



Three Beautiful SoulKids® from Thailand

Meet Patty (11)  Palmy (10) and Kaytie (8) as they showcase their awesome artwork that will be included in the next upcoming SoulKids® book.

Their drawings will be seen all over the world to help illustrate some of the inspirational SoulKids® stories.