Today, for the n’th time, I experienced the thrill of having my faith in the goodness of humanity reaffirmed.

A paradigm shifted in my ‘world-view’ around 11 years ago. Strangely enough (coincidentally?), it was around that time when I got seriously involved in my non-profit activity.

In 1997, I was a freshly graduated heart surgeon, with a big (if uncertain) dream about helping children with congenital heart defects. My monthly salary as an Assistant Professor was around $300. My online activities were earning another $500 to $750 a month.

My dream involved the generation of $2,500 to sponsor heart surgery - and do it many times a year!

I had no clue how to go about it. No advisors or guides to share this plan with. No mentors to ask for guidance about the best way forward.

What I had, though, were 3 powerful tools -

Passion. Purpose. Persistence.

With the confidence and assurance of ignorance, I bravely set out on the exciting journey that has completely changed my life and revised my outlook on people and their attitudes.

My friend, best-selling author John Harricharan once said something very profound:

“The Universe conspires to fulfill a dream that will not be denied.”

And it is so very true.

With no assets, knowledge or network to begin with, I found that with every step I took along this rocky path, circumstances brought me into contact with the right people at the right time.

The list of wonderful, amazing and inspiring people I must thank, acknowledge and appreciate is too long to post here (and I’m afraid of missing out one or more of them), so I won’t do it now. But there are many.

And what primarily was responsible for my paradigm shift is the fact that without exception, all of them surprised and astounded me by their willingness to help - and their reluctance/refusal to accept payment or reimbursement for their assistance.

I have received literally thousands of dollars worth of services and support for activities linked to fund-raising for the Dr.Mani Children Heart Foundation, and for the performance of heart operations on children from poor families.

Right now, I am engaged in the interesting process of shooting a short film (a documentary) showcasing the work we have done so far in sponsoring 23 heart surgeries through the Foundation. I am working with a talented, passionate and expert team of film directors, graphic specialists, animators and more.

And I am floored at how they so willingly and happily offer to donate their time and services to the process of crafting a cinematographic appeal to help many more kids live.

These services, rendered towards the making of a commercial film, would cost easily in the range of $10,000 to $25,000, probably more. I have been given an estimated budget of $2,250 - and the director promises to try and bring it in at much less!

I consider myself truly blessed and fortunate to have made the acquaintance of so many fantastic, generous and noble people.

None of it might have happened had I given up on my dream, or not taken the bold step out into the unclear future to try and ‘Cross the Road’.

It has been a wonderful, enriching and instructive experience. One I would urge you and every person reading this blog to try and enjoy in your life.

Cross the Road. This free ebook may help you too.