[sylvie]

Love this thread!

i truly believe in paying it forward.. There have been SO many times in my life, that someone has done so for me, and really do all i can each day, no matter how big or small the gesture, to pay it forward ..

i am very passionate about helping women in poverty, because i've been there for years & years.. i am also very passionate about helping children, because as a family in poverty, it still tugs at my heartstrings looking back.. i get overwhelmed with guilt sometimes (& i'm working on that daily) - self forgiveness isn't always easy to find.. And so again, i am working on paying it forward..

Just today, i made some phonecalls ..
After losing weight, i've gathered many of my clothes (most still having tags on them even) and am donating them all to a place that opens it's doors to women in poverty a few times a week.. No charge for what they take.. That was one place i depended on myself and it's important for me to know that someone will benefit from these clothes, and NOT be charged for them ..

Also, i made a phonecall about volunteering at a Community Health Center for Women .. i have depended on this Center for so many things.. They have helped me have my utilities turned back on, they have put me through a self esteem course in 2008 (which really was the beginning of taking my life back), they have offered me so many services throughout the years when i wasn't working - and so now, i would like to pay it forward and help women who are where i once was - if i could offer hope or inspiration - or if i could simply be an ear to listen.. if i could DO something for someone that would help their situation, in any way or make their days easier..

Also, i will be getting involved in a program called the Food Purchasing Club.. It's a non profit organization that is to help members of the community stretch their food dollar by offering access to good quality vegetables and fruit.. Members simply pay 10 or 20 dollars, the money is all pooled together and then the fruit and vegetables are purchased for them direct from wholesalers or in bulk.. Volunteers help purchase, sort and deliver them to the families in need.. This does my heart good, really.. To know i could help with something like this which would ensure families have healthy foods.. i remember that being one of my major concerns for my children, living on the cheap processed foods each day and the lack of nutrition they might be getting..

Just a few of the things i'm working on this week..
Reading everyone's replies here makes me smile, SO inspiring.. We have a Planet full of wonderful souls.. ♥