Paying It Forward

[Logicaly]

So when my sister was a junior in high school, it was her first week at a new school, she had just transferred there from another school she was having some issues at. She was let out of class a few minutes early and was driving home. She was doing the speed limit, obeying all traffic laws, had a green light, and this other high school kid ran out in front of her. She swerved to try and avoid hitting him while slamming on the breaks, instead of getting out of the way, the kid jumps on the hood of the car, crashes into the wind shield and then bounces off. She crashed into the center divide, and into the sign post. Sign post goes right through the front window the car, and literally missed stabbing right through her by inches. She of course was completely shook up. I was at home with my mom that day, my dad was at work with our only other car that was a good 45 minutes away. I had no way to get to my sister.

Two mothers who where there picking up their kids that day at that time, saw the accident happen. They immediately parked their cars and went over to my sister. One stayed with her and made sure she was okay, the other came and picked me up when she found out I had no way to get there. We had never met these women before in our lives and they could have easily done what everyone else does when they see an accident, slow down, look, and then keep driving. Instead they stopped and helped, they made it possible for me to get to my sister when she needed me the most.

Now I have to admit, before that day, I never really stopped at accidents, I was one of the people that slowed down, looked and then kept going. Now, I always make it a point to stop, the only time I don't is when I see that other people are already on the scene because there is no need to make it complicated. I always offer a bottle of water or just make sure they are alright. It is not much, but some times that is all that is needed.

[LaneyDoll]

Originally Posted by ScandalAndy

tonight, as i was standing in the concession line at the movies, the older couple in front of me turned around and handed me their free popcorn voucher.

i settled for thanking them profusely, even though i really wanted to hug them. the only reason i got to go to the movies tonight is because my friend had free passes and invited me along.

Originally Posted by sierragirrl

funny i ran into this thread.i have just set it up with a friend of mine who is raising her grandaughter to purchase a bike for the granddaughter next month. She is at the age where girls start to be mean to other girls and has lost alot of her "friends".she suffers from low self esteem.her mother is a recovering drug addict and is raising another child but not this one.She really is a good seed and shoot a bike = excersize so thats a plus.
i will be dropping off the bike when she is not around,i want her to know there are people out there who love her.

Things like this are paying it forward. Good deeds, often done without recognition and for random reasons. A lot of times, these deeds are small, do not involve a lot of money and benefit chance strangers. I am not saying that donating to charity etc is not paying it forward but the basic idea is to do things randomly, as the opportunity presents, for people you do not know or barely know.

From the internet:
~Steps
1. Be attentive wherever you are for opportunities to help someone. Perhaps you have an elderly or disabled neighbor who is too proud to ask for help with their yard work or maybe you're in a restaurant and see someone who looks like they could use some kind stranger to pay for their meal. You can change people's attitudes about the world through your unobtrusive acts of kindness.

2. Do something nice for someone you don't know (or don't know very well). It should be something significant, and not for a person from whom you expect a good deed -- or anything at all, for that matter -- in return.

3. Spread the word. If the person thanks you and wants to "repay" you (that is, pay it "back"), let them know that what you'd really like is for them to pay it "forward" -- you'd like them to do something nice for three people they don't know, and ask those three people to do something nice for three more people. The idea is to consciously increase the goodness of the world.4Pay it forward. When you notice that somebody has done something nice for you, make a note in your mind to practice three acts of kindness towards other people, as described in Step 3.

~Tips:
*The "pay it forward" concept was popularized with the book Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde, which was later made into a movie with the same title.
*Even small acts, such as paying the bridge toll for the car behind you when you pay for your own, counts. If it makes the world a friendlier place, you succeeded!
*Practicing the "pay it forward" principle will make you alert to unexpected kindness from strangers toward you, and you may find yourself becoming more grateful for everyday kindness and consideration from people you don't even know.

[Tommi]

We are the world. We are the Children.

Love ya
Tommi.

[princessbelle]

What a WONDERFUL thread. You ALL are so inspiring.

There are opportunities everywhere. Really there are. As a nurse doing home health i try and watch for those. We aren't allowed to donate money or items to these families. But, what we ARE allowed to do is take the time to "hear them".

Sometimes it's as easy as that. People are lonely. Everyone wants to be heard and validated. Everyone has a story.

When you say in passing "hi, how are you today" and you get a look of sadness, maybe take the time to pat a shoulder in Wall-Mart or at the grocery store and see if they want to talk.

It can mean a world of difference to someone who is lonely and in need of friend to hear them, even if it's 5 minutes of our time.

Cost=nothing. Time=very little. Difference=could be huge.

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by LaneyDoll

Things like this are paying it forward. Good deeds, often done without recognition and for random reasons. A lot of times, these deeds are small, do not involve a lot of money and benefit chance strangers. I am not saying that donating to charity etc is not paying it forward but the basic idea is to do things randomly, as the opportunity presents, for people you do not know or barely know.

From the internet:
~Steps
1. Be attentive wherever you are for opportunities to help someone. Perhaps you have an elderly or disabled neighbor who is too proud to ask for help with their yard work or maybe you're in a restaurant and see someone who looks like they could use some kind stranger to pay for their meal. You can change people's attitudes about the world through your unobtrusive acts of kindness.

2. Do something nice for someone you don't know (or don't know very well). It should be something significant, and not for a person from whom you expect a good deed -- or anything at all, for that matter -- in return.

3. Spread the word. If the person thanks you and wants to "repay" you (that is, pay it "back"), let them know that what you'd really like is for them to pay it "forward" -- you'd like them to do something nice for three people they don't know, and ask those three people to do something nice for three more people. The idea is to consciously increase the goodness of the world.4Pay it forward. When you notice that somebody has done something nice for you, make a note in your mind to practice three acts of kindness towards other people, as described in Step 3.

~Tips:
*The "pay it forward" concept was popularized with the book Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde, which was later made into a movie with the same title.
*Even small acts, such as paying the bridge toll for the car behind you when you pay for your own, counts. If it makes the world a friendlier place, you succeeded!
*Practicing the "pay it forward" principle will make you alert to unexpected kindness from strangers toward you, and you may find yourself becoming more grateful for everyday kindness and consideration from people you don't even know.

[Morgan]

[Vlasta]

What a great thread !!!!! Thank you

Working in the medical field all my life I never treated just a patient , but a whole family and I always made an extra step which doesn't cost you anything , but it comfort everyone involved in crisis . While I was still working ER before working in an anesthesia it was traumatic itself for the patient and family just to be in ER at many times with a life threatening conditions . Yes , it was extra work , but very satisfying to me .

I went to a grocery store and I heard " Nurse , nurse " I turned around and there was a person said you saved my life . Well , I didn't feel I saved someone's life on my own , but obviously I made that impression on the patient by my actions . This particular patient had a heart attack and want to leave and go home . I was always honest and stern . I told him and his wife . If you leave you will die . Harsh ? Yes , but truthful . Thank God he listened . It was so great to see him and his wife still together and happy . Many times when people approach me , I am embarrassed since I don't remember " you took care of my mom or dad " . I see so many people on daily bases it was very hard to remember everyone circumstances .

As for giving , I am all for it . I have means to do so and never hesitated to give . I believe in an another thread I stated , I donate and adopt a family or single mother in need .

This past holiday was a first time I didn't do anything since my own life was in turmoil , I felt guilty for not doing anything this year , but my situation was too demanding and I was too involved in it . We really didn't have the Christmas and call me crazy, but this coming Monday we will have a typical Czech Christmas dinner as a family . No tree , but family time since we couldn't do it during the holidays .

Yet , we as family combining two houses together I am not interested in craigslist , everything will be donated to people in need . The economy it's so bad , people are lacking a basic things , I am not interested to get any money for anything we no need . Actually it's a shame we have so many things when there are people they are having a hard time to put food on the table for they family.

I hope this makes some sense since I am writing this , because my pain woke me up and I needed to take my antibiotics . I will never forget people in need and when I can , I will always do something no matter what . I was raised that way by my parents my heroes , many posts I read here just wrench my heart .

I wish I could help more .

much love to all

Vlasta

[Sachita]

If everyone looked in their own backyard/community you'll see so many little things. You just simply need to walk out your door and adopt the attitude that we are all human beings living the human experience or trying to. If we all realized that we are all truly connected, part of each other, then we might find it easier to nurture and embrace all things.

Be kind and considerate of all things.

[Heavenleahangel]

I have been "paying it forward" ever since I was old enough to realize I came from the poor side of town and everytime someone would bring clothes or shoes or food to my Mama, I would feel sooo guilty for getting whatever was being brought as I knew there were many of my friends at school that was worse off than I was.
I started by taking whatever I couldn't wear and passed it along. Anytime I had a treat, I shared it with my best friend, etc. That made me feel a little better.
Now, I will find things at yard sales/consignment stores and pass them along to some of my friend's kids who are poor like I was growing up. I know these kids need the stuff and I am more than happy to pass along the blessings.

I start in late summer shopping the clearance sales on toys to pass along at Christmas. ALWAYS shop end of season sales like now, this time of year to get good deals on clothing. Some I pass along now if I can find someone who can use it, the rest I store til next season. I do this every chance I get.

I ALWAYS buy consignment for my son who is 4. If I have to buy new, I consign the clothing back or pass them down to someone else I know. No one can believe my son is wearing used clothing! He is always dressed in style and in good taste. It saves $$ and helps other parents who are in the same position as I was/am.

Most importantly in my life, I am responsible for 5 individuals who have varying levels of developmental delays. None of them are "adults" mentally. My family-which I call them as I am like "Mom" to them and take total care of them like their own mom's would. I am "Mom" to 3 of them! This is a full-time job, the pay isn't much, the "benefits" from the job are non-existent, but the benefits I get from knowing my "kids" are well fed, have a safe, stable roof over thir heads, medical care, clean clothes, health care-everything a bio mom would do. It's like having 4 teenagers around the age of 14-16 and 1 who is around the age of 10!
I love it! I give to these poeple what their own families can't or WONT give them. This is my pleasure. My calling. I know I will not be able to mother them forever and they will move on in life to another program or placement, but I know when they leave my care, they have felt valued and respected as human beings and know what it's like to be safe, loved and *wanted.* Something many have never felt.

[Andrea]

My life is so blessed. Even in the tougher emotional times, I have it better than many people. My honey enjoys anonymously purchasing meals for people. I hate to see people have to put back food when short money at the grocery store, so I will step up and pay.

Most of our neighbors are below poverty level income, disabled and/or elderly. We share foods from our garden and find ways to help them with dignity. One time we did that by offering a neighbor a new folding chair for his front porch because his had no seat strings. We told him our dad couldn't use it and we thought he might take it off our hands.

I order freebies that are then donated to our local homeless shelter. Shampoo, toothpaste, lotion...... For those of you that travel, consider donating the shampoo, etc from your hotel rooms.

Each payday we look around us to see if any of our friends, neighbors, friends of friends, etc., need some financial help. It seems like someone is always in need of a little extra help.

Like someone else mentioned, I smile at everyone. I remember days when a smile from someone made the world less heavy.

Paying it forward is the best medicine in the world.

[Jett]

A small "extra" garden on the boulevard, between the sidewalk and street (check city ordinances first) with tomatoes etc. for those who walk by (lots where we live) with a little staked sign facing sidewalk "Pls take what you need"... always nearly picked bare but happily I've never seen anyone one person strip it bare... anyway, just a thought for city dwellers....