Pay It Forward Day

Did you know today is “Pay It Forward Day?”  Wikipedia states the expression "pay it forward" is used to describe the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead.  And for most of us, we also think of the movie with the same title and philosophy. In 2000, PAY IT FORWARD (the movie) was about a boy who had to create a way to help the world. His idea was to repay good deeds by doing a good deed for three new people and thus would spider-web out to help many others.

There is no measurement or size of the good deed. It may be as simple as buying the person’s coffee behind you in line, giving up your seat on the subway or waiting room, or donating food, etc.  And I’d recommend getting your kids involved in these deeds.  Speaking of donating food and getting kids involved, our preschool just donated 811 pounds of food to our local pantry in March.  Many people donate food during the holidays, but few think of donating at other times.  Consider donating during other ‘non-prime’ periods

When it comes to unconditional acts of generosity, Pay it Forward Day, founded by Australian Blake Beattie, inspires others to pass on good deeds. Blake states ‘One good deed might not seem like much, but if everyone did something good for someone else, then the cycle of generosity and kindness can inspire us to become better people. Imagine if everyone paid kindness forward every day – what a difference that would make!”

How can one ordinary person -- you or me -- make a positive difference in this world? One way is the practice "paying it forward." While the steps might be simple, the outcome could change the world.   And the idea of how to “change the world” is a great toss back to yesterday’s “ARK” blog and to our tag line that we and Send Out Cards are “changing lives… one card at a time…” when appreciation, kindness, sympathy, empathy, and so many emotions are sent out celebrating and remembering another person.

If you did anything today, we’d love to hear from you.  Drop us a note and share what you did today to pay it forward.  Our gift today – free greeting card for each of you. Send any themed card (Mother’s Day, birthday, graduation, etc) on us and make a difference in someone’s day.  Cheering you on - Danielle