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| To pay it forward means to have a willingness to help others with the belief that it will come back around to you in the end, without the expectation that it will be reciprocated by that person. In other words, if you do good deeds, you will receive good deeds, in ways you could never predict. Pay It Forward is a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The book was released in January of 2000 and was later made into a movie. The book was written in hopes that it would be an action plan for the way people live; inspiring people to realize that they can change the world. >The
Pay It Forward Foundation< Oprah launched a Pay It Foward Challenge. She gave over 300 people $1,000, a videio camera, and one week. They had to give the money to people in need, who were not related to them. The results were remarkable. >Oprah's Pay It Foward Challenge< For our Pay it Forward campaign we would like to hear from all of our clients, vendors, and staff members about a time when you paid it forward. Please send an e-mail to info@unlimitedcoaching.com or use the Contact Form on our website: www.unlimitedcoaching.com/contact.html We will post new Pay it Forward stories on our site every month and we'll feature a story on our homepage and in our newsletter every month.
Pay it Forward Stories: "I was hostessing at a restaurant on a Friday night and a patron had locked his keys in his car. I called AAA for him, even though I knew it was the LAST free service I had on my remaining subscription. The patron was very thankful and wanted to repay me with money or dinner, I gracefully declined." Jade Whaley UCS Employee "When I was in college, a friend’s parents were very inspiring to me and were always doing kind things for others.One day they invited me to come and sing Christmas Carols in a nursing home. This was a stretch for me for a couple of reasons. One, because I was not very good in medical situations. I had been known to pass out at the eye doctor or when visiting sick relatives in the hospital. And second, because I really can’t hold a tune. At the initial invitation I hesitated, but they assured me that the residents would really appreciate it, and many were hard of hearing and weren’t looking for the Tabernacle Choir performance, or anything similar. With this reassurance, I agreed to the date.
I went to the Senior Center with my friends and one guitar. As we entered I was greeted by the resident manager who introduced me to each and every resident. We sang several songs and visited with all of the residents, many who were pleased just to see a new face, share a smile, or hold my hand. A couple women stopped and wanted to tell me stories of their past loves, days of youth, and fond memories from years ago. It wasn’t the large things, but the little things that were meaningful to them.
We left that day, and I had a memorable glimpse of paying it forward, not expecting anything in return, but making a difference through a smile and a little time. Who knows how those residents paid it forward and the difference it made, but it is the random acts that produce meaningful results." Allison Whiting |