28th April 2021
Today is International Pay It Forward day. It’s a global initiative aiming to encourage people to make a difference where ever they are in the world.
What is it?
Have you seen the movie ‘Pay It Forward’ or read the novel of the same name? It’s about a young boy who did three good deeds for others in need. In return, all that he wanted was for them to pass on the good deed to three other people and keep the cycle going. It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture, showing kindness towards someone you love or know or even a stranger can create a ripple effect of positivity. Just think how powerful this is; making everyone’s day a little brighter. At the moment I’m sure everyone would welcome a little more brightness in their lives.
This time last year I embarked on an amazing project with 17 other fabulous women where we each wrote a letter to our younger selves sharing the advice we would give knowing what we now know as adults. Are aim was to reach 1 billion lives by stepping forward and sharing our heart-warming personal stories in the hope that those stories will inspire other women around the world; knowing they are not alone. That we all face adversity in some form and from those experiences time, wisdom and intuition can be found. The idea of the book, called The Pay It Forward Series: Notes to My Younger Self encourages readers to read the book and then follow the pay it forward principle; once the book has been read, then that person pays it forward to another: whether that’s a family member, friend or complete stranger. Readers are also able to write their own messages of hope and inspiration in the
message box at the front of the book before passing it on either by leaving it on a train, bus or simply handing to a person in a coffee shop.
It was such a powerful experience writing my story, being vulnerable and recognising the gifts that my story has given me to become the person I am today. I hope by sharing my story someone may read my letter and not feel so alone, that their plight isn’t in vain and one day they too will flourish.
By the very nature of giving there is such positive energy and feelings exchanged between the giver and receiver.
What could you do to Pay It Forward?
Perhaps get your children involved too:
Pay for the next customer’s coffee
Give blood
Clear out any unwanted clothes and take them to a local charity shop
Donate money to a charity
Do someone’s shopping for them who can’t go out
Buy extra cans of food and leave them at a Food Bank
Be creative, what other ideas could you come up with?
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The Pay It Forward day is all about people willingly giving to someone else and making a difference to that person. Being surrounded by people like that creates a cycle of generosity and kindness leading people to become better people. And having that in the world is a great gift.