Paying It Forward

Paying It Forward

April 28th is "Global Pay It Forward Day" and it's kind of a big deal (especially with the tumult the world seems to constantly be in right now). It was established in 2007 and has grown to include official participation by over 80 countries as well as having over 100 additional proclamations from participating cities. So what's it really all about? From the Pay It Forward Foundation:

"Pay It Forward Day is a global initiative that exists to make a difference by creating a huge ripple of kindness felt across the world. Of course, our hope is that people pay kindness forward every day and make each day that little bit brighter. We believe that small acts, when multiplied by millions of people can literally change the world for the better — and on April 28th we’ll set out to prove it! For this year’s international Pay it Forward Day (PIFD) we are aiming to inspire over 10 million acts of kindness around the world. Imagine the difference that would make!"

Seriously...imagine what a difference that could make.

If you've been with me any length of time at all, you've heard me talk about what it was like growing up with my Grandma. We lived next door to her and while my parents were working, I was with her. Even when they weren't working, I was usually with her. I will forever be grateful for those years with her and I will always wish I'd had a few more & that my kids could have known her. She was my rock and taught me so many important lessons in life just by being the woman she was. One of the greatest things I learned from her was kindness and unselfish service.

Ganna gave constantly. She had a gift of just knowing the needs people had and it wasn't unusual for her to go without to make sure they had what they needed. Many are the stories my Dad tells of growing up with his parents & the kindnesses they did for others. (Grandpa passed years before I was born but I understand he was the same way.) Their house was across the street from a train depot in a very small dot on the map and back in those days it wasn't uncommon for hobos to ride the rails. The number of hobos that were fed, clothed (often with Grandpa's good shirts), given a place to clean up, some companionship & kindness and a lunch to go are without number. How many lives they touched none of us will ever truly know. And I love, love, love that.

We were always baking for others, taking meals to someone that needed it, mailing cards or letters, making quilts, helping with yardwork or gardening...there was always work to be done. And there was always someone that could use the help. What I loved the most though? We never, ever, ever did any of that stuff for the recognition or to get something in return. (Many times it was done anonymously.) You did the right thing simply because it was the right thing to do. Period.

Since her passing, I've seen my own parents (whether they realize it or not) step into that role graciously. They give, they do, they love, they inspire, they support, they lead, they serve selflessly, they are the kind of people that make this world better by being in it.

It is my hope & my prayer that I'm doing all I can - as a human, as an adult, as a mother - to teach my own children by example. I say that but I've seen enough to know it's just a part of who they are - they came pre-programmed to do good in this world. I've seen them step up time after time, without being asked, to serve others. The way they are the embodiment of the phrase "Be the change you want to see" is inspiring. Their generation is the one that will make this world a better place. I believe that.

There are all sorts of ideas floating around online about small things you can do to make a difference so you really don't need me for that. (Although I do have some amazing cookie recipes you might want to look at in the "Kitchen" to make treats for your friends, neighbors or school staff.) And you don't need me to encourage you to do it more than just for one day. I think we all want better and we understand those little things will have a ripple effect if we let them.

I want to take a couple of minutes to share some of the great brands we've partnered with that are making a difference in the world. I'm just going to give you a very brief overview, but I'd encourage you to take a look at the links and see how they pay it forward every single day. So many of these great companies are the little guys that started with a dream and hold true to those values that inspire them. We can learn so much from them and their example. Please take a look and support them in their efforts.

After a trip to Sierra Leone, our friends at Old Time Candy became involved in the much-needed effort to get clean water to the people of Africa. We take much for granted and, at least for most of us, clean water is one of those things. At the bottom of their webpage you'll find a link under the "About Us" section titled "Water Wells for Africa." If you make a donation through their link, they will match that donation dollar for dollar.

Sadly, one of the most divisive hot topics in our world right now is law enforcement. It is important to remember that these men & women who don the badge are also people - they're mothers & fathers, sons & daughters, husbands & wives, friends & neighbors. Texas True Blue started from a tremendous place of grief and found a way to use that pain for good by supporting families of other fallen officers, financial support for officer training and inner city youth programs. Please read their story.

Not only is Adagio Tea some of the best on the planet, they import their teas directly from the countries in which they are grown, working closely with the farmers who tender them. (The Roots Campaign gives you an in-depth look at the farmers) With their Carbon Offset program, a donation is automatically made to South Pole with each order. That contribution is used to help sponsor the offset of two pounds of carbon through one of South Pole's initiatives. (You can see a live "ticker" showing the impact on their site)

Better World Books could write a book on the contributions they're making. For real. For example: recycling books that were headed to the landfill, eco-friendly shipping, literacy grants & funding for schools & libraries, donating a book for every one they sell, company-wide volunteering & service opportunities - even hurricane support! They are making a huge difference in a lot of ways.

As the only really "big" company on the list, it's important to acknowledge Disney gets a lot of heat for different reasons, but there is no denying their involvement in education, sustainability, recycling, preservation, conservation, giving (particularly to children's charities) and innovation in trying to make the world a better place. Plus, they're Disney - who does Magic better? ;)

As you may know, we have a rescue dog whose life was changed by Hemp My Pet, but they do so much more. They support the work of rescues, shelters & other animal welfare charities working to better the lives of pets, their families, and this planet we all share. "Helping animals has always been our primary focus and it gives us great joy to partner with & support those helping the pets who often need it the most. Health and Wellness comes in many forms and together we strive to make a positive difference."