The banker reached into the folds of his gown, pulled out a single credit note.
“But eat first — a full belly steadies the judgment. Do me the honor of accepting this as our welcome to the newcomer.”
His pride said no; his stomach said YES! Don took it and said, “Uh, thanks! That’s awfully kind of you. I’ll pay it back, first chance.”
“Instead, pay it forward to some other brother who needs it.”
– in Between Planets by Robert A. Heinlein
Earlier this week I helped a friend with her MySpace page. Tomorrow I will be helping with an event’s logistics. I am sure there is more to do. I get nothing in return (other than some wine).
When was the last time you did something for someone and expected nothing from it – no reward later on, no membership in an organization due to the “obligation” of volunteering – nothing.
Find something you can give this week and pay it forward. Need an idea? Here are a few I’ve either done or have seen others do:
1. Provide a Free Meal
Chief Viewzer (CEO) of Viewzi Brandon Cotter provides his team lunch every Friday. He even invites others he knows in the community to join him at these home cooked meals.
2. Find an Organization to Give Your Time
Find a group, homeless shelter, boys and girls club, anything else that you are doing just to give back, not to get somewhere else in society.
3. Find a Group to Donate Money To
Even though most organizations need people’s time to help them accomplish their mission, many are in need of additional funds. $25 can go a long way. Google on something in society you wish was better and you will probably find an organization already trying to do so. Give to them.
4. Bring Someone at the Office Flowers
It will brighten their day.
5. Do You Really Need That?
Have books, clothing or other household goods collecting dust? Donate it now.
We all get stuck in a rut to show up at work and run family errands. Do something for yourself by giving relentlessly to someone else.
But remember, those you help have to now help 3 other people versus paying you back.
I recently transferred several magazine subscriptions I did not really enjoy to a co-worker. I also gave a lot of items that were just adding to the clutter to complete strangers through the Freecycle Yahoo Group (www.freecycle.org). I also swap my books through PaperBackSwap (www.paperbackswap.com).
Thanks for sharing Estelle!