Pay It Forward.
You’ve probably heard this mantra before. Maybe you saw the movie or read the book or even came across a bracelet. Maybe you dismissed it as another empty phrase that someone felt the need to put on a silicone wristband to be cool.
It’s not. It’s not an empty mantra or hollow words or a trendy phrase. It’s a mindset that’s gained momentum to become a movement. A movement that’s about everyday people performing random acts of kindness for their peers. It’s not about money or prestige or power. You don’t have to buy a book or DVD or online access to someone’s ‘secrets’ to success.
“What we need is a movement that doesn’t have a guru to follow.” –Charley Johnson
At CCC, we’re big believers in the Pay It Forward moment and mindset. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons why this company was started. To be more active in the community. To have more freedom to volunteer our time to worthy causes. To positively affect more people. To be a tiny, tiny part of a movement that’s changing the world.
The best part? It’s so easy to join. No forms or membership fees or background checks. Anyone can perform an act of kindness for someone else. Hold the door for the person coming out of the restaurant behind you. Leave your waitress a little larger than normal tip. Write a thoughtful letter to a relative you haven’t seen lately or pick up the phone. Pick up a few pieces of trash while you’re out for a walk.
Sometimes it’s depressing to hear so much negativity around us: an uneven economy, ongoing wars, senseless killings, job losses, foreclosures. You feel like there’s nothing you can do to make the world a better place. There is. And you can start today. With one small step. Start Paying It Forward so you can help change the world.
Need more inspiration? Listen to this talk by Charley Johnson at TEDxSMU. It’ll be 14 minutes well spent.
How do you Pay It Forward?
Has someone ever paid it forward to you?
Chime in… let’s talk about something positive! (If you’re ever having a bad day and need to smile, check out the #PayItForward hashtag on Twitter. Plenty of feel good moments!)
Simplicity in a Complex World video courtesy of TEDxTalks
Paying It Forward,
Jaime
clearly conveyed communications 