Saturday, January 3, 2015

Paying it Forward

In continuation of "Paying it Forward" I thought I would share a few more inspirations since my last post.  I have renamed my blog in an effort to make the title more relevant for continuation, but it doesn't change the (Fifty-One Acts) inspiration behind starting it.  The Fifty-One Acts encouraged me to continue inspiring and loving others.  

It was nearly Thanksgiving and I noticed a post on public Facebook group from someone saying how they'd like to give away the fixin's for a Thanksgiving dinner.  There were comments from a people in need and I offered to help as well.  Meanwhile there were others offering their free turkey cards (our local grocery store offers stamped cards for a free turkey if you spend so much each year before Thanksgiving).  I had given away my free turkey already and I gave all of my additional stamps to a friend, who in turn gave her extra stamps away too.  I did however, find another friend who had an extra free turkey card.  I grabbed it, then got the turkey and took it to a grateful stranger.  I also gathered a few more stamps from a friend to share with someone else in need.  While out and about, I delivered these cute "Extra Thankful for You" turkey's. Find free printables here.


After Thanksgiving I received a complete surprise from my friend Glenn who was the inspiration behind the Fifty-One Acts.  He sent me a beautiful "Pay It Forward" Award!  My boss and coworker presented it to me with flowers and an awesome wall hanging.  I was so honored and surprised! 


I just knew that I had to continue paying it forward, so I decided that the young man, my friends 9 year old son who helped me with the Fifty-One Acts, should be rewarded as well.  I ordered a beautiful award for him and presented it to him in front of his third grade class.  I also gave each class member a note that said "You're awesome because ________" to give to someone who they thought could use encouragement.  I look forward to hearing their stories!  This was the most inspiring experience for me to know that sharing with the class my just encourage some of them to pay it forward.    


Christmas was right around the corner and thoughts of giving and sharing the experience had never been more on the top of my mind.  I took my nephew and his friend out for a day and we decided to buy a few toys to donate to needy children.  I expected that the 5 & 6 year old boys would want toys for themselves too, but they didn't.  They very much understood that they were blessed and that they were getting gifts for other kids less fortunate.  We donated the toys and then they got to see Santa!  I am so proud and I am sure Santa was good to those boys this year.  

   
I am blessed beyond measure by these experiences and others that I choose not to share (in an effort uphold the integrity of giving humbly and 'random' acts of kindness).   I can't wait to see what more life brings in this New Year!  Happy 2015!