PROJECT: PAY IT FORWARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The news this year, more than any other year I can remember in my forty-five years on the planet, is full of violence, hate, and fear mongering. It seems our world is going haywire.
Since mainstream media is reporting so much negativity that I started contemplating how we could counteract it. Through my social media pages I’m fortunate enough to have a pretty good sized global audience of amazing people. I’m a firm believer that there is still more good than bad in the world and I’d like to prove it.
Those corporations that wield the power in this world have turned this Holiday season into a feeding frenzy of consumerism that brings with it depression and a whole host of negative emotions for a lot of people. More than any other time of the year, the Holidays make people long for loved ones who are no longer here, brings back feelings of regret, it can make people feel like they don’t have enough money or things, and like they don’t measure up in general.
Your Participation Is Requested - Share What You Can Spare
What I propose is very simple and effective -- share what you can spare, invest in the goodness of humanity. You can use your donation directly to help someone you know or a stranger you cross paths with. Pay someone’s bill in a restaurant, buy a homeless person a hot meal, or simply hand someone a twenty dollar bill and say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or whichever Holiday Greeting you prefer. It’s easy to forget that each of us are fighting a battle every day and, despite appearances, we have no idea what kind of struggles others are going through.
This idea is very simple but it serves a twofold purpose. It may just help renew someone else’s faith in the goodness of humanity and, I promise, it will also make you feel INCREDIBLE! This simple act will bring you much more joy than anything the $20 could purchase. In fact, it might be the best gift you get this year.
I’m doing it and will report back my results. If you decide to participate, please report your results as well.
Keep It Going! If you agree with this philosophy please SHARE and RESTEEM this post
Spread the love! Let’s start a wave of light to drown out the darkness of this world, or maybe just make us to forget about it for a little while.
May your Holidays be rich with all the things that truly matter.
With Immense Gratitude,
~Eric Vance Walton~
I knew there was a reason I liked you -- you're just a great guy!
Walking home from work last year, a few days before christmas (Im not a big fan of the holidays) -- it was freezing... I got a about 2 blocks to my front door and I saw a woman about my age sleeping on a small piece of cardboard in front of an abandoned storefront. All she had as a jacket was a hoodie (not good enough)... I had just got a brand new winter coat, so I took off the nice, heavy winter jacket I was wearing and laid it on top of her and put down a bag of food I was bringing home from the restaurant I was working at (grilled octopus, branzino, greek salad) and started to walk away.., when I heard someone yelling "sir, excuse me sir." It was the woman and she wanted to thank me... And the she said -- "I thought I was going to freeze to death tonight -- thank-you, so much, can I ask you your name..?" I told her my name.., and she looked me right in my eyes and said -- "Thank you, Mack - you just saved my life." I know my neighborhood like the back of my hand, so I told her to follow mw and showed her a small little structure in an old school yard that didn't have a lock and that nobody ever went near -- I told her to sleep in there, it would be warmer and safer.
I never told anyone this story, until now... Maybe it will help to inspire some "simple acts of kindness" this holiday season. I'll tell you this -- even though her situation made me quite sad, helping her out, that little bit -- made me feel great! Cheers @ericvancewalton
Wow, what an wonderful gesture, @macksby! Thanks for sharing it here. The great thing about how the universe works is helping others like you did is like a magnet to bring more abundance into the life of the giver. Did you ever see the woman you helped again? A friend of mine, @juanparker, gives away food and hand painted t-shirts to the homeless when we go to Chicago. We've gone there once a year for almost 15 years and have gotten so we recognize some of the people on the street. It's an unbelievably harsh life out there for them. It makes us realize how lucky we are. Why don't we hear more stories like the one you just shared on the news? I know it happens more often than we're led to believe. They just feel positive stories don't get ratings, I guess. Cheers to you my friend!
I know a lot of the homeless in the neighborhood... Even if I don't have anything to give, they appreciate a little conversation, a lot. Most people are scared of them, or whatever. But, it can happen to anybody.
That was the first and last time I saw her... You're a good man, @ericvancewalton
I can't even imagine how isolating being homeless would feel. You're right, we are conditioned to believe they are all dangerous and even sub-human. You are SO right, in it can happen to any one of us. When a person realizes this the barriers begin to come down, I think. Your willingness to converse with them might even be better gift than money. Awesome, @macksby!
This is just good. Hope to see you again..I must follow you.
Thank you @bontonstory!
This is awesome! I love the initiative. I hel not only during the holidays but throughout the year with #coupons. If i have a coupon and see soneone buying an item i give it to them. Many times i have explained deals to people so that they can get items for free or close to free. To see their reaction, and knowing you have helped them save a few dollars is so gratifying!
My sister is struggling to make ends meet this year. I have provided all her four kids with jackets and some outfits for the winter. To see a child smile and get excited over a jacket is more than words can describe.
I hope more people can pay it forward. Not necessarily with money. Help an older lady get the groceries to her car, reach an item for someone who can't reach, or have a conversation with someone. These are all free yet gratifying acts of kindness!
Thank you, @sgnsteems! Both coupons and acts of kindness are great ideas. So many people are struggling out there now and if we had more people helping like you it would really help ease some suffering. I really appreciate you leaving this comment and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Great post. It's a simple gesture. We should all pay it forward.
Thank you, @donkeypong!
Let us bring more happiness in the world! Great post!
Thank you, @lemouth!
Truly great initiative Eric!
I used to never give money to people on the streets because my reasoning was: 'they are just going to buy drugs with it'. This changed when someone told me: 'isn't that what you do with your money?'
Since that moment I give more easily when I see somebody in need. For me, it was a true eye-opener.
You made me think I maybe should do something more this year.
Thank you, @exyle! I don't always give cash as often to the homeless but I will give them food or offer to buy them a hot meal. Here in America we have a huge segment of our population that are considered the, "working poor", people who work full time but make such a low wage that they can't pay for their basic needs, (food, clothing, and shelter). I like giving to these people, it eases their worry about how they're going to make "ends meet" at the end of the month when the bills are due. The way our system is set up here it's a real struggle for a large part of the population. Thank you for your comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the post!
In the Netherlands, we have a minimal wage for employees. If you work full time you can make the ends meet with your income. (but it doesn't mean you can live large, not at all). It makes me sad to hear about the working poor. Nobody willing to contribute to society aka working (full time!) should be earning so little that daily life becomes a struggle. It puts OPERATION: PAY IT FORWARD in a new light for me.
We learn about the minimal wage from people we spoke with in Amsterdam. That was one of many things we liked about your culture. It's growing more difficult to make a living here each year. My wife and I are seriously considering becoming Expats and the Netherlands might be on the short list for us!
Resteemed and shared. To this day I recall the look on a young mothers face when I paid for some art stuff for her child. She didn't have enough to pay for it and I told the cashier to put it on my charge and please give her the stuff. The mother did not have to say anything, the look in her eyes was enough and the cashier whispered thank you to me.
Time for me to help someone else and hope they pass that on. Thank you @ericvancewalton for this post and I hope it reaches many people.
That was great of you to do! This kind of giving becomes quite addictive for the giver. I prefer to give this way, often times anonymously, rather than donating to an established charity. Administration costs eat up so much of the contributions. Thanks for sharing and resteeming!
I hear ya on the charity thing. I don't really trust them, so I would rather give things personally. It is such a great feeling when you do something nice for others and not expect a return, except a smile or a thank you.
you reap what you sow
great post
Thanks, giving is truly what this season is all about. In giving, we receive.
Great Idea @ericvancewalton Simple, non commercial, just people sharing... clap, clap, clap.
Thank you! I tried this for the first time last December on My Facebook author page and it got a lot of momentum. It was fun to hear people's stories as they gave.
I do not have a lot of money but I will donate £10 in one of these ways this week and hopefully it will bring it little joy into someone's life.
Thank you! I would love to hear about it afterwards if you'd like to share the story!
No long story I am afraid, I was in town today in Glasgow with my daughter, I saw a young homeless boy sitting in the street under a bed sheet no jacket on and it is very cold in Glasgow, I walked over handed him £10 and wished him well, he took the money and although he never lifted his head or responded I am sure it made him feel a little bit better, I then walked on to catch up with my daughter and grandson. I wish I could have done more but I could not afford to buy him a jacket.
I really appreciate you taking part in this and sharing your story! I hope it was a positive experience for you. Happy Holidays to you @thetruthfairy!
Thank you for your gift it was totally unnecessary but greatly appreciated, I now however feel that I have not given anything yet but there are many ways to pay forward kindness and I have decided to adopt a few of these, not only for the holiday period but as a way of life.
You're very welcome, @thetruthfairy! I was glad to do it, if you'd like to use it to pay it forward again that is all the better! I really appreciate you taking the time to help and report back. You are awesome! Merry Christmas to you.