Pay It Forward
I have to say, that I generally don’t pay attention to TV commercials. If I am to buy something, it is because a friend recommended it, or I’ve done the research (more than likely online). Tonight, this commercial captured my eye… I watched all 60 seconds of it.
What I love about it is not what they are selling, but the message in general. I passionately believe that we reap what we sow, and if this commercial is any indication of how Liberty Mutual treats their clients, then it’s a product worth having.
A fantastic ad, which should be applied to every business. I live my life this way, letting the person go in traffic before me, holding the elevator, or pausing for a few seconds to hold the door for someone whos a few steps behind. These little gestures can go along way, and that chance encounter and the smile you bring someone – will more than likely be shared with someone else, and so on and so on.
Just a few weeks ago I was pumping gas, and this adorable elderly man was cleaning his headlights, windows and windshied at the next pump. I jokingly said “hey when you’re done with yours you can do mine” with a big old smile. When I came out from paying for my gas, there he was washing my windshield. He informed me he had not done his good deed for the day.
The world needs more of this! THAT I am passionate about. So when you do find yourself a few steps ahead, take the extra 15 seconds to hold the door… And do it with a smile, inside and out.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Wendy,
That is such a great post! I live by the same model. There was a quote that I read several years ago that has stuck with me – “Be the change you want to see in the world” – Gahndi
Thanks for reminding me of how I want to live my life, we get so caught up in the everyday and mundane things in our lives that we forget why we are here.
Great post and a model for living a life you love . Live in the moment. Dan Millman states it well- in his book The Way of the Peaceful Warrior..
“What Time is it -NOW.
Where are you- HERE
What are you THIS MOMENT”
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary ” Dan Millman
Some great quotes to live by per the video…
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman
Be the light you want to see in the world
I love this post! I like to think I live by this, but I need to make it an every day task to do my good deed.
I once bought a homeless man breakfast. He was asking for money which I didn’t give him but I did ask him if we was hungry. The two minutes that I spent buying him food made is hard life a little better. The people I was traveling with thought I was acting crazy but I think its a human decency that a lot of us over look. I hope if one day I’m in a situation like that someone would offer to help me.
Ashley… That’s awesome. If we all took a minute here and there to be aware of our surroundings the world we be so much better. Random acts of kindness are not difficult. I find when I’m struggling or feeling down – if I do something nice for someone else – that is the best way to lift my spirits! Thanks for your comment!
I actually found your blog because I was searching for opt in forms for facebook pages but your pay it forward option caught my attention.
I haven’t consciously made it part of my daily routine but it seems to have happened that way anyway. It’s one of the reasons I love being a part of Rotary – because I’m helping out in my local community I know that somewhere else in the world someone else in Rotary is doing the same thing.
Happy New Year 2011! Hope you have a happy, healthy & profitable New Year.
Karen