Pay It Forward: The Birthday Project
Wednesday 25 September 2013
overdue update...
Work has been absolute insanity lately, and things outside of that... not much better. To be completely honest, there was a short period where I think I even lost a bit of faith in this project. I'm not sure if it is because of the lack of response, or lack of encouragement I feel like I've been giving people... or the fact that I hope to inspire, but will never know if I have... but there was a dark, dark period where I had to wonder "What's the point?"
And then I started hearing all these stories on Facebook or the radio about people leaving ridiculously large tips, or even one guy returning money to a blind man who had dropped it without realizing, and so on... and then I felt inspired again. I felt a bit intimidated, as though maybe I wasn't doing enough, so I've been trying to focus on the little things and regroup. I've been making an extra effort to be sure to open doors and remember to say "please and thank you" (honestly this seems so insignificant, but if you ever stop to think about just how few people actually do this... you would realize how much of an impact it CAN have).
I've also been trying to practice my patience. Now, some people may not see this as an act of kindness, but when I think of all the people in the past that I've lost my temper on or been (visibly) impatient with, I know that a little patience goes a long way. This applies to coworkers, family (even though it's really, really hard sometimes) friends, and even pets. Honestly! People (and pets) can tell when you are impatient/frustrated/annoyed, and that can ruin their day so easily... and it only takes a few mental notes to just "check yourself" and move on.
Lastly, I've been working on a plan. A plan for how I can do more without burning myself out, how I can participate and share kindness, how I can spread happiness and love... but I'm still trying to think of a way.
I would really love any ideas you might have, so if you're reading this... please share!
Until next time (which hopefully will be sooner, rather than later) I'm just some girl... trying to balance life and kindness... hoping that you'll help!
xoxo JSG
Tuesday 10 September 2013
Be kind to yourself, and others...
Friday 30 August 2013
Does NOT take much to start the weekend right
Thursday 29 August 2013
Blood donation....
Do what you can...
Monday 26 August 2013
Weekend Update... Act of kindness or just being a friend?
Hmm.. for some reason my Friday update didn’t get posted until today, which means that my weekend update is now falling on the same day as my end of week update, but that’s okay! I’m a bit torn about whether or not I consider this to be one of my “acts of kindness” because, really the way I see it I was just doing a favor for a friend.
A friend of mine had been trying to make a date with a guy, but they had been having a hard time setting a day because of conflicting schedules (he had work when she was free, when he was free she had the kids!) Usually my Friday nights are reserved for “date night” but last week I decided that my girlfriend deserved a date night too, so I volunteered to babysit her two kids for her. I feel like I should probably note a) that I’ve never met her kids before, and b) I haven’t babysat in…oh, I don’t know… something like 8 years? I was TERRIFIED of what they would do to me, would they like me? Would they hate me? Would they try to make me cry? I had no way of knowing, but it was a risk I was willing to take for my friend. I’m pleased to report that not only did the date go well, but the kids were well behaved and nobody ended the day traumatized (I don’t think!) I don’t think I count this as one of my “25” but maybe it can be #26 (you know, for good luck?)
On Saturday, I went to get breakfast. The grand total came up to something like $9.00 and I gave my waiter a $20 and told him to keep the change. I honestly thought he might poop himself… This one may not seem like a big deal, but a tip that is more than 100% seems to mean a lot to some people!
On Sunday I didn’t actually COMPLETE one of my “acts” but I did get the ball rolling and started putting together more bags of clothes that I can donate to the Salvation Army (or Canadian Diabetes… I haven’t decided yet. Possibly a bag to each), so I am hoping to have all of that done by the end of the week so that I can drop them off… but it was a start!
As you can see, not everything I am doing has to do with money, and sometimes I think that those gifts are even better (the ones without money, I mean!) I’m hoping to have more to update soon, and even more so I’m hoping that I’m inspiring some of you to do the little things. Even holding a door open makes a difference!!
I’m just some girl, and I’m hoping that some of you out there are sharing the kindness with me!
Xoxo JSG