This weekend I went to Phillip Island to relax with my family and friend Shaila. It was a wonderful day as we relaxed in the shade of the trees by the beach. My friend Shaila mentioned the concept of pay forward. It is when you do something for someone and instead of expecting them to pay it back to you, you get them to perform a kind act for someone else.
Shaila’s example was of Jake and Sally who managed a bed and breakfast in Melbourne. On occasion they would have back packers stay with them. Instead of accepting their money for the accommodation they would ask guests to pay forward and do a random act of kindness for someone else. The people who stayed with them came from all around the world, so the act of giving from the heart was spread internationally.
I loved the concept and checked the term “pay forward” as I had never heard it before. Imagine how you would feel if one day someone told you they would pay for you? There have been many times in my life where I have helped people out and have also received it. One time in particular was totally unexpected.
I had been renting and the house which I had purchased became vacant earlier than I had planned. My lease would have been broken by 3 weeks if I moved out. This meant I would have to pay for at least three weeks rent after I left. The property manager said she would check with the landlord if I could leave early and forgo the 3 weeks rent. I told her she could try but never in a million years did I expect the landlord to agree. Who would give up three weeks of rental money? To my surprise and delight the landlord agreed to let me leave early and not pay for the extra weeks. He said it was his Christmas present to me and my family. I was overjoyed and was overcome with gratitude for his kindness.
Our daily news may be full of negative stories, yet there is still kindheartedness in this world and you do not have to look very hard to find it. This week do something kind for someone such as pay for a cup of coffee or similar. If they ask you why, just tell them to pay forward and help someone else.
The feeling of giving is amazing and you will enjoy seeing the positive reactions from the people you help.
Have a great week and pay forward.
Shaila’s example was of Jake and Sally who managed a bed and breakfast in Melbourne. On occasion they would have back packers stay with them. Instead of accepting their money for the accommodation they would ask guests to pay forward and do a random act of kindness for someone else. The people who stayed with them came from all around the world, so the act of giving from the heart was spread internationally.
I loved the concept and checked the term “pay forward” as I had never heard it before. Imagine how you would feel if one day someone told you they would pay for you? There have been many times in my life where I have helped people out and have also received it. One time in particular was totally unexpected.
I had been renting and the house which I had purchased became vacant earlier than I had planned. My lease would have been broken by 3 weeks if I moved out. This meant I would have to pay for at least three weeks rent after I left. The property manager said she would check with the landlord if I could leave early and forgo the 3 weeks rent. I told her she could try but never in a million years did I expect the landlord to agree. Who would give up three weeks of rental money? To my surprise and delight the landlord agreed to let me leave early and not pay for the extra weeks. He said it was his Christmas present to me and my family. I was overjoyed and was overcome with gratitude for his kindness.
Our daily news may be full of negative stories, yet there is still kindheartedness in this world and you do not have to look very hard to find it. This week do something kind for someone such as pay for a cup of coffee or similar. If they ask you why, just tell them to pay forward and help someone else.
The feeling of giving is amazing and you will enjoy seeing the positive reactions from the people you help.
Have a great week and pay forward.
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