Pay it Forward

"I believe it's not too late,

Together we can change the world"

                     Mark Shepard

Recently we had the good fortune of becoming acquainted with Charley Johnson, creator of the Pay It Forward Today movement and Pay it Forward bracelet.

Like many others, Charley was deeply moved by the 2000 movie Pay It Forward, based on the book of the same title by Catherine Ryan Hyde. In 2006 Charley had an epiphany. Feeling that we all just needed a little reminder now and then that good prevails and kindness is contagious, Charley manufactured a little white bracelet and with little fanfare (and, at his own expense) began distributing it at trade shows and through his website. The result has been remarkable. To date, the bracelets have found their way to the wrists of 850,000 people, in 58 countries around the world. Charley tells this story better than we can. You can hear it via the video below, which he gratefully submitted as our first guest blogger. What we can tell you is this: Since we started wearing and sharing the Pay it Forward bracelets, we’ve been amazed by its impact over and over again. The bracelet encourages random but deliberate and contagious acts of kindness. Wearing it, we are reminded every day how small gestures can bring great outcomes. Everyone we have given it to has been greatly moved by its message, and we are certain that they, like us, will eagerly Pay it Forward in generosity to their fellow humans and the greater good for all. We encourage you to watch the video, go to the Pay it Forward Today website to be awed by the stories there - www.payitforwardtoday.org, request some bracelets, and, if you can, make a donation to help Charley in his quest to move us all in the right direction toward greater kindness and good in the world. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world." Pay it Forward.

"In today's world of "info overload" these bracelets act as a
reminder for people to do what we have always been taught to do, help
others without return.  That's all I am asking, go about your day
looking to pay it forward to someone and watch how much better your day
will be."  Charley

Charley Johnson lives, work, plays and pays it forward in Salt Lake City, UT

Susan: Here we are at the end of our first month in the blogging world and as I reflect on what I’ve learned this month I’m really very happy. I’ve learned that setting boundaries doesn’t need to be a big fat deal. I’ve learned, again, that it always feels great to be authentic. I’ve learned that being authentic doesn’t mean reacting from inside of “the box” (The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute) and putting others on the defensive. I’ve learned that sometimes a boundary is “keeping your arms and legs inside the ride at all times”, padding yourself as needed, and going with the flow. I’ve had reinforced my innate knowing that being kind shouldn’t overshadow being authentic and letting personal boundaries be trampled feels terrible.  But also, that letting boundaries be known and being kind and joyful are not mutually exclusive. -- It’s been a good month, a first step on a journey that’s proving to be amazing.  I’ve found myself paying closer attention to the people I encounter and I’m completely awed by the incredible contributions that they make to their families, communities, and to the world. Dorothy and I encourage you to look for and acknowledge the remarkable people you find in your circle of influence.   That’s a tipping point to happiness.

Dorothy:  This week Susan and I attended a Book Club discussion of the book, The Anatomy of Peace published by the Arbinger Institute.  A very interesting book, with many stunning insights, we highly recommend it.  Though filled with much food for thought, the basic premise was this:  It all comes down to CHOICE: do you want to put your effort into helping things go right – OR - into trying to fix what went wrong? At the conclusion of our first month on “the project”, I find myself with the same belief; my life goes so much better, is so much more satisfying when I make conscious choices! It definitely took some effort to stay out of the old patterns, and there were certainly a lot of vows to do better next time but I discovered that calling upon that old grade school adage – STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! – I was able to remain mindful in “those” moments:  STOP – resist reaction, become conscious, think.  LOOK – beyond the moment down the path of possible outcomes. Listen – to your best self and act on you inner goodness.  The more times I relied on this process – the more I came to a better outcome, and the better I felt.  Feeling good – well, FEELS GOOD and makes you want more, so you do more good things and you feel good more of the time and before you know it – that extra 1% of effort is pushing you up to the tipping point and – I think we may be on to something here!!!  How about you?

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As we continue on our journey together we’ll keep bringing you people, like Charlie Johnson, who touch our lives and the lives of others.   We hope you enjoy the journey, and that you’ll feel good inviting your friends and neighbors along, too.  Thank you for all of your kind and encouraging words.

Gratefully, 

S & D