Paying it Forward

I was talking with some friends and realized that "Paying it Forward" does not come naturally to everyone. It isn't that they don't want to dig in and give of themselves, their finances, their knowledge....it is more about finding the time or feeling like if they expend their energy somewhere it would not be accepted or appreciated.

So - today, my thought returned to that conversation and some of the advice I gave in order to encourage my girl-friends....hope it offers you some encouragement as well.

I don't have the time:
Agreed, time is our most precious and over committed commodity! A couple of ways you can pay it forward without giving up too much time.

A. Leftovers from the diner - How many times have you sent back the leftovers to the kitchen, or brought them home to have them sit in the fridge before putting them in the trash. Consider having them wrapped, ask for plastic utensils and napkins and then hand them to an individual who might need dinner or, if you are nervous about doing something like that, simply set the leftovers on the edge of the garbage can near your car or a parking garage. I know the second part of that sounds "cold" but, trust me, the person who is digging through the trash to find dinner will appreciate the convenience of your leftovers.
B. I'm not a big fan of giving money to those who pander along the street; however, I do think it is nice to buy a paper from the man or woman selling them when I pull through the coffee line at Starbucks and handing them a little extra cash. This is a simple kindness and takes no time at all.
C. Prepare care packages once a month and put them in your car. It doesn't have to be a huge deal; prepare a paper sack and put convenience sizes of cookies, water, nuts or other small items in the sack, make a few and put in your car. When you see people asking for money, hand them one of your prepared gifts.
D. GIVE....every organization can use funding (no matter the amount) find one that appeals to you and allow your finances to take the place of your time.

These are really simple activities to give back without expending too much time or taking away from your other obligations. I'm sure many others on LinkedIn will have alternate recommendations and I do hope you will share!

I have the time, I'm just unsure where to begin:
There are so many places to give of yourself; sometimes we make it overwhelming in our own minds. If you will simply type the words "volunteer in" and the city where you live, an entire list of options will present themselves from schools to cleaning up the street. Most organizations have created opportunities and options to make it easy for volunteers to get involved, all you have to do is choose an option that appeals to you.

Don't be afraid to test the water; you might find that the option you selected is not for you. Be okay with that and do not consider yourself having failed, instead, get back out there and try the next opportunity.

Many people are hesitant to get involved because they are new to a city; please, do not let this stop you....it might be that you find your next best friend volunteering next to you. Getting involved and giving of yourself is the best way to become a part of the new community you are living in.

I encourage you to figure out ways to Pay it Forward, you will enjoy how it feels in your heart and surprised at the impact your smallest kindness has in the life of another!