What if doing good could make your life better, simpler, and saner? What if one kind act could create a lasting ripple on the giver and receiver? It can, which is why I’m launching #FeedItForwardFeb!
Most of us have been blessed by the generosity of others over the past year and understand the generosity cycle (it is better to give than receive). Also, all of us have something to share and the capacity to provide hope.
Before delving into the Feed It Forward February challenge, I want to share three short accounts of generosity that have recently touched my life.
A few weeks ago, I logged on to Facebook to show my daughter photos of a second cousin who is training as a ballerina. Later that day, I sent my cousin a fun note about how in awe my daughter was of her daughter’s talent. Its has been a decade since I’ve seen this cousin, so I was naturally surprised when three exquisite ballerina dresses arrived in the mail just a few days later. Although our daughters have never met, the love, generosity, and kindness of this exchange was awe-inspiring.
I was recently Zooming with a Boston legend, David Chang. We met while doing work with eBay, and he later brought me in to help a client at a difficult moment. During our virtual meeting, I shared a staffing challenge. David immediately responded by providing a link to 15 potential staffing solutions. Although we connect infrequently, David’s actions reflected the generosity by which he lives.
Last spring, stress was surging, and I was struggling to figure out how to stay sane, work remotely, and homeschool two young children. As part of my kids’ remote gym class, I would take them out for a bike ride and use the occasion to squeeze in a run. One day, an older woman called out to me on the street, “Hey, Mom, you are doing great!” This stranger’s comments bolstered my spirits for months and still inspire me nearly a year later.
These exchanges may not have been life-changing, but they were all profoundly significant. In times like these, the generosity of a distant relative, the support of a business connection, and the inspiring words of a stranger have impacted my ability to keep going in the face of adversity. I suspect that I’m not alone.
Starting in 2021, I am establishing a new tradition–Feed It Forward February. I’m inviting you to join me. Here are a few ideas of how you can #FeedItForwardFeb over the coming month.
Feeding it forward is about others–your family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers in your community. It also comes with distinct benefits to your health and wellness.
Start counting your Love bombs! Tag them as #FeedItForwardFeb