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Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life, Change the World
Hard times, financial crises, foreclosures, unemployment, recession, depression, FEAR!
While one might be tempted to believe Chicken Little that “the sky is falling in,” I would challenge you to observe the “beauty of the sky.”
While the media would remind you at every juncture of what you have lost, I challenge you to focus on what you have.
You see, it is your mindset that determines the outcome that you are facing. I choose to live and operate in the “make lemonade out of lemons,” or the “bloom where you are planted” mentality. I choose to live in abundance and joy, rather than in deprivation and fear.
Oh, don’t think for a moment that I haven’t been affected by this world situation (I choose not to call it a crisis). While in my golden years, I just lost 45% of my retirement savings. I simply remind myself of all that I do have that is not related to money. A walk on the beach and a look at the sky puts it all in perspective.
I believe that within all obstacles lie opportunities . . .and lessons to be learned. What are we all gaining from this situation? What gifts may unfold that were previously hidden?
In difficult times, I believe that it is even more important than ever to reach out to others in kindness. “Giving” is the #1 anti-depressant that is not a drug. Consider sacrificing that can of soda in order to help feed someone who is homeless. Give up an hour of mindless television so that you might volunteer to read to the elderly in a nursing home. Donate that book you just read to your local library book sale.
Every single act of kindness you extend helps to fill your personal cup of abundance. Commit to doing at least one such act each day. Then remember to ask the recipients to pay it forward. There is no guarantee that they will do so, but you are helping to inform them about the PIF Movement. And, with each person you touch with kindness, you are also helping to eradicate the fear. Fear and joy do not exist simultaneously. As you spread joy, one tiny act at a time, to one person at a time, you are automatically helping to diminish the fear that is running rampant in the world today.
Finally, look for acts of kindness you have received each day, and commit to paying it forward times three. Perhaps someone let you into a traffic lane during rush hour. Perhaps someone held a door open for you. Perhaps someone noticed you were in a hurry and let you cut in line at the grocery store. Each of these small acts can justify you doing something nice for three others.
I challenge you to choose a mindset of giving. It will truly make you feel abundant in these difficult and fearful times.
Anna Unkovich
Education Director, PIFF
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Click here for simple 1, 2, 3 steps to designing Pay It Forward projects in your classroom.
Click here for book excerpts.
Click here for information about our mini-grants.
click here for a file of free printable Pay It Forward cards and stickers
A more comprehensive and detailed plan for incorporating Pay It Forward in your school...
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