I’ve sponsored this Pay It Forward For The Holidays initiative on the blockchain now for the past five years. In 2021, like the year before it, kindness is needed more than ever. This year has been a continuation of the most challenging era most of us have ever lived through and we need a little optimism and goodness more than ever.
When this all began back in 2016 I was just beginning to notice how the mainstream media was flooding us with negativity and consumerism and how we could counteract it. After the year we’ve had it means so much more.
After the countless challenges the past few years have thrown at us, many people are struggling both mentally and financially, many of them are doing so quietly and secretly.
Through my social media pages I’m fortunate enough to have a sizable global reach, an audience of extremely kind-hearted people. It’s my wish to once again call them into action. I’m a firm believer that there is still more good than bad in the world and, once again this year, I’d like to prove it.
Your Participation Is Requested.
What I propose, if you can spare it, is to invest whatever you can afford in the goodness of humanity. You can use this to help someone you know or a stranger you cross paths with.
Anonymously pay for someone’s order in a drive-thru line at a restaurant, buy a hungry person a hot meal, drop off bags of groceries on the porch of someone less fortunate or simply hand someone a twenty dollar bill and say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or whichever Holiday Greeting you prefer. It’s easy to forget that each of us are fighting a battle every day and, despite appearances, we have no idea what kind of struggles others are going through.
This idea is very simple but it serves a twofold purpose. It may just help renew someone else’s faith in the goodness of humanity and, I promise, it will make you feel INCREDIBLE! This simple act will bring you much more joy than anything that the cash could purchase. In fact, it might be the best gift you get this year.
I’ll be paying it forward myself throughout the end of 2021.
Keep it going! Please SHARE this post on Hive and other social media platforms.
Let’s start a wave of light to drown out the darkness of this world…or maybe just cause us to forget about it for a little while.
Thank you for your interest in my work this past year. Life has taken me further away from blogging this year, I’m not posting as much as I used to and I appreciate those who are still with me.
Yes, 2021 has been difficult for us all in so many ways but I see the light of hope just on the horizon. 2022 is going to be an epic year and a return to the normalcy we all crave.
May your Holiday season be rich with all the things that truly matter. Let's work together to change some lives this year.
All for now.
With Immense Gratitude,
Eric Vance Walton
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Dear friend, I agree with you that this year has been very complex and that solidarity and empathy are urgent and necessary. Everyone has their own challenges and we all need those doses of kindness that, from our possibilities, we can deliver. Every day I work on being a better person and helping unconditionally, in anonymity, is something that gives me a lot of peace and happiness. On occasions, I have given something of much more value to me: my time. I like your interest in others, and I feel that you do it genuinely because you are a being of light and very special, and I have perceived that in every word of yours that I have read. Without knowing it, you have left an imprint of optimism and kindness in me. Thank you for everything and may all the good be multiplied in your life. A hug.
Hello! Thanks so much for the comment. We've seen a lot more crime and bad behavior with the amount of extra stress people have been under lately. It's ironic that now, when it's most important to be kind it's also the most difficult time to do it. Have a wonderful rest of the week my friend!
Looks like I am already ahead of the game. I paid to put some gas in a guys car this morning. At first I said no when he approached me, but then I got thinking about it and I figured what is a couple of dollars to me. So I went in the gas station and had them add some to the pump he was at. I think this is a great initiative and I will definitely reblog this.
Awesome @bozz! It's wonderful that you did that. Something that seems insignificant to us could make someone else's day or week so much better. Happy Thanksgiving!
Yeah, it wasn't much, but hopefully it meant a lot to him. It is hard to tell if people really have the need these days or they are just trying to fleece you. I guess if my heart is in the right place it doesn't matter. I hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving as well!
Thanks! That's all it takes. It is tough to determine who really needs the help. When I worked downtown a litmus test I used was to offer to pay for a meal instead of giving them money. There were plenty of restaurants around so that was easy enough to do. If they turned down the food, more often than not, they were either scammers or were going to use the money to buy a bottle or drugs.
Yeah, that makes sense. In the case of gas it was easy because I was able to just pay and they applied it to the pump he was parked at.
Thank you, Eric, for this noble reminder. I try to do these types of things (as gratitude for my good fortune) though I am wary of speaking of them:
when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Grateful to you for seeking to embody these principles and using your platform to remind us of our higher callings and allegiances to one another…
Love,
Yahia
Thank you my friend! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I know this movement. I saw some Youtubers do this, it is called "Kidness Movement"
In fact, I help people in some ways, this idea is just great to do. However, I am afraid that this movement can be done only by people who have a good financial situation.
Actually it could be anything. If you have some extra clothes or food, share - or even if you have some talents, share those :)
I already do that, but this is different. It is like buying all products of a street seller or pay on behalf of someone in market.
Oh, it could be on a smaller scale too, according to what you have. For example, a whale can do more than a minnow.
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Yes, there is an actual "pay if forward" or "kindness movement" but for this particular Hive initiative it could really be anything positive. Even paying someone a compliment can make someone's day better.
I've paid for the fees of a guy who is due to write exams in December and even took my time to always make sure he's fed on a daily basis. I believe that's the reason for a season, giving. It's even more than that, because sometimes people can be indifferent about your gestures but it's often bliss to continue, whether they're appreciative or not.
That's wonderful @josediccus. You're right, giving very much does provide a gift to the giver even if the recipient doesn't seem appreciative. That good feeling you get when you help someone is sure proof of a higher being IMO.
Exactly, I feel good when I do, it comes naturally to help people, especially if I can, you've been supportive of me as well for a long While now, I want to say from the depth of my heart. Thank you.
It's been my pleasure to help, I know you'll pass in on to someone else. I can't wait to see the pictures of your house when it's done.
I'm just about roofing it, that alone has cost like $1300, I should be done with the Whole house by May or June next year
Roofing definitely isn't cheap. Awesome! I'm looking forward to your post when it's all done. The house that Hive built.
To be sincere, I am most humbled by this post. 😭 I shed tears after what I saw yesterday. I cried because I couldn't help, not that I didn't want to help but lacked the capacity to help. She was with about 5 years old child under the son waiting for a tricycle to drop them home. She priced #70, over a #100 ride. When they agreed on the price, she now asked if the man had a change (balance) of #30 which means that she had #100 completely but wanted to save #30😭😭. I was crying for many reasons, first, she can't afford the movement, she walked it, also in consideration of what she wants to save which cannot afford anything finally, I was more plained because I was there and I couldn't do anything, as a young independent graduate without work yet living in Nigeria is such a horrifying thing. Being to emotional makes one cry everyday due to what we see on daily basis.
God bless you for posting this!
I believe we can equally help in different ways within our capacity...
Thank you once again...
That kind of thing is difficult to see but really opens your eyes to how much some have to struggle in their day-to-day life. There are so many in need and governments and charity organizations aren't always the best source of help. We can all make a difference, even if it's a small one. Thank you for your comment!
I actually seen some guys do something similar on Youtube videos awhile back, it is a good idea if you are in the position to do this.
I always try and pay it forward where i can.
Good luck with this buddy wishing you positive vibes and good fortune.
@ericvancewalton
Thank you!
Your welcome @ericvancewalton
:)
You are absolutely right my friend, doing good to fellow creatures in this world will make our hearts peaceful. Hope you have a wonderful day, Eric.
Great to hear from you Eliana! Thank you, our Thanksgiving was wonderful!
This is a nice initiative, it's been a while since I've done an act of kindness like this, thank you for motivating me to do my bit to make the world a better place.
Never stop doing that, warm regards.
P. D Today I tagged you in a contest, if it is not to your liking that I do this please tell me my friend and so I will not do it again 😉🤗 @ericvancewalton
You're welcome! Thanks in advance for taking part in it! I saw that I was tagged but with the Thanksgiving Holiday here in the US I haven't had time to participate. Please tag me in future contests though. I like to participate in them if I have time.
Happy Thanksgiving, I know it is an important date to celebrate with the family. Thank you for answering and if I consider that the contest may be attractive to you I will be glad to invite you again.
Thank you!
What a lovely message and dream for the future. While I do these things just regularly (and get some suspicious looks), I'll remember this post and step up my efforts to spread joy and love all the world over.
It's great that you do this on a regular basis. I try to too. I'm really going to kick it into high gear now. I hope you and the family have a great Thanksgiving!
Kindness is one of the most heartfelt actions of all and so easy to do. It only takes a cup full of love, caring and a want to be helpful. It is given without a thought of getting any in return. I believe that there are more kind people than we ever imagined. And if someone does not have the money to buy something for someone else a smile, a cup of tea, a bunch of home grown flowers is just as good.
Thank you @ericvancewalton for the nudge.
You're welcome Angie! I agree, kindness is inherent in our nature. We're just bombarded by so much negativity that we have to be reminded to allow it to awaken. An act of kindness can be as simple as opening a door or paying a compliment. Even that can completely chance someone's energy and mood. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
And kindness is like a smile, it is contagious. One person receives a kind gesture and passes it one and so it goes, never ending kindness - fabulous isn't it?
Happy Thanksgiving to you. I joined in with a most memorial thanksgiving dinner in Victoria on Vancouver Island several years ago, the togetherness, laughter and joy was lovely and special.
You're so right, it is contagious! Thank you Angie. We had a great Thanksgiving. I bet that holiday on Vancouver island is a great memory for you. Do you have any holiday similar to Thanksgiving in Australia?
Oh, yes!!! I am all about the pay it forward! While I dislike doing a "show and tell" I will say that I am a fortunate person in life, in so many ways. While I will never save the world, I can do small niceties and spread the love, one person at a time.
I usually will put 25.00 extra dollars on my grocery tab and give it to the person in the back of me. Small, but, I can say that this has encouraged others to do "something" in the like.
Hi, Erik! You may not post much, but, nobody can ever forget someone as kind as you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Awesome @dswigle! I consider myself very fortunate as well and have made a habit of living my life this way. Thanks so much for doing the same. Can you imagine if everyone had this mindset?
Believe it or not I used to be one of the most frequent bloggers on the platform in 2016-17, I wrote two posts per day religiously for over a year. Life has gotten extra busy this last few years but still love posting and interacting here, it's by far the best platform I've found. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
This is incredible.
I've seen how an act of kindness can make the life of the giver and receiver better and I'm willing to join this movement in my environment.
I hope to have enough to give to a good number of people this holiday.
Thank you for the initiative.
An act of kindness really does change the giver and the receiver. Thanks for your comment! : )
🤗
#posh
You are right, one of the things we should do at least once in a while, is an act of kindness, of solidarity. Even though we may have a lot of stress or a lot of problems, I think there is always someone who is worse off or is having a hard time.
I for my part, whenever I have the opportunity, I help someone else to cross the street, with some direction or maybe with something heavy, the important thing is to have that positive mentality to improve the world.
Thanks for the kindness that you show! What you describe, helping someone with directions or a heavy load, is all we have to do. This can create a chain reaction as the person you help is more willing to help others.
Reblogged, and I'm going to share it somewhere else too :) Thanks so much for spreading hope ❤️
You're welcome! Thanks for supporting the initiative!
How are you dear friend @ericvancewalton good afternoon
This is the second year that I have contributed to spreading this message, I really like this initiative a lot
This year I have seen many people who have been very well, having a very bad time, I have helped some of them.
This morning we have been tidying up a little in my house, and we have put many things in disuse on the side of the house for the people who needed to take away, including a washing machine.
About 20 years ago when we arrived in my neighborhood, we were in very bad shape financially. At that time, a woman from the neighborhood who was doing well financially approached us to help us and give us fruits and vegetables. Today she broke her heart when she came to our door and asked us to give her the washing machine; It is sad to see how the pandemic destroyed many homes, if you doubt there are many more people in need.
I wish you a beautiful afternoon dear friend
All is well, @jlufer! I hope you're having a great week. We're busy in the kitchen today making a big Thanksgiving day meal. There are so many people struggling everywhere right now. I feel fortunate to be in a position to help. It sounds like you were busy!
I'm glad you were able to help her with the washing machine. People's fortunes change in life. I believe that every time you do a good deed the goodwill is like making a deposit in the bank that you can some day withdraw if you find yourself in need. Your story is a good example of that.
Thanks for your comment and sharing your story. Have a wonderful day!
I love this challenge of yours, and just like you, I like to believe that there's good in everyone!
Life deals people harsh blows and some cope with it, others not. We're all so different in how we react but I believe a little kindness indeed will give those people hope.
Thank you for this annual challenge of yours.
Thank you! I appreciate your support of it every year. For me this is the best part of Christmas. 😊🎁
Yes you are right the holidays are closer than before f
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