BY LINDA HENRY
“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” —Maya Angelou
I once attended a workshop where participants were asked how they wanted to be remembered at their death. Most wanted to be remembered for having made a difference. They want their lives to have mattered.
The idea of “paying it forward” was popularized by the 1999 book, Paying It Forward and the 2000 movie of the same name. Based on the premise that when someone does something for you, rather than paying it back directly, you pass it on to another person who in turn passes on the kindness. Many people practice this principle believing that such acts build exponentially, thus enriching the community around them. They may be motivated by a feeling of gratitude for what they have received or by the desire to follow in the footsteps of someone they admire.
While few of us will pen a book that will transform the way we view society, serve our country in a way that will be meaningful to future generations, or invent a vaccine that will eradicate disease, there are many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. Some years ago I received a phone call from a casual acquaintance the day before my surgery wishing me well, and assuring me that she would be thinking of me. Such a simple act, but it touched me deeply.
Has your life been touched by someone either known or unknown? How did you feel? Does it inspire you to “pay it forward?”
Consider some of the ways you can pay it forward and make a difference:
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Be informed. Trust reliable sources to learn what is happening in your community, schools, or other organizations to determine how best to contribute.
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Stay involved. Support local programs that assist individuals facing specific needs such as food or housing insecurity. Make your voice heard by voting.
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There are endless opportunities to volunteer with organizations or individuals. Tutor through the schools, teach English as a second language, sit with the family of someone undergoing a medical procedure, drive someone to a medical appointment or treatment, call to check on someone’s health, or simply sit with someone who needs to tell their story without judging. Use your skills and abilities to create something new. A retired nurse I know created a care team in her church. A community theater enthusiast formed a drama group as a fundraiser for an organization they support.
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Become part of someone’s personal “choir.” When a friend of mine was facing an important job interview, he asked a group of friends to become his choir. He envisioned them sitting on his shoulder sending him positive thoughts at the time of the appointment.
These are only a few examples. Our challenge is to think of others.
Although I may not always know that I have made a difference, I hope never to stop trying to do so.
Linda Henry writes regularly on topics related to aging, health care, and communication and is the co-author of several books, including Transformational Eldercare from the Inside Out: Strengths-Based Strategies for Caring. She conducts workshops nationally on aging and creating caring work environments. Her volunteer emphasis is age-friendly communities.