Pay It Forward...

Tonight's post is brought to you by a simple conversation on my Facebook wall.  I truly believe in paying it forward.  This blog is the result of me paying it forward.  Over two years ago, a good friend of mine, named Beth, inspired me to pursue GBS and weight loss.  I have always been a firm believer that once someone inspires or helps you, you have a duty and an obligation to pay it forward.  Unfortunately, some people never do that and take and take and take.  Eventually one of two things happens:  they are known as moochers, so no one helps them after they refuse to take control of their lives OR they realize how ungrateful they are, and do something to change it.  Of course, we know what a majority of people do, but there are still some good people out there. 
Recently I was accused of my blog being all about me.  And honestly, I am not going to apologize because I am writing what I know about from my own experiences, so that is why I use myself as an example.  I think that it does one of two things, it makes me more human and it also helps me work on things that I need to work on.  Awareness is a huge part to change!
So how have I paid it forward? Well below you will find a few examples.
1.  I give yearly to a battered women's shelter.  Though I never went to one after suffering domestic violence, I am so grateful that there are places like it that help women out of horrible circumstances.  In turn, I have been able to refer people there when needed.
2. Giving to the Food Shelf.  As I have mentioned before, I have known little and I have known plenty.  When I knew little, I was able to utilize a local food pantry and it literally saved me.  It helped ease the pain of a painful divorce, limited stress about how I would eat, and fed my soul.  I regularly donate food and small amount of money because of this.  I have no clue who helped feed me, but I know that to show gratitude, I feel that returning the favor is the right thing to do.
3. Donating clothing and other items. I am an avid eBayer, but I rarely have time to relist items to sell. So I generally donate them.  I spread out where I donate because I believe that everyone should have a chance.  With this weight loss, I have sent clothing all over the US and people have been able to give it to others.  No sense on hanging on to things that I don't need.
4. Mentoring others.  I have found that since I haven't had the perfect life, that people see that and I am able to use my experiences to motivate them.  I have plenty of students who just need someone to believe in them that they can do it.  That is also why I became a teacher. I think of people like Ernie Chaney, Mrs. Glasser, Dr. Burns, Dr. Terbizan, Dr. Lange, Tamara Mattison, and Dr. Premo, who have all mentored me in one way shape or form and I realize that it is important to give back. I would not have finished college without the help of people like them.
5. Advocating for quality health care. After my divorce, I thought that I was still on my ex's insurance but like with everything else, he had dropped me.  I ended up getting MRSA and was left with a hefty hospital and clinic bill.  The hospital heard of my situation and PAID OFF THE ENTIRE BILL! Because of this, I have donated to various scholarship funds as well as advocated for affordable health care.  There is nothing like appreciating health care until it is gone... And there are so many people who need it right now, it is pathetic.  My motivation is not political, but personal and I think that the best crusaders, are people who have lived it themselves.
6. Keeping music in schools and funding the arts.  I could type all day about this.  Music is my secret passion that no one really knows about.  I am a classically trained pianist and have been playing since age four.  I actually give piano lessons in the community where I live. I have been told that I cheap, but I think that music and learning music, should be affordable.  Not only that, it helps to develop higher level thinking and math skills needed for learning. I also play several other instruments, but piano is my "main" instrument.  Music is what keeps me sane, when everything is crashing down around me.
7. I support adoption and adoption initiatives.  Since I am adopted, it makes sense, but I also believe that every child, regardless, should have a forever home.  I was blessed to have one at a young age but so many kids don't have the opportunity.

I could go on and one, but as you read this, what person or thing has inspired you to do something or has helped you in a rough patch in your life?  Why not pay it forward?  You never know who you might help!  And honestly, the point is to give without knowing how it's going to impact someone else or expecting anything in return.  That's the best part!!!