oprah and i are so in sync right now. lyn and i have had some really generous wonderful things happen to us over the years -things that weren't earned, but given of good will and love - and i have been mulling around this idea of "paying it forward" you know, giving something to someone else because we have been fortunate on many levels. so yesterday i taped oprah, because the preview was claiming she was givng away her favorite thing ever...(well we all know we wait in anticipation for her "my favorite things" shows - i personally scream in excitment with all the give-aways as though i myself got them- so i thought, i better tape this show). so late last night i sat down to watch it. oprah's favorite 'thing' was giving to others.... sounds lame at first...but not really. what she did was give every audience member (she did this back in october for this show) $1000. but with that money they had to spend it on someone else - a non family member - someone who would appreciate it, need it, or to multiple people. they had a week to give it away and they had to record what they did. can i tell you... i just get tingles thinking about this...in fact... i have tears in my eyes.ever since the movie "pay it forward" came out, i have been amazed at this concept. i am often amazed also, by the generosity of people. you sometimes have to look for it, but its there. this concept of doing something good or nice for someone else, no matter who they are and with no expectations other than that they do something nice for someone else is just a fabulous idea. maybe thats why i love extreme home make over so much...i am blown away by what lengths people will go to to help someone...and i'm not being naive i know that that show also provides amazing branding opps, but in the end...who cares...someone else benefitted too.
some people from the oprah show gave the money to hospitals, some gave it to charitable centres, others used it to help families in need, some gave it to random people in the parking lot, my personal fav is the one where they decided to give the best tips in town - they ordered take out a few nights (roughly $18 bills) and gave $300 tips - the delivery guys were astounded...one even hugged the lady! sure i know that there are tons of great casues and charities that anyone could donate to at any time, but its nice to see people happy, right then and there - to see the effect from your generosity, and maybe the random giving is the most effective ...give to someone who can really be shocked at this undeserved kindness, and will have felt the joy and want to pass that on.
anyways...i was just so impressed at the things people did, and how it further pushes me to do something myself. at first it seemed daunting to try and find the right place or person to give to, that would most benefit, or most appreciate...and then what to give, and can what you give be enough if you dont have oprah's bank account? but as i saw in the show...it doesn't matter as long as it will be appreciated, and paid forward.
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