Comments on: Paying it Forward, One Dollar at a Time

By: Sarah E. Ludwig

Sarah E. Ludwig — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:22:12 +0000

What a great story! I have goosebumps. Giving to others always makes us feel good, as well as grateful for our own blessings, I’ve found.

Thanks for the reminder to “pay it forward.” It’s so easy to get caught up in our own lives and problems.

By: Kerry Dexter

Kerry Dexter — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:29:36 +0000

Jenn,
As I recall, you’ve commented that I’ve introduced you to the work of musician Carrie Newcomer through some of my stories. Do you know her song Geodes? She’s got a line in there ‘sometimes God walks ’round in muddy boots.’

By: MarthaandMe

MarthaandMe — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:54:59 +0000

This has long been my remedy for feeling down – doing something nice for someone else. Often, I would go visit one of my grandmothers when they were old and housebound on days I felt crummy. It always cheered me up to know that I made them happy. Now that they’re both gone, I need new ways to do this and you’ve inspired me to look harder. Thanks.

By: styleandinspiration

styleandinspiration — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:29:48 +0000

Wow, what an awesome example of how giving is actually getting. This is the kind of thing that I’d *think* to do, but most of the time I let the other voice in my head, the one that says you’ll look like an idiot or they will think I’m crazy, win. I have been trying to get past this sort of reaction to to people around me. I was proud of myself the other week when I was sitting at a red light in the left turn lane. It took me a few minutes to realize that the light had changed and the truck in front of me wasn’t moving. It was two women and a little kid in the truck. One tried pushing it around the corner and the other steered. She couldn’t move it so I poked my head out and asked if I could help push. She turned me down saying that the truck wouldn’t move. But I was proud to have not listened to the voice that said “just drive on.”

Your post is such a good reminder to let the good voice win out!

By: Barb

Barb — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:59:32 +0000

Funny this comment comes today–yesterday I was in line behind someone whose card had run out of money–I stood poised to pay…and then he took out cash and all was well…but I was ready to pay because of the Trader Joe’s story you posted (or linked to?) here…Still watching for my turn. Glad you got yours yesterday and glad it turned your day around..

By: Roxanne @ Champion of My Heart

Roxanne @ Champion of My Heart — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:20:30 +0000

Excellent example. I think especially in this economy we need to remember that every dollar might just matter to someone.

I got completely exasperated with my mom Monday, when she insisted I go back into the pharmacy because she thought they had not run the prescription through her insurance. It was *only* $11 for 3 months worth of pills, which seemed pretty good to me, but after waiting in another LONG line, then waiting while the staff fiddled on the phone and computer … not to mention risking being around all the other sick people waiting around the pharmacy … they reran the transaction, and it came back with a charge of just 64 cents for the bottle of pills.

Honestly, I couldn’t believe *that* was right either, but I took it as a gift and left.

By: Carolee Hazard

Carolee Hazard — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:42:18 +0000

BTW, for those of you who are curious, the 93 D0llar Club has raised almost $23,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank (as of 10/20/09) – that will provide 46,000 meals to those in need! People in several parts of the country are starting 93 Dollar Drives to benefit their local food banks.

To follow the story on FaceBook, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/93dollarclub

By: Carolee Hazard

Carolee Hazard — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:34:28 +0000

Jennifer, you made my day! I cannot begin to express how happy it made me to hear that the 93 Dollar Club story shifted how you handled an annoying situation and that joy came to both you, the giver, and the receiver! I hope so very deeply that this is the “take home” that people keep from the 93 Dollar Club story. The world can truly become a kinder place if we all do more of what you did today. Thank you!

By: Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:22:06 +0000

I agree that we’ve lost that sense of community. After suffering one of the worst headaches I’ve ever had in my life last week, I could have only hoped that someone like you was behind my husband if he had forgotten his wallet when I asked him to pick up my sinus meds.
I think the world could do with more Paying it Forward.

By: Jennifer Fink

Jennifer Fink — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:11:53 +0000

I just came over from FLX and am so glad I did. What a great post! It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all our own stuff and forget there’s an entire world outside. Note to self: Follow the advice inherent in Jen’s post.