DON'T FORGET TO PAY IT FORWARD

It's so easy when one is successful to run with it. Often you forget that you didn't get here alone. Whether you believe in a higher power, karma, etc., it doesn't really matter. But for sure you didn't do it alone. Usually agents who reach a certain level have some sort of team in place at home and in the office. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the busy part of our lives that we don't remember to say "thank you". I'm not just talking about the words, I'm talking about the actions. There are so many people in our own back yards that need our help. Whether it be a hug, a donation, an offer of friendship, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that we do SOMETHING! We have to remember to make time for those who aren't as fortunate. In my case I spend a portion of my year fundraising for Children's Miracle Network. I see the children in this organization who are ill and their parents who are worried and tired. Sometimes financially drained. I can't begin to tell you the feeling of joy I have when I know I've helped a family to forge ahead. When I first started in this business 29 years ago I'm sorry to say I often thought "if I do that, what's the end result for me". I'm proud to say my mindset changed many years ago. In fact, I remember the day...my office was invited to CHOP to visit with the sick children and from that day on it didn't matter what the end result for ME was, it just mattered that I had a small part in helping bring some type of joy into their lives. I started with collecting gifts at Christmas and then it progressed into full blown fundraising. Last year we raised $41,000 in one fundraiser for these children. Just knowing that I was able to help in some small way was enough of an end result for me. So the purpose to this post today is to encourage you, whether in a small way or a large way, to pay it forward. Drop a cake off to a neighbor, give an elderly person an offer of a ride to the grocery store, volunteer at school. Do something, anything, but do it from your heart. Find something you're passionate about and run with it! Not only will the recipient be richer for it, but certainly your life will be richer for it! It's a Good Life!