Seems to me we need more kindness in the world, don’t you agree? To do my part, I’m starting a “Pay Kindness Forward” initiative for bloggers.
Some people have chosen a word for the year, others have set resolutions, but I’ve not done either. Instead, I’m working with a concept that involves spreading kindness in 2015 and I saw idea on Facebook that I want to riff on.
My dog, Riley, will pick five people who comment on this post today—those lucky five will receive a surprise from me at some point during calendar year 2015. It could be anything: a postcard, a book, home-made something–that’s why it’s called a “surprise!” You’ll get no warning–I’ll send your kindness package when the mood hits me and I’ll try to pick something I know you’ll appreciate. So if I we’re not friends yet on social media, make sure we are at least on Facebook so I can learn more about you!
Here’s the catch:
Those five people chosen? They must make the same offer on THEIR blog and share on social media. If you don’t have a blog, you can use your Facebook account, G+ and/or Twitter.
Tomorrow, when Riley picks the five Pay Kindness Forward recipients, I will send this post to them privately (so please be sure I have your email address and please wait until the five are chosen) so that you can do the same. I’ll also come back to this post and announce them here.
This is an effort to do sweet and loving things in the new year for no reason other than to make each other smile and show that we’re thinking of each other. Let’s spread some kindness, shall we?
Want to play? I hope so! So here’s how you participate
1. Comment below.
2. Make sure the comment has your email address or that I have a way to connect with you. VERY IMPORTANT! One giveaway winner last year left me no way to tell her!
3. Wait for me to announce winners tomorrow to everyone who entered.
4. I’ll send winners the text to this message so they can copy and paste.
5. Open only to North American addresses, sorry.
How winners are chosen: Riley chooses by number. I assign each commenter a number and then group the numbers. I put a treat by each group and let him loose. The first treat he goes to is the group that will have the winner. I then narrow it down from there, with Riley picking each time until finally, he picks the winning number. I’ll do five rounds, so there’s equal chance for everyone. It works like a charm.
Waiting to pounce on winning groups!
UPDATE ON JANUARY 7: Riley has chosen six winners from 18 entrants. It was easier to have him pick a group of six (from 3 groups in chronological order). I’ll post the video of his choosing process on my Facebook page later today, but I simply went down the list and the first six were in Group 1, next six in Group 2, etc. I laid out the Groups in reverse order and he picked group one: Kay Lou, Karen Austin, Pat Urban, Rena McDonald, Joan and Kathy Smart! I’ll email you soon, but remember that you now must make a similar offer on your blog or social media account. The usual number is five winners, it was just easier for me to do six. So one day this year you’ll get a little surprise of some kind from me and Riley! Thanks for joining in!
great Idea!… however, I’ve tried this before… given my “gifts”… never received any from those “playing”…
so now I just give to strangers….. usually anonymously……then I expect nothing !…
few examples… friend in need… just sent her a check; fellow at gas station, fumbling for $$..handed him some $$ to pay and left; went to movie… left $$ for a ticket for stranger later in the day…..
lots of fun!!
Well, it’s not a trade–there isn’t a give and take. It’s only give and passing on the giving through one’s own efforts. No guarantee of a win. Which is the beauty of it.
Hi Carol! Riley and me are buddies (he’s picked me for a drawing before and I have a lovely necklace to prove it) so I’m hoping our relationship will hold true with that! 🙂 Plus I think this is a GREAT idea and would be honored to share the kindness with others! I actually tried this on my Facebook page (someone tried something like this there) and I was SHOCKED that I only got one person to say they wanted to Pay it forward!!! I don’t know if not that many people saw the post or that people were intimidated by the prospect. I would love to see this idea spread around the planet and look forward to watching where it goes for you! ~Kathy
I love this, Carol. We all need more kindness. I have a huge rock on my desk at school in my journalism room…the purpose is to remind my young reporters not to throw rocks with their words…but use those words with responsibility and wisdom. We really need a kinder world.
This is a great idea. Good luck with it, Carol. I love the idea and intention.
(If Riley chooses my name, though, please do pick another; I don’t share memes on social media or my blog. I hope you understand and don’t think that’s horrible and callous of me.)
What a fun idea. I’ve never participated in this before, but I think this year might be the year I do it. Though I kind of think I might put my own twist on it, and instead of telling people that I’m going to send them something, I think that I’ll just do it and let it come as a total surprise. I love this idea.
This is too fun! I tried to do this on FB two years ago and it never took off. I signed up to do it with a handful of people and it didn’t work on either side. I hope your journey through kindness fares better for you!
I like Riley’s strategy. And I like your kindness. Sadly, though, I’ve tried participating in something similar and it never quite panned out. Good luck with your attempt!
What a sweet idea, and what a fun way of picking the winners! I’m afraid I signed up to do something like this last year, though, and totally dropped the ball… so please tell Riley that he should probably ignore my entry. 😉
I’ve done this on FB — both as the giver and the receiver — and it’s awesome! I always love the idea of paying it forward, and that quote totally nails it.
This world could certainly use kindness. This is a great idea! I participated last year in a random act of kindness day with my running group. I think we were gained so much by the acts. I would certainly be excited if Riley picked my treat I mean name.
I’ve tried to do this before and not officially succeeded. But I do try to help and give. I don’t keep track. Maybe I will incorporate something like this in my 4 x 4 February challenge where I am encouraging women to share the light or deep, enormous or gentle stuff touch they do that changes the world. We all do it. Really. And we need to talk and write about it!
This is such a great idea Carol! I’ve always loved the idea of random acts of kindness – there’s something so satisfying in doing something nice for someone, with no ulterior motive or expectation of anything in return. I’m on board!
What a great idea to have your dog pick the winners of your draw. I couldn’t see what country you’re in, but I guess its the USA. I won’t enter from the UK to save you postage. The idea of spreading kindness is a good one and we can all do this every time we meet someone.
This is a fabulous project and one that is doubly rewarding! I participated back last spring in this same endeavor and just posted it to my page earlier this week. I really like your idea of an actual post to notify people, especially given Facebook’s new way of sharing with only a few friends…
Sorry I missed yours! (There’s still time to get in on mine, if you want to be a receiver!) 🙂
And what a cute idea to have your pooch do the choosing! Happy paying-it-forward!
This is lovely, Carol! I saw this on Kathy’s blog and came over. I would have probably seen this first if I had visited as I intended to (from the Write Tribe Facebook group).
I am doing a random kindness year around activity in real life, with the intention of simplifying by giving away my extras to those who need them more and will be happy to use them. 🙂
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This is a lovely idea Carol. I’ve sure been enjoying your posts this past week, as I attempt to re-start my writing engine. Thank you! Blessings, KL
I’m so glad you’re hear, Kay Lou! I’ll be following your re-start.
Riley, the canine rafflecopter, for the win. That’s very clever. Thanks for promoting kindness.
He has to earn his kibble!
What an original way of choosing winners!
It’s hilarious, actually! I’ll try to get it on video.
What a terrific idea! I hope Riley likes my name! We’ll see tomorrow!
yes we will!
That’s a wonderful idea.
Please tell Riley I’m going to do it on Friday so he can pick five others!
Riley never ever turns down an opportunity to gobble treats!
great Idea!… however, I’ve tried this before… given my “gifts”… never received any from those “playing”…
so now I just give to strangers….. usually anonymously……then I expect nothing !…
few examples… friend in need… just sent her a check; fellow at gas station, fumbling for $$..handed him some $$ to pay and left; went to movie… left $$ for a ticket for stranger later in the day…..
lots of fun!!
Well, it’s not a trade–there isn’t a give and take. It’s only give and passing on the giving through one’s own efforts. No guarantee of a win. Which is the beauty of it.
Hi Carol! Riley and me are buddies (he’s picked me for a drawing before and I have a lovely necklace to prove it) so I’m hoping our relationship will hold true with that! 🙂 Plus I think this is a GREAT idea and would be honored to share the kindness with others! I actually tried this on my Facebook page (someone tried something like this there) and I was SHOCKED that I only got one person to say they wanted to Pay it forward!!! I don’t know if not that many people saw the post or that people were intimidated by the prospect. I would love to see this idea spread around the planet and look forward to watching where it goes for you! ~Kathy
Since everyone has an equal chance he may pick you again, you never know!
I love this, Carol. We all need more kindness. I have a huge rock on my desk at school in my journalism room…the purpose is to remind my young reporters not to throw rocks with their words…but use those words with responsibility and wisdom. We really need a kinder world.
I love your rock idea. A lot.
This is a great idea. Good luck with it, Carol. I love the idea and intention.
(If Riley chooses my name, though, please do pick another; I don’t share memes on social media or my blog. I hope you understand and don’t think that’s horrible and callous of me.)
I’ll keep your name out of the list, but so glad you came over today!
I’ve seen this all over FB, I love the sentiment.
I think you should do it and pick me and send me one of your sweet treats!
What a fun idea. I’ve never participated in this before, but I think this year might be the year I do it. Though I kind of think I might put my own twist on it, and instead of telling people that I’m going to send them something, I think that I’ll just do it and let it come as a total surprise. I love this idea.
As long as you have their address, it would work!
I love this. Riley, pick me! LOL.
Riley says “What’s in it for me?”
Sweet idea, Carol! I just wanted to say that…but if by chance my name is chosen, could I suggest that my prize goes to the next person in line?
You are so sweet! I’ll just leave you off, which is less complicated for Riley. Not that Riley isn’t smart. Because we know he’s a big brain.
This is too fun! I tried to do this on FB two years ago and it never took off. I signed up to do it with a handful of people and it didn’t work on either side. I hope your journey through kindness fares better for you!
My hope, as well!
I like Riley’s strategy. And I like your kindness. Sadly, though, I’ve tried participating in something similar and it never quite panned out. Good luck with your attempt!
Well, all we can do is provide an opportunity, right? Then, it’s up to others. 😉
What a sweet idea, and what a fun way of picking the winners! I’m afraid I signed up to do something like this last year, though, and totally dropped the ball… so please tell Riley that he should probably ignore my entry. 😉
Oh come on, give it another chance!
I’ve done this on FB — both as the giver and the receiver — and it’s awesome! I always love the idea of paying it forward, and that quote totally nails it.
We all wish we could do more, when doing just a little is fine, too.
You have an uncanny ability to capture my fancy. I am reasonably confidant you are told that often.
This world could certainly use kindness. This is a great idea! I participated last year in a random act of kindness day with my running group. I think we were gained so much by the acts. I would certainly be excited if Riley picked my treat I mean name.
I love this idea! Paying it forward is awesome. What a great idea and wishing much joy the winning person! Thank you!
Wonderful idea. It would be fun to be picked, but if not this would be fun to share on my blog anyway. Can’t have too much kindness.
I’ve tried to do this before and not officially succeeded. But I do try to help and give. I don’t keep track. Maybe I will incorporate something like this in my 4 x 4 February challenge where I am encouraging women to share the light or deep, enormous or gentle stuff touch they do that changes the world. We all do it. Really. And we need to talk and write about it!
This is such a great idea Carol! I’ve always loved the idea of random acts of kindness – there’s something so satisfying in doing something nice for someone, with no ulterior motive or expectation of anything in return. I’m on board!
What a great idea to have your dog pick the winners of your draw. I couldn’t see what country you’re in, but I guess its the USA. I won’t enter from the UK to save you postage. The idea of spreading kindness is a good one and we can all do this every time we meet someone.
Carol,
This is a fabulous project and one that is doubly rewarding! I participated back last spring in this same endeavor and just posted it to my page earlier this week. I really like your idea of an actual post to notify people, especially given Facebook’s new way of sharing with only a few friends…
Sorry I missed yours! (There’s still time to get in on mine, if you want to be a receiver!) 🙂
And what a cute idea to have your pooch do the choosing! Happy paying-it-forward!
This is lovely, Carol! I saw this on Kathy’s blog and came over. I would have probably seen this first if I had visited as I intended to (from the Write Tribe Facebook group).
I am doing a random kindness year around activity in real life, with the intention of simplifying by giving away my extras to those who need them more and will be happy to use them. 🙂
Ah, your post made me very happy!