In contrast to all of the negative media coverage and paranoia surrounding this newest "killer" Flu strain, I'd really like to take a more positive tone and talk about a new kind of virus that could, literally, save the world from it's own destruction.
The thing I find most interesting about viruses is how fast they can overtake a population. Moreover, each individual that is infected with a particular virus strain tends to show similar symptoms to others that are infected with the same virus. It is these two unique flu characteristics that I want to focus on with regard to spreading this new "virus".
Pay it Forward Instead of Paying it Back
Quite a number of years ago I saw a wonderful movie called Pay It Forward, to which many people attribute the phrase of the same name and the "good deed" mentality that goes with it. In the movie, the phrase "pay it forward" was a reference to performing a "good deed" for a few NEW people, so as to pay FORWARD the nice thing that was done for you.
Of course, the premise of paying a good deed forward is actually an old one, pre-dating even Benjamin Franklin who, in 1784, explained the concept in the following way:
"I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money."
Of course, paying it forward doesn't always have to involve monetary assistance, nor even physical labor, although it certainly might. WhyTheCards.com takes a much simpler approach to Paying it Forward.
Virtually Everybody Desires Encouragement and Appreciation
Nearly a century ago, Charles Schwab was hired by Andrew Carnegie to be the president of the new United States Steel Company. Schwab's starting pay: ONE MILLION DOLLARS per year or approximately $3,000 per DAY (at a time when $3,000/YEAR was considered to be an excellent wage).
According to the new president, he was given this immensely hefty salary because he knew how to appreciate people and draw out their best qualities.
"I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people," said Schwab, "the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement."
It is this focus on appreciation and encouragement that WhyTheCards.com is designed to multiply via the "pay it forward" ideal but in an easy to implement, yet viral manner which, I hope, will reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of people.
Simply Mail a Card
It is simply amazing just how much a simple greeting card can uplift a friend that is going through a rough time or has had a really bad day (or even someone who's had a really good day). Let them know how much you appreciate something they did for you or someone else. Or point out something special about them that you really enjoy. Congratulate them on a new promotion. Or, just let them know you're thinking of them as they go through a difficult situation or make some hard decisions.
Pop off a note to invite them out to lunch or to tell them you'll be bringing THEM dinner this Sunday. Better yet, encourage them to do something nice for someone else who's having a rough time. It's amazing, when you're going through a rough spot in life, just how much better YOU feel when you're able to help someone else.
A simple card can sometimes be an effective way to tell someone that they are valuable, that THEY have amazing abilities that ONLY they have, and that there are people they know that really NEED their gifts. It does not have to be a time or money consuming task - just a simple card is often all that's necessary to really boost someone's spirits.
The thing I find most interesting about viruses is how fast they can overtake a population. Moreover, each individual that is infected with a particular virus strain tends to show similar symptoms to others that are infected with the same virus. It is these two unique flu characteristics that I want to focus on with regard to spreading this new "virus".
Pay it Forward Instead of Paying it Back
Quite a number of years ago I saw a wonderful movie called Pay It Forward, to which many people attribute the phrase of the same name and the "good deed" mentality that goes with it. In the movie, the phrase "pay it forward" was a reference to performing a "good deed" for a few NEW people, so as to pay FORWARD the nice thing that was done for you.
Of course, the premise of paying a good deed forward is actually an old one, pre-dating even Benjamin Franklin who, in 1784, explained the concept in the following way:
"I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money."
Of course, paying it forward doesn't always have to involve monetary assistance, nor even physical labor, although it certainly might. WhyTheCards.com takes a much simpler approach to Paying it Forward.
Virtually Everybody Desires Encouragement and Appreciation
Nearly a century ago, Charles Schwab was hired by Andrew Carnegie to be the president of the new United States Steel Company. Schwab's starting pay: ONE MILLION DOLLARS per year or approximately $3,000 per DAY (at a time when $3,000/YEAR was considered to be an excellent wage).
According to the new president, he was given this immensely hefty salary because he knew how to appreciate people and draw out their best qualities.
"I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people," said Schwab, "the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement."
It is this focus on appreciation and encouragement that WhyTheCards.com is designed to multiply via the "pay it forward" ideal but in an easy to implement, yet viral manner which, I hope, will reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of people.
Simply Mail a Card
It is simply amazing just how much a simple greeting card can uplift a friend that is going through a rough time or has had a really bad day (or even someone who's had a really good day). Let them know how much you appreciate something they did for you or someone else. Or point out something special about them that you really enjoy. Congratulate them on a new promotion. Or, just let them know you're thinking of them as they go through a difficult situation or make some hard decisions.
Pop off a note to invite them out to lunch or to tell them you'll be bringing THEM dinner this Sunday. Better yet, encourage them to do something nice for someone else who's having a rough time. It's amazing, when you're going through a rough spot in life, just how much better YOU feel when you're able to help someone else.
A simple card can sometimes be an effective way to tell someone that they are valuable, that THEY have amazing abilities that ONLY they have, and that there are people they know that really NEED their gifts. It does not have to be a time or money consuming task - just a simple card is often all that's necessary to really boost someone's spirits.
About the Author:
Each individual has a divine responsibility to appreciate others, and mailing them a simple card quite often can be a powerful way to do it. Come see WhyTheCards.com to learn how to infect others with the "card sending virus" (and for some really uplifting & thought provoking videos).
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