Paying it forward....

Do you remember that Oprah show from years ago where she gave her entire audience $100.00 and said that 'they can do anything that they want with it' as long as they didn't keep it for themselves??

Some of the stories were generic.
Someone paid for every one's coffee at Starbucks,
Another paid every one's tolls for the day.
Another paid for a strangers groceries.

But it was those that took some time and truly gave it some thought.
Those people turned a mere $100.00 into life changing moments.

I remember with some fogy clarity the woman who heard that a man in her community had cancer. His family was struggling.
He lost his job,
Spiraling down as we all know life can be.

She decided to reach out to her community...
She asked that her $100.00 donation be matched...by anyone.
The snowball grew and grew out of her wildest dreams into a mammoth amount of great goodness.
Before she had the chance to blink,
the community rallied, the trumpets were aligned.
The marching band shined their shoes,
The town became one....

Their hospital bills were all paid.
Their food was made for the year.
The kindness healed their broken hearts and the family had a reason to smile once again.

I love those stories.

We must be reminded of such goodness.
Otherwise we are lost.
Wondering into days that are filled with selfish acts.
Ugly moment's that are consumed by only us.
Not caring whom we help, or hurt for that matter,
Just for the greater good go I...

No thanks.

I am a pay if forward kind of gal.

Not caught up in the manner in which I give,
I never think of the payback.
I just keep a deep faith that it will,
It has,


Again.
 Ten fold.

Just a regular day...
Groundhogs day as I like to call it.
Same tea, same cup. same soap, same , same.

Until I received the call.
Hello WGN calling.
Would you be interested in filming a Chicago's very own segment for our show?
Ummmm,

YES. I was too busy spinning from my state of shock to ask.
But how do you know ME?

The interview was over.
DVR set.
I am who I am is gonna take off to new heights.....

But how?


It all began with a handbag.

As many of you know, I have been making and selling handbags for many years.
HollyWear.

A neighborhood friend spotted a leopard HollyWear proudly adorned by a fellow antique shopper....
A lovely conversation and friendship ensued...

The woman wearing my bag was intrigued that her new found friend knew the designer.
LOL-that would be me!
My friend asked me if I was interested in meeting this woman as she was looking forward to meeting me.

How cute.
I love meeting new people.
New stories,
New connections.
But free time has not been on my side,
But I committed,
Coffee.

I arrived to find my friend already sitting among 2 new friends.
They were reminiscing about the antique shop and a lil bit of the good old days, when I arrived.

How charming it is to meet someone that thinks you're cool. Hah, little did they know...
I'm "Just a mom"....

Hollywear had its 15 minutes of fame.
Sold them everywhere.
Had a blast,
Ran its course.

They enjoyed my stories, from kids to purses, from having a special child to becoming an activist.

I made a few new friends that day.

I brought a few new bags along, the girls seemed to like the new collection.

But for some reason,

I have no idea why...

As they were picking out their individual favorites..
without skipping a beat,
I said "Is that one your favorite?
"Wear them proudly, this is my gift to you!"

Huh,
 "You're giving these to us?"
"Yes I am, enjoy ladies."

To which I had to leave,
A very kind note followed which reminded me of why I do what I do.

Because it felt right.
It felt good.

I received the actual gift,
The happiness and gratefulness was bestowed upon me, tenfold...

You see while I was being interviewed by Micah from the WGN news she mentioned that it was her cousin that wrote her the letter about ME. It was her cousin that I gave my handbag to.
It was her cousin...

The letter about this kind, amazing, giving woman.
That woman was ME.

It all happened because of the handbag.

Giving of myself because I wanted too.

Because only good bounces off good.

Because I have the choice to do what I want.
To live my life full of giving.

Without ever knowing the outcome you give for the soul purpose to create a smile.

To offer your hand if they have fallen,
To buy a sandwich because they are  hungry,
To merely give of a handbag because I could.

Yes, the universe is a mysterious place.

Its gravity will definitely pull you into directions of unfamiliar places.

But today I promise you one thing,

Give the world yourself.

All of its goodness,

Just step back and watch it all align.

Into magical, mystical moments that will remind you of your purpose.


To Love, To live,
To be happy and appreciated.

I am so blessed.
I am so loved.
I am so grateful.


I may not have it all,
Nor do I desire it.
I may make mistakes but I am humble enough to say sorry,
I may need a hand when I fall,
I may need an ear to listen,
I may need a friend to stand near,
I may need a smile from a stranger.

So what must I give to receive?
Myself.

Just give of yourself, what you can,
When you can.
Freely and expect nothing.

Then just step back and watch the glory of the magnificent petals bloom into the amazing and stunning life that is yours.

Enjoy,

Just give.