Much to be gained by paying it forward

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/10/2013 (4397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I’m a big believer in the saying ‘what goes around, comes around’ and, of course, karma — the good and bad kind. I especially like hearing about people paying their good fortunes forward. Treating people nicely always makes one feel better.

Our local gym and spa in the neighbourhood, Image Fitness for Women and Total Wrapture Day Spa, is a perfect example of this mantra.

A grandmother from Silver Heights found herself raising her nine-year-old granddaughter. Grandma went to the spa once a month for a manicure and brought her young granddaughter with her each time. The esthetician watched how, over the years, their relationship blossomed and was one day surprised to hear that the granddaughter, now 17, was going to be a mother herself.

Obviously a tough situation had become a bit tougher and the granddaughter went to stay at a caring place called Villa Rosa. For those not familiar with the name, it’s a home environment for single pregnant women or new mothers which provides educational, health and social services.

When the esthetician heard this news, she knew immediately she wanted to help the young girl. So she packed up her supplies and volunteered her services at Villa Rosa, giving free manicures to the girls there. Everyone deserves a little pampering in such a tough world. Some of the girls were a bit negative toward this generosity and didn’t understand why anyone would want to help them for free. However, by the end of the afternoon the room was filled with laughter and pretty nails. Something so small meant so much.

Another Image Fitness employee, Amy, grew up in a deaf community, as she had deaf parents. Her first language was sign language, not English. Each year the community has a special day called Wellness Day for the Manitoba Deaf, and Amy volunteers her time to provide manicures alongside other volunteers providing massages, etc. When speaking with Amy, you can see her eyes light up when she describes how happy she makes people with a small gesture.

I too am hoping to pay my happiness in life forward by volunteering for The Cuddle Program at the Children’s Hospital. This will be amazing hours spent cooing and cuddling newborns that need that intimate touch.

I applaud anyone who enjoys paying it forward. All of us can do it, any day of the week. Holding a door open, allowing someone in traffic to slip in front of you or just smiling at a passerby can mean a great deal to someone having a bad day or feeling lonely. Give it a try and see how going forward is more rewarding than going backward sometimes.

Virginia Sperl is a Silver Heights-based writer.