STORIES & MEDIA

More than a few years ago, there was a movie titled “Pay it Forward” that inspired a lot of people. And, while I don’t remember any of the details about this movie, the message was very clear – do good things without expecting reward and good things will come to you. Karma if you will.

With the stresses of jobs, economy, acceleration of really everything, more time spent using tools that are supposed to save you time, but you have less time than you ever had, it seems to me that we have been in a real period of complete lack of faith in ‘karma’ …. A real cynical attitude in social and business climates alike. I’m not judging that this negativity wasn’t warranted, and most of the people I know would tell you that these have been some ‘tough times’, but it hasn’t been real pleasant.

I do believe in the cycles of things though, and I am starting to feel a change in attitude. Yes, there are always those cheerful, happy people that give and give and then give some more, no matter what happens around them. But, from my perspective, there’s a spark of renewed spirit, of renewed faith, and frankly, I feel refreshed already.

There are at least 7 people I can think of who are fostering dogs – I don’t mean like the Greyhound rescues that have been around for a long time, but dogs that wouldn’t live in shelters much longer. Even one single mom who really didn’t need another mouth to feed. Several people I know have moved back to their parents’ towns, or moved their parents to live with them, to care for them instead of sending them to nursing homes. Or just to rebuild their families. People opening their homes to relatives to provide a better life, even neighbors knocking on doors to introduce themselves so they wouldn’t be strangers. One friend who can barely walk is doing a lot of work to help a community pride festival, as if he didn’t have enough challenges just taking care of himself

Volunteerism seems to be making a strong comeback. People helping people. The real winners? I never met a volunteer who didn’t feel a renewed sense of pride, purpose and happiness for their efforts.

Sadly, there will always be people and organizations that don’t appear to care, that continue to lie and cheat. There are some real ‘karma offendors’ that have completely lost any sense of responsibility to their community, landlords whose tenants lose their homes without notice, friends who forget who their real friends are. And you just have to shake your head and wonder when the world will catch up with them.