| An Infectious "Disease" That Has the Potential to Heal the Planet |
| Written by Michael Kaufman | |
| Friday, 31 July 2009 | |
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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.
In contrast to the plethora of negative media coverage and paranoia surrounding the Swine Flu, I'd like to follow a more positive track and talk about a brand new virus that could, literally, save the world from it's own destruction. The interesting thing about viruses is how quickly they can overtake a population. Also important to note, although probably not surprising, is that each individual that is infected with a particular virus strain tends to exhibit 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 infecting the world's population this new "virus". The "Paying it Forward" Bug A while ago I saw a really good movie by the name of Pay It Forward, to which many people attribute the phrase of the same name and the "good deed" mentality that accompanies it. In the movie, the phrase "pay it forward" referred to performing a "good deed" for 3 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 instead of back is actually an old one, pre-dating even Benjamin Franklin who, in 1784, described the concept with the following words: "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." It's also important to understand, I believe, that "paying it forward" should not always have to involve the giving of money or doing physical labor, although, in many cases, it does. A much simpler approach to "paying it forward" is described in great detail on my new website WhyTheCards.com, but here is the premise of the site (and the vision) in brief. Virtually Everybody Desires Encouragement & Appreciation Back in the early 1900s, Andrew Carnegie was in need of someone to head up the newly formed United States Steel Company. To fill the important position, he chose Charles Schwab and started him at a salary of ONE MILLION DOLLARS per year or approximately $3,000 per DAY (during a period when a $3,000 ANNUAL salary would have been a very good salary). This immense salary was a direct result of Schwab's impeccable ability to effectively deal|deal|effectively interact) with employees, according to Schwab himself. He had this to say: "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." This high regard for encouragement and appreciation of others is what WhyTheCards.com is designed to multiply via the "pay it forward" ideal but in an easy to implement, yet viral manner which, hopefully, will reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of people. As Easy as Mailing a Greeting Card It's absolutely amazing just how much a simple card can uplift a friend that's 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 unique about them that you really enjoy. Congratulate them on making a good decision. Or, just let them know you're thinking of them as they go through a difficult situation or have to make some hard decisions. You could even send a postcard to suggest that you should get together for coffee this Friday or to let them know not to make dinner this Saturday since you'll be making it for them. Even better, use your note as an opportunity to encourage them to pay it forward and help someone else. As illogical as it may seem, assisting someone else is often one of the best ways to make YOURSELF feel better (although that should never be your primary motivation). Send a card just to remind someone that THEY have value, that THEY have talents and abilities that NOBODY else has and that they should use those gifts to help people. Just a simple card can mean so much. And, it doesn't have to be a time or money consuming task. The Article Author: Everyone has a divine responsibility to encourage others, and sending a simple greeting card can often be a powerful way to do it. Come see WhyTheCards.com to find out how to infect others with the "card sending virus" (and for some really uplifting & thought provoking videos). |
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