An Entirely New Transmittable “Disease” That Could Heal the World We Live In

by Michael Kaufman

With all of the recent talk of the Swine Flu and the possibility of it’s rapid spread through the world’s population, it seems to me to be a good idea to discuss a different type of virus – one that most people could stand to be “infected” by and would be better off for it.

The interesting thing about viruses is how fast they can overtake a population. Also important to note, although probably not surprising, is that each individual that is infected with a specific virus strain tends to exhibit similar symptoms to others that have been 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” Virus

About 6 or 7 years ago I saw a really good movie called Pay It Forward, a movie 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 3 NEW people, so as to pay FORWARD the nice thing that was done for you.

However, this “pay it forward” idea is nowhere near new (nor was it at the time that the book was penned). It actually pre-dates even the well respected Ben Franklin who described “paying it forward” 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.”

Of course, paying it forward must not always involve monetary assistance, nor even physical labor, although it certainly might. WhyTheCards.com takes a much simpler approach to the idea of Paying it Forward.

Virtually Everybody Desires Encouragement and Appreciation

Nearly a century ago, Charles Schwab was named by Andrew Carnegie to be the new president United States Steel Company. Schwab’s starting salary: ONE MILLION DOLLARS per year or approximately $3,000 per DAY (at a time when $3,000/YEAR was considered to be a very good salary).

Schwab says that he received this immense salary in large part because of his ability to effectively deal|deal|effectively interact) with people.

Said Schwab, “I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.”

The entire purpose of WhyTheCards.com is to take that powerful idea of recognizing and appreciating people’s gifts and apply it in a really simple way that can quickly “infect” dozens, hundreds, thousands or even millions of people and turn them into chronic encouragers, constantly looking for ingenious ways to affirm and uplift the people around them.

As Easy as Mailing a Greeting Card

It is difficult to imagine why a simple piece of cardstock with an image and a note can have such a powerful impact on an acquaintance that’s been going through a difficult situation (or maybe even if they haven’t). Just the simple act of letting them know how much you appreciate them and the talents they possess. Or, a word of congratulations for a great performance.

You could even send a card to suggest that you wish to get together for coffee this Friday or to let them know not to make dinner this Wednesday since you’ll be making it for them. Even better, use your note as a way to encourage them to pay it forward and help someone else. As unlikely as it may seem, helping someone else is often one of the best ways to make YOURSELF feel better (although that should never be your primary motivation).

Most people could stand to receive a reminder that they are truly special and have value. That they have talents that not a single other person on earth has which could be used to help people. No matter how old or young they are, how sick they might happen to be, how stressful their life is right now, how many screw-ups they have under their belt, they STILL have alot to offer, but nobody will know that unless they actually offer it. It need not even take alot of time or cost alot of money to encourage someone. A very simple card can mean the world and might be just what the doctor ordered.

About the Author:

Each individual has a God given responsibility to motivate others, and sending a simple postcard quite often can be a powerful way to do it. Come see WhyTheCards.com to learn how you can infect others with the “card sending virus” (and for some really uplifting & thought provoking videos).

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