Paying it forward

"We rise by lifting others" ~Robert Ingersol

This year I wanted to do thirty acts of kindness to represent Ryan's 30th birthday. Although I don't have the exact numbers I am pretty sure I met my goal. Here are a few of the places where Ryan left his mark in 2017.

"Some of our best living is done through the people we leave behind"

When paying it forward I strive to balance giving for those in need and giving to inspire more giving. Both areas promote joy and all of the gifts promote daily gratitude.

• All fired up Medina - with 7 story times and books and cookies for each child who participated
• Starbucks coffee - inside and drive-thru gift cards to use until depleted
• Elmcroft of Medina - bagels for staff
• Panera of Medina - gift card to use until depleted
• Target gift cards
• Pregnancy choices
• The City Mission - books, diapers and movie tickets for the kids
• Vita Bella Salon
• La Bella Salon

Ideas for next year are already inspired by the gifts provided by others, like a friend paying for a random child's birthday cake at a local bakery or purchasing blankets and necessities for the homeless as well as dinners purchased for unsuspecting diners.