One of the many reasons why I love writing every month for our Compliance Now is because I love sharing all of the great information and resources that come my way, and so what a treat it is for me to share with you that I stumbled upon Global Pay It Forward Day!

Global Pay It Forward Day is recognized each year on April 28th and is in honor and recognition of all the good deeds that have come a person’s way, giving that person the opportunity on April 28th to “pay it forward.” Global Pay It Forward Day is observed in over 80 countries (including the United States), and the idea [of the day] is “Whenever we are shown kindness, this concept encourages us to pay it forward by showing kindness to others, and they are to do the same…ultimately leading to a selfless ripple of kindness”. [nationaltoday.com/global-pay-it-forward-day] The phrase “Pay It Forward” was first devised by author Lily Hardy Hammond in her book, “In the Garden of Delight” and was later made popular in author Robert Heinlein’s novel “Between Planets.” In addition, the “pay it forward” concept appeared in the novel by the same name written by Catherine Ryan Hyde – the book went on to be a best-seller and was the foundation on which Global Pay It Forward Day was established (international speaker and author Blake Beattie was inspired by Hyde’s book to create the day in 2007).

I, for one, am looking forward to observing Global Pay It Forward Day on April 28th! If you are looking for some ideas on how to observe the day, please check out these Global Pay It Forward Day activities, which I pulled from their website:

• Perform Random Acts of Kindness
• Give a Random Compliment
• Sign up for Volunteer Work

However you decide to observe Global Pay It Forward Day, I invite you to “pay it forward” not only on April 28th, but all year long – a little kindness really does go a long, long way!