Wednesday, May 6, 2009

PIF

While not being able to be in the studio much, due to healing my wrists, I've been getting a few other things done and yes, cruising Etsy. Okay, more like pecking my way with these braces on, which I'm getting used to and hopefully I'll be back up to par next week :)

Anyway, I came across a thread about PIF sales. PIF... sales? This was sadly confusing because although PIF has many meanings, it was being used as in "Pay it Forward" sense. So I searched PIF in Etsy. Besides several threads in the Forum, there are TONS of items for sale for the listing price of .20cents and cost of shipping. From one to several items in the shops - some with several PIF sales that relist them over and over. I'm not saying this is wrong, to each their own, but I'm only expressing my personal opinion on what the true meaning of PIF means to me as well as others.

PIF= Pay It Forward. Random acts of kindness from one to another. Something that will change their life for the better. It can be something major or something as simple as:

Handing a homeless person your change - may inspire him/her that there is hope.
Helping a neighbor take out their trash - you were strangers until this day and now friends.
Taking the worm that inched it's way into your home outside into the garden - it now has food to live.
Letting that crazy driver go ahead of you - makes for a peaceful drive and they may slow down.
Giving a stranger a smile while passing them on the street - may brighten their day and in turn will pass that smile onto someone else - and so on and so on...

I could go on, but I'm sure you get the meaning and have thoughts of your own. What I don't believe PIF to be is trying to promote or gain exposure to yourself. It's a selfless act, one that requires nothing in return. The only thing it does in return is warms your heart knowing that your random act of kindness has helped another in some small way. Not boost sales.

Oh and if you haven't seen the movie (based off the book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde) with the very talented Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt & Haley Joel Osment, I highly recommend it. Although it is hard hitting and sad at times, it is very inspirational. I'll admit that watching it only once was good enough for me. Although my beliefs go hand and hand with it, Pay It Forward has forever opened my eyes.

Inspire someone today, it will make your heart happy.
Rocki

9 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Yet another excellent post by you.

Glad you are doing well. You have the same idea I have of PIF. Its definitely not for profit except for your enhanced mood when participating.

mairedodd said...

i had never even heard of this... this was such a revealing post for me... i enjoy experiencing your approach to the world thru your words! it's so nice to find people in sync with your own vibe... and now i will go and add that movie to my blockbuster queue! also need to get to 'work' but i'm not feeling it, so i have to wait! be well ~

Anonymous said...

You are just the kindest soul.

Peace be with you my friend, hope you are feeling better these days.

SueBeads said...

I also agree with you Rocki! I saw the movie and thought it was great - and you are right, there should be sentiment behind the action, not promotion!

The Beading Gem said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful definition of PIF. Pearl

My Shining Lights said...

So sweet and you friend are a true Pay It Forward Person and I thank you for that!

Mazzy Blue Studios said...

Thanks for sharing!!!! I have the same idea of PIF!!! Yeah the PIF listings are really ...I don't know...like yoiu said to each their own:)

artangel said...

How very strange - and serendipitous! I have just blogged today about random acts of kindness - great minds, Rocki! I love this post!
Angie x
PS hope your wrists are OK - did you get the nerve conduction test results back (I'm assuming that's what you had?)Hope all's well! x

Sweets 'N Greets said...

Hey Sis!! GREAT post!! GREAT find :-) And you BETTER be resting your wrists. Don't make me come over and put you in my old room (hole in the back yard). HAHAHAHAHA!!!!