I love the idea that when something good happens you to, you should pay it forward. I feel like if more people tried to live by this one simple philosophy, our world would be a better place. Sometimes just a simple act of human kindness can go a long way.
I came across the Suspended Coffees facebook page recently, and this movement really reminded me that there is still some good in a world that at times seems to be filled with negativity & ignorance. I absolutely ADORE this idea & wish it was more widely adopted here in Canada (I’m looking at you Timmies). In it’s most basic form, the movement, founded on the idea of a “suspended” coffee is simple – people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who cannot afford a warm beverage. But the wonderful thing about an idea this simple and pure, is that is has the side effect of inspiring people to do more. One glance at the facebook page and you’ll realize that “It’s about more than the coffee”.
This story in particular caught my eye: (I should warn you in advance – it’s a tear jerker):
I know right!?! You can’t say I didn’t warn you…such a beautiful thing for a perfect stranger to do for others!
And it got me to thinking…
We started this blog simply as a means to document our journey. So that when all was said and done and our Dreamhouse was complete, we’d be able to look back one day and see how we got there. To laugh at the challenges that we hit along the way, and re-live the joys of achieving the milestones. We never expected to have anyone really take notice of it, or have the opportunities to connect with the amazing brands we have. So we thought…maybe we should pause for a moment and find a way of giving back to the universe.
As you all know, we were chosen to be members of the 2014 PARA Blog Crew after submitting this video outlining what we’d do with a year’s worth of free paint. Unlimited paint for a year is exactly what it sounds like. It’s A LOT of paint. And what do you do when you’re looking for a way to pay it forward and have access to more paint then you know what to do with?? You share it!
SO today we’re introducing Random Acts of Paint – a series we’ll be running throughout the year where we’ll be realizing the paint dreams of a few of our family, friends, & YOU our loyal readers and then sharing them right here on the blog. Have something you need painted? Send us your story and who knows, we might show up at your door – rollers & brushes in hand!
Okay….so I know it’s nowhere near as inspiring as what the amazing team at Suspended Coffees is doing, but if we can share a little PARA paint to help brighten someone’s home & bring a smile to their faces, then why not?
Have you been touched by a random act of kindness lately? Are you planning to pay it forward? Leave us a comment & let us know!
To find out more about the Suspended Coffees movement, visit their website or facebook page or follow them on twitter @SuspendedCofees.
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Sabrina @ Pink Little Notebook
This is such an incredible thing you guys are doing! You are definitely an amazing couple! It’s astonishing how a small gesture can make all the difference in somebody else’s life. And that letter…OMG it pulled on my heartstrings
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Awww, thanks Sabrina!! I know – I totally welled up when I read that note for the first time. It’s amazing how a little can go a long way for someone. It’s such an awesome feeling to see how something you’ve done can bring joy to someone else – but then you know a little about that too! You did an incredible job on your brother’s master bedroom. 🙂
happybloggerstudio
Love this story and what a great idea!! I look forward to seeing how things roll out (get it?!?)
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Haha…Thanks Melissa! I love a good play on words. We’re excited to get things ‘rolling’ 😉
mama lola
what an amazing napkin note! def a tear jerker!!!
and, i love your way of paying/ painting it forward! so awesome!
xo, mama lola
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Thanks mama lola! ‘Painting it forward’ That’s BRILLIANT!! Love it. I’m so making a hashtag out of that, lol!
Lindsey
You guys are awesome. That is all! 🙂
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Awww, thanks Lindsey! That means a lot. And I’ve been meaning to tell you. You’re CRAZY talented!!! I’d definitely love to collaborate on a couple of pieces once the Dreamhouse is ready to be furnished!
Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc.
That’s awesome! LOVE it!
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Thanks Laurie! And welcome to our little slice of the internet. Appreciate you stopping by!
Dani @ lifeovereasy
Ok, that is totally amazing. Really. DO NOT MINIMIZE WHAT YOU ARE DOING! Homes are important. Colour is important. Being kind is important. This is really awesome. Totally love it.
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Thanks Dani!
Meredith
You guys are the BEST! What an amazingly generous thing to do. Please let me know if you need any help — Sue and I would be more than happy to help you pay it forward. xo
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Thanks Meredith! It would be very cool to collaborate on something like this if we could work out it out logistically!
Meredith
Absolutely! We could be your Ottawa arms! 🙂
Tia
Love it! Para, good karma, every day heros… all wonderful!!
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Thanks Tia!
Meredith
This is an amazing idea! In highscool, we read the book ‘Pay it Forward’ and as a class project we had to do our own Pay it Forward project… but it means so much more when you CHOOSE to do it, and aren’t told to do so!
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Such a great idea for a highschool class. What was your project?
Melissa
Thoughtful and amazing!
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Thanks Melly!
Suzanne B
Amazing! What a super idea and how wonderful you are to think of it! I couldn’t agree with you more about the world being a better place if more folks adopted the “pay it forward” attitude. Oh, and your dream house looks incredible! 🙂
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Thanks so much Suzanne!
Amy ~ Love On Sunday
Amazing! This post really made my day. I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately hence my somewhat negative and melancholy post. I think there is always room to be kind to others and to pay it forward. I think what you are doing is so kind and thoughtful. Very inspiring! xo
Tash @ thedreamhouseproject
Thanks Amy! I feel like a lot of us in the blogosphere have been feeling that way lately. Glad that I can inspire even in a small way. xo