Opt for Optimism
*This is a paid sponsorship with Frost Bank. All views and opinions are my own.*
I’ve talked to you all before about being our best selves by giving to those around us. One of my favorite things to do, especially on a Monday, is to do one simple act of kindness for an unsuspecting person. Why? Our lives are SO hectic as it is, we need far more kindness in this world – kindness without expectation.
The Campaign
Frost Bank and I have partnered together to encourage greater participation in random acts of kindness, 30 days of it to be exact. They have kickstarted an Opt for Optimism campaign that embraces paying it forward- isn’t that amazing? In doing so, you will receive greater positivity in your daily life, endless smiles, and good juju – or at least I would like to think so!
The challenge begins August 6th, you sign up to have reminders sent to your email! The goal behind the campaign is literally to become our best selves by giving unto others. Optimism can lead to increased physical, emotional and even financial well-being. I’m sure you can all relate if you think of your grumpiest self versus your happy self, it’s a major difference right? Imagine spreading that joy! Best of all, optimism is also highly contagious! Have you ever seen or been part of a pay it forward coffee line at Starbucks? I love love love starting the chain – they once told me that had a 10 person chain going so far .. which is amazing! The feeling that someone is thinking of you and willing to brighten your day without knowing you is compelling to keep moving that chain of love forward. Like I said.. contagious!
Frost Bank is aiming to inspire optimism in three major ways: fostering generosity, building community, and changing perspectives. Think of leaving a kind note in someone’s drawer, purse, or windshield – maybe you loved their makeup, or they looked nice in their new shirt. It’s these little things that count the most! Consider taking cookies to your local fire station – I used to do that in Utah all the time! At the time, I was an ER nurse and worked with many of the first responders. With Charlie being deployed and often not around, those guys helped me de-ice my driveway and shovel snow – they are amazing! Show some love to those guys, they deserve it!
Frost Bank has 150 years of experience behind its name and is dedicated to stomping out pessimism and rekindling the flame of optimism. Giving to your local food bank or donating old clothes keep help people get back on their feet, or feed a hungry family. The potential of love in your act of kindness has no limit!
How to Pay it Forward
I loved these little cards in my kit. Some of them I’ve talked about, but some of them I would not have thought of. Leaving a note to the mailman is the cutest, am I right? I often leave him a Christmas tin of sweets every year. I also liked the inclusion of volunteering. Being a nurse, I realllllly want to travel with a Doctor’s without Borders type of group and donate my skills and time to those in need. The chicken in me has always talked me out of it, but I need to just put on those big girl panties and buck up! Amen to that.
My mom is a new teacher (go Mom!) and was telling me about the need for extra school supplies and necessities in the schools. Imagine if you donated a pack of bleach wipes or tissues? SO helpful to the school and the kiddos! The are zillions of ideas to show kindness with or without spending any money – the choice is yours. We aren’t perfect but we are incredible, and I choose incredible over perfect any day, wouldn’t you?
So tell me, how do you imagine incorporating optimism into your day? One cup of coffee at a time (coffee makes everything better)? I’m curious to know!
I love how you used to bake cookies for your local fire department- how sweet is that!! My church is doing a school supplies drive over the next few weeks so I’m getting excited to help with that š
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
This is such an awesome campaign – I love projects that give back!
What an exciting campaign, Tara!!!! Great way to give back š Thanks for sharing!
Such an exciting campaign! Love it
This is such an awesome campaign!! I think we can always use more optimism in our lives!
Kileen
cute & little
What an amazing person you are!!! Keep doing you, girl!!
XO
Brooke
Charmedjerseybelle.com
Oh I love this! I think the easiest way to pay it forward is to just give someone a compliment! It literally doesn’t cost us anything but it can really make someone’s day!
I love this project its amazing! the cards are so cute!
I love the idea of doing small acts of kindness! I like to pay for the coffee of the person behind me in the Starbucks drive thru. I know it’s nothing big but the few times it’s happened to me has always been such a nice surprise and I’m all about continuing the train.
xo, Laura
Wow these cards are gorgeous! What an awesome idea!
What a wonderful campaign! The world definitely needs more optimism and kindness, and I love that this turns it into a habit. I celebrated seven years cancer free this year by doing random acts of kindness, and it just felt so good.
Kudos to you for wanting to volunteer your skills! There are RAM clinics where I live, and those weekends do so much good for the region. Cheering you on!
I am a part of this campaign too and I’m excited to participate in this challenge š
This is such a wonderful project, I can totally get behind this! I love that your mom is a teacher, go her! I always try and help local schools!
I love the idea around this campaign. It’s so important to pay it forward. Just a small gesture could make someone’s day! Love your idea about donating school supplies – that’s a perfect way to pay it forward.
this post makes me want to get up & do something good. I totally agree..giving back, paying it foward, it’s all v contagious. how amazing it’d be if there was a constant flow of those acts & the aftermath they’d have! awesome campaign w/ frost bank too. x, nicole // http://www.nicoleeigh.com
Love this! So inspiring! I’m totally gonna start a “pay it forward” chain at Starbucks tomorrow! Love that Frost Bank would come up with such a great idea!
I signed up for this challenge! I’m pretty optimistic but this is a muscle that needs to always workout because it can easily shrink.
That’s amazing! And yes, I love how you described it – it’s always worth keeping up!
I love the idea of paying it forward. I would love to participate in some of these wonderful campaigns.
First of all I love the way you put all togeher the campaign,the cards are so pretty. such a wonderful project!
I love everything about this! We have somehow lost what it means to be human and paying it forward I feel can remind us about the importance of love, respect and kindness. Kudos to you!
Tara I love this initiative, I am a big advocate of paying it forward and cultivating positivity. I love reading post that shine a spotlight on these types of program and partnerships. I will be sure to check out the links you have provided and my small contribution to such worthy cause. Great work, my friend!
What an amazing campaign!! Hopefully it spreads fast ???? I am going to opt to participate!
What an amazing campaign!!! With so much craziness happening around us, I think itās more important now than ever! Love this.
Ahhh this concept is so precious! I love the idea of doing sweet acts of kindness for someone else – especially a stranger. It’s the best feeling when it happens to you, so why not do it for someone else. Great idea!
This is such a cute idea! Thank you for sharing the good stuff! Keep it up <3 Btw I loved your outfit.
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
These cards are so cute! That’s so awesome you are part of this wonderful campaign that gives back! Keep it up girlā¤ļø
I pay it forward by volunteering!
love that! volunteering is always amazing and leaves me feeling so much better!
This sounds like such an amazing campaign! I saw someone else post about it and was so intrigued. I absolutely love leaving people random notes and cards so I will have to start doing that more!
This is such a cool campaign! Love your dress!
This sounds like a great campaign! I love things like this!
I just love this! Paying it forward is one of the best things you could do!
I love how this project gives back!
I’m definitely a big advocator for paying it forward, and really believe in karma!
Birdie Shoots
What a great way to give back! I love campaigns that find ways to give back!
i’m always all for giving back, and love this campaign! everyone could use a bit more optimism in their lives š xx
This is such a lovely post! Great content and message behind it. Paying it forward is always doing the right thing!
I incorporate optimism in my day by looking for the good in people that might offend me! It’s a hard one, but worth it!
I am always a fan of random acts of kindness! As for how I incorporate optimism into my day, I mostly do it through my own thoughts! I try to keep most things optimistic in that department!
xo
Sami
The Classic Brunette
I love this idea! And as a single, working mom I find that carving out time to be present with my daughter is sometimes the best and most valuable thing I can offer š