Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Pay-It-Forward Massage Therapist


--by dreamin2being, posted Apr 17, 2008
Since I joined this website last week, I was mulling about how to incorporate acts of kindness into my life as a regular practice. I was truly inspired!

I am a massage therapist and have my own practice. What I decided to do is to no longer keep my tips; instead, I would use that money towards giving someone a free massage. For instance, I charge $75/hour. When there is $75 worth of tips given, I will offer someone in need -- who cannot afford the massage otherwise -- a free one.

Well, no sooner had I hatched this plan that a client called me and said she had to cancel based on financial difficulties. Guess who got the freebee?!?

The beautiful thing is that this woman just lost her father and is in a large financial dispute over bills, even though her father was a wealthy man. She has been going through grief and anger and all sorts of emotional difficulties. When she accepted the gift of the free session, she said to me, "Just this morning, my partner was telling me I need to learn to accept help from others. Normally I wouldn't accept this, but I feel you're offering me a chance to learn to receive and that I don't need to do it all by myself." 

Thanks for inspiring me!
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Readers Comments

AURELIA wrote: WOW WEEEEE!!!!!!!!! Awesome. What a beautiful story. I am so proud of you for coming up with this idea. I am also so happy that the stories you have read have inspired you! I feel the same way. Many times I do things and say, I wonder if I would have done this if I hadn't been part of Helpothers and RAOKs. :0) High Five ... you are learning quickly. ~Aurelia :0) Smiles are contagious
lovebug wrote: You story was beautiful. Their has to be a balance in life. We all have something to give in life, but if we do not have people willing to receive our gift, What would we do with these gifts? PEACE
lmil1954 wrote: It is SO God!!! Thanks for your goodness! Linda:)
lmil1954 wrote: PS- Welcome- we're glad you're here.
JuneBug wrote: What an awesome thing for you to do!!! I love this story!!!! :}
makesomeonesmile wrote: What a great idea! Bless you for your kindness!
ruru wrote: Very cool idea!
my job doesn't get tips, but it gets plenty of hugs. So, here's a ((((HUG))) from me to you. Welcome to the crowd and look forward to reading more.
:^)
wayfarer wrote: I'm thinking of Hannibal in "The A-Team." He was always saying, "I love it when a plan comes together!"
Your plan sure came together in ways you could never have expected, but then that's the added bonus that comes with doing good.
ieiblue wrote: keep it up... you're an inspiration...:P
splinter wrote: Ah yes, there's nothing like that instantaneous feedback your doing the right thing!

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