Yesterday, I attended the Anchorage ATHENA Society annual luncheon (thanks Lydia and USKH!). The ATHENA Society is a “program of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, and is a local chapter of an international organization dedicated to encouraging the potential of women as valued member and leaders of the business community.”
Basically, it’s full of very successful women who have made a positive impact on our community.
I love that Anchorage is so full of inspiring people, and that for every person in the room yesterday, there are a hundred more out there, quietly making a difference in the lives of others.
The theme of the luncheon was Pay it Forward, and as each new inductee was introduced, a slide of their definition for “Pay it Forward” was projected onto a screen. It was fascinating to see the similarities and differences in each definition (I wish I could have captured the definitions for you, but I was too caught up in the moment, and there’s no way I could have kept up with the slides!).
To me, paying it forward is passing on the good things in your life to others. It may be a simple smile at a stranger, or months (even years!) of hard work to help someone achieve a dream. I think about the wonderful people in my life, and the gifts of their time, energy, creativity, and knowledge that have helped me become who I am today, and hope that I can do the same for others.
What does paying it forward mean to you?
Photos of the event are here: http://www.adn.com/2012/04/02/2404102/athena-society-2012.html#id=2404081&view=large_view.