The Giving Key is a unique and clever way to pay it forward.
The premise? Simple, really. You buy a key to wear on a necklace chain, bracelet, or even on a phone case and have it engraved with the word or message of your choice. When you meet someone who needs that message more than you (i.e, courage, fearless, dream) more than you, you pass the key along.
The website is filled with stories of lives that have been touched by this gesture and it reminds me of a similar story I experienced a couple of years ago I had a particularly bad break-up on top of family issues and progress in both work/school were stagnant. I vented one day to my roommate (and by vented, I mean cried my eyes while sharing some Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked Ice Cream) and once I calmed down, she told me she had just the thing for me. She went to her room and came back with a gold necklace and charm. The charm was shaped as a horse-shoe. She told me she was given the necklace when she was going through a rough time and it helped her; it was meant to remind her to keep dreaming and to keep wishing- to not give up. I was both touched and taken aback by her generosity that I almost started crying again. I wore that necklace everyday for almost an entire year. To this day, that is the kindest, most thoughtful gift anyone has given me. The chain has broke but I still carry the charm in my purse as my good luck charm.
When I came across The Giving Keys, this story immediately brought me back to the moment that she gave me the necklace. We weren’t really close and we keep in touch every now and then but I will always be grateful for her which is why I fell in love with The Giving Keys organization. And not only do they inspire to spread good and kindness, the organization also employs those transitioning out of homelessness. Blog posts of those that have been employed by the organization and then rebuilt their lives are also found on the site.
I’m warning you now, the stories of past employees and also those who have received or given out keys are all incredibly touching and may cause you to shed a tear or two. These posts serve as reminders that in a world is rampid with darkness at times, the good is still shining through.
I’ve just ordered myself a key with the words COURAGE engraved on it. I’m completing my degree soon and am moving across the country soon after. Courage is definitely something I need reminding of in my life and I’m already looking forward to the day I don’t need reminding anymore, so I can pass it on to someone who does.
Which word would you get engraved on your key? Which would you give away as a gift?
That Alyssa Girl 