Pay it Forward

It was September 2024 and I was trying to figure out what to charge for my coaching and, to be honest, how to get more clients.

An idea came into my mind, it was different to the pay-as-you-feel I had offered before and felt a bit radical.

What if I didn’t receive anything for the support I offered, but asked the client to pass it on to someone else and support them.

How far could that then spread? Where would that positive energy go and how many lives could it touch?

That was it, I had to try it.

Over 3 months I supported 8 people with up to 6 coaching hours each. I LOVED IT!

Here is what they said and how they passed it on…

I have known Jo for a long time and have always followed her business ventures with great interest and admiration. Jo is a truly inspirational woman, so I was delighted to take up the opportunity for guidance, insight and personal development when she offered the opportunity to take part in the pay it forward coaching sessions.

My initial intentions were to explore some of my barriers to personal growth, identify the sources and reasons for this, and to implement more positive and progressive approaches. 

Jo was able to understand my perspective, facilitate excellent exploratory discussions in order to then offer guidance for change. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions with Jo, I felt heard, acknowledged, understood and supported. 

In return I have offered free counselling sessions to a number of people who would have found it difficult to access the support otherwise. 

I would highly recommend Jo to anyone who is wanting to develop further insight into to any aspect of their lives, be it personal or professional dilemmas that may be facing. 

Rachel Cowdrey

How have you, or are you Paying It Forward?

This is the answer I am most keen to explore because it was the promise I made you when I signed up for the sessions. Immediately on starting our sessions, I was presented with two opportunities to show people that they are seen and heard and valued. I always know when I’ve hit the spot because people cry. It is such a special moment when someone recognises you, sees you, sits with you and shows you that you’re not the grotesque thing you imagine. If only fleetingly, I was able to do that for two people. I was surprised that I felt so comfortable doing this and I think you giving me that space and attention only a few days previously had helped me understand how important this is. 

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The second thing of note has been that I spent time wondering what the “it” was in paying it forward. I had originally thought it was coaching but on deeper reflection, the “it” is self-compassion and self-love. So by me doing the work on “it”, I am a much nicer person to be around and that is how I am paying it forward into everyone’s lives. I am still figuring out how to be compassionate and still keep boundaries but I dare say I will work it out eventually. 

Sarah Brooks

I have been helping out an elder in my spiritual community with company and food shopping. I also helped a friend and my Dad with their CV.

All the people I have helped have been so appreciative of the help that’s been offered without expectation of return.  

 It has felt lovely to have this activity recognised (even just to me) as service that I am paying forward for gifts received. I liked working out how I could spend the hour or so that week to be helpful. 

Thanks so much for your time and care!

Emma Ward

If you consider the donation you are making to be below a reasonable market rate for the service, or have no exchange that will work then you can choose this option and pass on the support you receive to help someone else.

If you want to discuss this option, please drop me an email at contact@yourwayyourcamino.com or use the Contact form