Life Vest Inside is a 5013 non-profit grass-roots organization based in New York City, United States. It prevents social issues such as bullying, depression, and substance abuse from materializing by taking a proactive approach.
What is “5013”?
Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code allows for federal tax exemption of non-profit organizations, specifically those that are considered public charities, private foundations or private operating foundations. It is regulated and administered by the US Department of Treasury through the Internal Revenue Service.
Life Vest Inside published a book, called “How to Save the World (and Yourself) Through 365 Daily Acts”.
For each day of the year, it gives an act of kindness, inspirational quote and short reflection on the power of paying it forward.
The page for September 10th is reproduced below:
Act: Forgive and take a baby step to let go of the pain that someone has caused you. No, it’s not easy — but it’s necessary in order to make room for the good things that life has in store for you. Fill your heart with love, and there will be no more room to hate.
Quote: The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. — Mahatma Gandhi
Reflection: The pain and hardships we go through in life tend to connect us with a part of ourselves; an inner strength, an inner beauty that would otherwise remain dormant. But suppressed pain, prohibited from having a voice, can paralyse us and eat away at that very strength from the inside out. Being wronged hurts, but allowing that hurt to change who you are, to prevent you from going forward is far worse. The essence of forgiveness is, in fact, our ability to forgive – give forward in spite of the pain, recognizing that the more you give the more you truly heal.
In 2010, the founder of Life Vest Inside created the film entitled “Kindness Boomerang”. It shows how one kind choice leads to another. The film went viral reaching over 100 million people globally and inspired many kindness films to follow.