Pay It Forward
"Sometimes you can't pay it back, so you just have to pay it forward." - Randy Pausch
Happy Global Pay It Forward Day!
It feels good when someone does something kind for us. It's incredible how one person's simple act of kindness can change your attitude, mood, day, or life. Often we are unable to repay that act of kindness. Especially if it was done anonymously or by a stranger. But what we can do is pass it on.
Today, follow their lead and find a way to pay it forward. Seek out opportunities to do something kind for another person. Pass on the kindness and change someone else's life.
That simple act of giving or finding opportunities to do something nice for someone else pays enormous dividends. Paying it forward is about caring and sharing. It's about compassion and kindness. It's about generosity and giving. It's about sacrifice and love. You get what you give. So give more, give freely, and give often.
Think of an idea that can change one person's day, and put it into action. Here are a few simple suggestions:
Leave inspirational and encouraging post-it notes around your house for others to find.
Wash another family member's car.
Buy a coffee for the person behind you at the drive-thru.
Help a neighbor with their yard work.
Send a positive text message or a quick email to five people.
Compliment the first three people you talk to today or a stranger at the store.
Surprise a friend or a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats.
At the grocery store, let someone go in front of you in line who only has a few items.
Leave a gas gift card at a gas pump.
Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels included.
Hold the door open for others to enter first.
Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.
Offer to babysit for friends who could use a night out.
Return shopping carts for people at the grocery store.
Leave a generous gratuity tip (that you can afford) to a kind server at a restaurant.
Write your partner a list of things you love about them.
Run an errand for a busy family member or a friend.
Leave a box of treats or a gift card in your mailbox for your mail carrier.
Leave bottled water or packaged snacks at your door for a delivery driver.
Email or write to a former colleague, mentor, or teacher who made a significant difference in your life.
No matter what you do, it will make a significant difference. There is no wrong way to perform an act of kindness. It can be absolutely anything. It's about finding intentional ways to brighten someone else's day without expecting anything back. It's not about recognition. It's about doing what you know is right. Be good, do good, and pay it forward.
Make today great!
Curtis
"Paying it forward is an expense we can all afford and one that humanity can't afford to live without." - Unknown