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[/tweet_dis_img]Pay It Forward is an enriching and powerful way to live our lives. The movie of the same title gave more credence to a practice that has been followed by countless others over the centuries.
Just in case you are still in the dark about it.. here are the details
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Do something for someone else.
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Something totally unexpected.
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Something that makes them smile.
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Don’t expect ‘or accept’ anything in return.
That’s it! It may inspire this person to do something nice for someone else, and those people to do something nice for someone else… and so on. Wouldn’t this be a great week if everyone participated? Aren’t you happy that you got the ball rolling? Keep in mind that this does NOT have to be someone you know and it does NOT have to involve cash. That part is up to you.
[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]”If you can’t feed 100 people, then just feed one.” Mother Teresa[/tweet_box]
Suggestions to get you started:
1) Buy groceries for the person in front or back of you in line.
2) Hold the door for someone entering or leaving at the same time.
3) Babysit a friend or neighbor’s children or pets. (for free)
4) Pay the rent or car payment (one time)
5) Have a friend or colleague starting a new business? Give them a positive review and share their posts online
6) Leave a gift basket or flowers at a neighboring door step.
7) Smile at someone who is frowning and clearly having a bad day
8) Buy Coffee or ice cream for the next person in line at your favorite hangout.
9) See someone carrying heavy load or juggling children and groceries? Help them out.
These are just a few ideas to get your brain kick-started in the right direction.
Please Share this post.
Let me know what you did to PAY IT FORWARD.
Doing something nice for someone else pays such great dividends, Alene! Not only the one doing, but the one receiving, and even those watching get a serotonin rush! How cool is that1
Very cool! Hadn’t even considered the positvr vibes from those watching. Thanks
It’s such a wonderful feeling when you can brighten someone’s day by doing something kind and helpful.It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time – sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most.
Thanks Tamuria. I agree. Simple is better and most of the time more appreciated
These are all so beautiful. Changing the world, one helpful hand, one kind gesture, and one loving smile at a time!
Thanks Reba??
These are wonderful suggestions. My dad’s a retired Marine, and recently he and his vet buddies met up for lunch on Veteran’s Day. When they went to pay the bill, they were happily surprised to find out that another customer had anonymously treated all eight of them to lunch as a ‘thank you’ for their service. What a difference it makes to do nice, unexpected things for others.
Meghan this same thing happened to my husband. Also a retired Marine. While on a reunion trip to San Diego someone paid the bill for 10 of us. So wonderful that these things happen in our world
I just learned the story behind the “Secret Santa” movement. And really spoke to me how one kind gesture has ripples far beyond that first simple gesture. One $20 meal turned into MILLIONS of dollars of gifts as the gift was paid forward. I try to do my part knowing that one gentle kindness can impact so many more.
Thanks so much for that reminder about Secret Santa Robin. One gesture makes all the difference
I love the idea and practice smiling at people when they look sad or angry. Often I start conversations with people too, as I see how it can shift the mood and engage people, Alene. If we believe, and I do, that all people want is to be seen and to be heard, then there are so many ways we can ‘pay it forward’ and positively impact someone else’s life. I LOVED the movie and would venture to say that the phrase, ‘pay it forward’ has become part of our cultural dictionary. Thanks for the reminder! This is such a great time of year to pay it forward as often as we can.
Thanks for your insights Beverley. I do believe that we all want to be seen, heard and understood
I remember having a conversation like this once with someone who was not doing as well as I am. Without intending to do so, I think I came off as insensitive because of their means. I’m really glad you included some options that don’t require money to “pay” it forward. There are so many kindnesses that one can perform that cost nothing at all.
I agree completely. A smile can make someone’s day
ALene,
This is a great article that is practical and very inspirational. Made me feel Good thanks!
Lori English
Most welcome Lori. Enjoy your holidays
A friend of ours is a mystery shopper for different fast food outlets. One day she was assigned a drive-thru and when she got to the window to pay, she discovered the car ahead had paid for her meal. Which at any other time would be a wonderful gift, but, in order to get paid for the assignment, she needed her own receipt. So, she did something great. She waited a while and then returned and when through the drive-thru again. Got her receive and then gifted someone in the parking lot with her free meal. Alls well that ends well.
Great story. Thanks for sharing it!
What wonderful ways we can “pay it forward” to others, Alene! When I am either entering my gym or leaving if someone is coming in I always hold the door…..just feels like the right thing to do 🙂 Makes me feel real good too! Great post!!
Holding the door for someone is a neat way to pay it forward. Shows respect for the recipient too
My husbands favorite movie is Pay it forward with Kevin Spacey. Thanks for this post, I need to start putting it into practice a bit more, although I would have to say I do extras for my clients all the time without looking for anything in return.
thanks Lisa. I think if we all just get a reminder once in awhile it will urge people on to take that extra step. Sounds like you have incorporated this into your lifestyle already
Just the other day my wife and I were out to dinner. There was a family next to us having a nice dinner with their young child. When we got ready to pay for our dinner my wife told the waitress that we wanted to buy the dinner of the family next to us. She was so shocked by this gesture. We paid both tickets and left. It was such a wonderful feeling. It is amazing how good it can feel to just do something for someone else.
Such an amazing story. I am sure you made their day.
LOVED the movie and Alene, this is such a great time to be doing this. My radio station does shout outs for stuff like this. Thanks for inspiring us to pay it forward.
Happy to hear about your radio station. It’s the perfect way to spread the word
This seems like a great idea, and if we all do it it would make such a difference.
Well said
You can’t go wrong with paying it forward. I small kind act can completely change a persons day.
The film Pay it Forward was epic, sad though.
I loved the film too. Great concept and yes…a sad ending
I love seeing my kids do this – and seeing the joy in their eyes, happy that they made someone happy. Small acts of kindness to strangers are anything but small! Thank you for encouraging this behavior in others!
This is really timing in this season of giving. I love your suggestions. The happiness will not only be felt by the beneficiary but also the giver. It is coming from genuine generosity.