Pay It Forward.

This post was again inspired by Oprah's Big Give on Sunday Night. I don't know the contestants names, but one of them was speaking with another man who was going through some pretty hard times. His life was rough and yet he still had a smile, and add to that a positive attitude! He said something like - Even when things seem really bad, you have to remember that there is always someone worse off than you. Even when it seems that you have nothing, you can still give.

This really touched me. Usually people that are down on their luck and have hit a rough patch are down on life and others around them. Here was a man who thought that he could still make a positive contribution to society even though he was economically challenged. If only more people thought this way, what a wonderful world it would indeed be. If people stopped being jealous of other's bank accounts and possessions. If there was no more 'keeping up with the Jones'. " If everyone woke up every day and did something little to change some one's life for the better. It doesn't have to be monetary - most of the world cannot give like Oprah. Just something, anything, to make another human smile. Is that really too much to ask?

I have to say that I was also inspried by Mel at Stirrup Queens and her Secret Ode Day. Think of how you happy you are when someone lets you out in traffic. When someone asks if they can return your cart for you at the grocery store. When the cashier informs you that you overpaid. When someone tells you what a wonderful friend you are. When you get an e-mail from an old friend who says they miss your company. When you get an unexpected card or phone call from a loved one, just because.

So, do something and start a cycle of paying it forward. I love the commercial where people see good deeds and it inspires them to in turn do good deeds. Can you imagine if the wave traveled around the world? Think of all the smiles and the faith that would be renewed in people. Again, nothing big is expected. If you cannot think of something, think of what you would like to be on the receiving end of. Then think of someone who could also benefit from it.

Go ahead, you can do it - and the bonus it that you will smile too. It feels good to help others and to brighten some one's day. It is okay to feel joy when you are spreading it. I think Phoebe and Joey proved that there is no such thing as a self-less good deed. So, get out there and don't feel guilty if it makes you feel good!

Hold a door for a mom with a stroller. Let someone out in front of you in traffic. Help someone load a huge cart of groceries into their car. Got to the library and donate books. Write a letter to a loved one and tell them how much you love them. Pay the toll for the car behind you. Tell a friend how nice they look. Give the person in line ahead of you exact change when they are looking everywhere for a penny. Tell an employee and the manager of a store if you notice them doing a great job. Make dinner for someone going through a rough time.

You get the idea, right? And if you wait, it will come back to you many times over! Thanks to everyone for reading and commenting on my blog! I appreciate it! I read the comments and also try to check out every one's blogs too. I usually get around to commenting too! Thanks again! See it isn't hard!