This year, I am not going to say that I will lose 10 lbs (though I'd like to lose 15). I will not say I am going to work out an hour every day. I am not going to promise not to cuss, or to not buy things I don't absolutely need. Instead, I am determined to make this the year of Pay it Forward.
I encourage you, if you are reading this, to do it too. With the hate and evil deeds that have been happening for years, but seem to be more frequent recently (i.e. the Arizona shootings), I think a little bit of good in the world will go far. So, pass it on and see how great it feels to do a good deed.
So far, I have been doing pretty good with my pay it forwards. I paid for lunch for a Vietnam Vet who was sitting a few tables away from us at Friendly's when I was at lunch with the kids. That was my first Pay it Forward of the year. Not sure it was paying it forward though, as he has already sacrificed much for me and all of us. As much as I would have loved to see his face when the waitress told him his bill was taken care of, I asked her not to tell him until after I left. I don't want recognition or thanks from him or any of my other pay it forward recipients. I just hope that they feel good about the act, and then in turn are encouraged to pay it forward to someone else. Wouldn't it be a lovely chain reaction if we all just started doing nice things for strangers and family? Some are bigger gestures, some are small. I've paid for the car behind me at Tim Horton's a couple of times. A cup of coffee may not seem like a big deal, but who knows what that little surprise can do for someone. You may just give them the boost they need to get through the day.
I remember a day that seems like yesterday, yet at the same time seems SO long ago. Tom and I were still living in Vermont. The girls were about 2 & 3, and Finn wasn't even a thought at that point. We were sitting in Ramunto's Pizza, one of our favorite spots for lunch. The girls were being goofy, but not obnoxious or out of hand. There was an older lady watching us periodically, and I thought the whole time that she must have been annoyed at the girls laughing loudly and dancing to the jukebox music. I couldn't have been more wrong. As the lady left, she walked over to me at our table. She reached out her hand and handed me a $20 bill. She said "I remember the days of small children, enjoy it while it last. Take this and buy something for your family." Then she hurried out the door. I did have time to thank her, but her actions stunned me. She wasn't watching me in annoyance because my kids giggling was disturbing her lunch, she was reminiscing. She inspired me to pay it forward then. I started with small acts randomly. This year, my goal is to do them whenever I can. Little or big, a kind deed can really brighten someone's day. I learned that first hand.
So, my friends, I challenge you to Pay it Forward with me! When you're clearing the snow off your car in the parking lot after a long day of work, clear the car next to you too. Help someone carry their groceries, leave a surprising tip for a waitress who needs it, bring food to a shut in. We all have something to give, even if we have little in the bank. Give of yourself, it will warm your heart and just may change a person.
Here's to a year of good deeds! Happy 2011!
