storytimewithjoe | Pay it forward

You know the expression, I’m sure. Instead of “pay me back,” the expression “Pay it forward” refers to doing a kind act for no apparent reason, other than the hope to inspire someone else to do the same. The trickle-forward effect can be pretty cool. I think, for instance, of the drive-in line at Starbucks where somebody decides to pay for the coffee of the person in back of him or her. That person then does the same. So on and so on and so on.

This morning, I read a quick story involving the photo of a New York City policeman who, in an act of kindness, gave his all-weather boots to a homeless man, shivering out on the street with no shoes on his feet. The officer did not know that someone was there photographing his act of kindness. And truly caring and compassionate moments like that really inspire me to get through the day. Sure, there’s a lot of challenge out there. Sure, there’s tons of Bad News on TV and in the papers. But also we see little bursts of really good stuff – really caring stuff – really selfless and heartfelt stuff.

To that end, dear readers, I have a special challenge for you – pay it forward. December is the big holiday month. Sure, we’re all broke and have many challenges. But it doesn’t always take a huge donation or a major time commitment to make a difference. I’m not going to tell you how to do it. I’m not going to tell you when to do it. I’m not going to tell you what does and does not count. It isn’t about me. It is about you, and what you can do to help pay it forward. But I DO have one request – I’d really like to hear about it. No, it isn’t a matter of you tooting your own horn. It is not being immodest to own one’s own good deed. If your good deed/s can inspire others, you are doing us all a favor.

So please, when the time is right and the opportunity is ideal, pay it forward. And when you do, please tell people about it. Tell ME about it. I for one would like to know. Because when you do something nice for somebody for no other reason than because it makes you feel good, that helps to brighten MY day.