Pay it Forward and Giving Back
Pay it forward to create the kind of world you want to live in. At the end of a bad day, or at the end of a week of them, it's perfectly okay to feel disappointed and glum about the way things are. You are uncomfortable and tired, and it is okay to rest, but if you have a little bit of extra time, or a little bit extra anything, why not resolve to pay it forward? This is a philosophy that states that doing something kind, large or small, and asking them to do the same the next time they see someone with a need, is an old one, but it is one that definitely seems to have a lot going for it! If you ever thought that the world would be a lot nicer if people just took a moment, this is definitely a concept for you.Have you ever been in a situation where you thought that something small, anything at all, would be all that it took to get you out of a bad spot? Maybe something akin to a miracle happened or maybe it didn't and you had to struggle along on your own, but the truth of the matter is that you already know what kind of difference it could make. This can take nearly any shape. Maybe it was as small as someone letting you use their cell phone to call a ride, or maybe it was as major as someone you barely know giving you a place to stay. In any case, you know what kind of difference it made. Now consider it from other person's perspective. It might have been something small or forgettable on their part, but it certainly made your life a little easier, didn't it? Think about what just a little kindness and consideration can make on the world around you. When you are thinking about instituting the concept of pay it forward in your own life, don't feel as though you have to be a hero. You are just one person, but the truth is, as corny as it may sound, the ripples that one person can make are astounding! The first step to take is to be vigilant and to keep your eyes open. If you see someone struggling or suffering, don't just turn away. Ask them what is wrong, and if there is anything that you can do. This can definitely take some courage, and yes, there is a chance that people will be rude or dismissive... but then again, you might be surprised! If you want to give back to the world at large, remember that there is no too little or too much. There is only what you are able to give, and no matter what that amount is, there is nothing to be ashamed of. It might feel as though this is something small or insignificant, but as the saying goes, little things mean a lot. So help a stranger dig their car out of a snowbank, or make a sandwich for someone that you know is happy. You may never see the results, but rest assured that they are out there!
Tell us your favorite ways to pay it forward. 
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