Pay it Forward: 8 Easy Ways

Pay it Forward. Kindness is free. And so easily given. Here are eight easy ways to make someone’s day.

1.  Smile at them.  For no reason.  The lady in the drive through at McDonald’s.  The older man bagging groceries at Kroger.  Just smile.

2.  Point out something you like in someone.  Maybe it’s how they talk to their dog in a way we would all like to be talked to. Maybe it’s the way they send thank you notes that sound like they took time to write them.

3.  Ask someone for advice on something you know they’re really good at and have worked hard to accomplish.  Most people have something they’re knowledgeable about because they love it and have spent time developing it.  They may be only too happy to share what they know and feel complimented that you sought them out.

4.  If there’s an older person in your life, drop by for a visit just to talk.  Ask them about something meaningful in their lives that interests you and give them a chance to talk about it.  Older people have a wealth of experience and history to share with others, but it may seem to them that no one has time to listen.

5.  If you have a dog that loves people, try getting him or her approved for visits to a local nursing home.  Dogs can make people smile with the simple wag of their tails.  Regular visits can bring joy to those who may not have many visitors.

6.  Plant a small garden in the spring and share your vegetables with a food pantry, an older person who can no longer garden, or a family who could use the assistance.  A few tomato and squash plants can yield an abundance of produce.

7.  Maybe you have a neighbor who isn’t able to walk his or her dog as much as they would like to due to age or health issues.  Volunteer to do so for them.

8.  Offer to teach someone something you know how to do.  Maybe you know a teenager who would like to learn to play guitar but can’t afford the lessons.  Or someone who doesn’t have computer skills but would like to.  It may seem like a little thing to us, but can be huge to someone who may not have had the same opportunities in life.

What’s the best example of paying it forward you’ve seen lately? Or one you’ve done yourself? Would love to hear your comments!

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Inglath Cooper

I love books! From my earliest memories, I loved being read to and then reading practically every book in my elementary school library. There’s something about taking a little trip into a wonderful story that is its own unique pleasure. Over the years, my favorite authors have provided me with glimpses into worlds I would never have known had I not picked up their books. From Beverley Cleary to Lavyrle Spencer to Jodi Piccoult to Anita Shreve and so many others, I am grateful they chose to become storytellers. A great story has the power to move, change and shape its readers. To me, that’s an honorable calling and a task I aspire to.

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