Life always has a way of delivering good news or help at the most opportune time. That's why it's so important to pay it forward when something good happens to you.
When you think about the times in your life when things weren't going well, you were not in a good place and struggling to get by, or nothing was going right.
During that time, life happened to deliver you some good news, or someone helped you get out of your funk, or something finally went your way.
Just a coincidence, or is it something much bigger? I personally believe it's something much bigger.
You cannot just sit around and expect things to be given to you. You have to work for them, and when you put the effort In, good things happen.
When good things happen, it's your responsibility to pay it forward whenever you can. You never know what impact you could have on someone's life, and not to mention how good you will feel when helping someone.
I truly believe we give and receive good things in our lives when we need it most because of a "higher power," sending it our way or having us deliver it to someone else. Now, I'm not going to in a religious debate or discussion with you; this is just what I believe.
What do you believe?
Many years ago I was struggling with work and life. I was not in a good place, and couldn't seem to shake it. I was headed to the office, stopped to grab a cup of coffee. I was waiting in line, got up to the register, and the lady said, good morning, the gentleman in front of you paid for your coffee, what would you like?
I was shocked; a stranger just bought me a cup of coffee for no reason. I got my coffee, walked over, and thanked him. He looked at me, said, "you're welcome, something told me to buy your coffee today." I thanked him again, and when I was leaving he said "make sure you pay it forward sometime."
That moment had a significant impact on my day; as I was driving to the office, I felt happy and had a big smile on my face. I remember having a great day at work; even my co-workers noticed I was in a better mood than usual.
Just one simple act of kindness can have a massive impact on someone's day. That's why it's so important to pay it forward.
I know, some people may think I'm crazy, and I understand. At a minimum, all I ask is to put my theory to the test.
Think back to when you were struggling, not in a good place, or nothing was going right. I'm willing to bet someone helped you when you needed it. It could have been a friend, a co-worker, a family member, or even a stranger that helped you get out of your rut.
For that reason, I encourage everyone to pay it forward whenever you can.
There are so many ways to pay it forward.
Here are a few.
Pick up your phone, look in your contacts and call someone you haven't spoken to in a long time to let them know how much you appreciate their friendship.
Volunteer somewhere, at the local animal shelter, a homeless shelter, or a children's hospital.
When someone asks you for help, say yes!
Donate something, like an old book or clothes, to someone who needs it.
Buy the person behind you a cup of coffee. I know I've paid this forward several times, and it feels terrific.
Spend time with your grandparents if they are still alive. They will enjoy the time you spend with them, and I promise you will look back on those times and cherish them.
My grandfather had a significant impact on my life. I look back to those times I spent with him; he taught me so much. I'm thankful for the time I had with him. When I was little, he told me the best gift you can ever give someone is your time; he was right.
If your grandparents aren't alive, go to an assisted living facility and spend time there. Trust me, they will appreciate it more than you'll ever know.
You might be asking how I know this. Well, when I was fourteen years old, I washed dishes at the local assisted living facility. I was saddened to see how many of these people were all alone. Some had family members come by once in a while, and others had no one coming to visit.
I worked there with my best friend (we are still best friends and have been since we were four years old), and we would stay after work sometimes to visit, and they loved it.
I remember one guy; his name was Bill, and he was always excited to see us. Whenever he got his hair cut, he would come over to us and say "feel my buzz" and laugh. We would rub his buzz cut, he had a smile from ear to ear, and we laughed right along with him.
All I know is I've been very fortunate to have some great people in my life give me a boost when I needed it most. Some of those times, no one knew I was struggling, but yet they provided me the help I needed.
The point I'm trying to make is it doesn't take much to pay it forward. The key is to pay it forward with zero expectations. If you don't, you're not truly giving.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Best,
Paul
@ZUP2U
Check out our merchandise at: www.zup2u.com
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