Pay It Forward

The other day I decided to have some "shopping therapy". That is a time when I actually don't need a thing, but every so often, due to various issues or stresses, I take the day and go to the mall. I turn off my phone, I go into a zillion stores, and shop till I drop. Usually, I come away with nothing or just an item or two. But,at the end of the shopping expedition, I have cleared my head and I am ready to face the world again. It's easy to spend small amounts of money these days since all the clothes look they came from third world countries! And if I see one more "jogger pant" or tie dye sweatsuit, I might actually vomit. But enough commentary on fashion and back to my story. As I was entering the mall I noticed a young(er) (than me) woman who parked in a handicapped space. She had several packages and a cane. As she started walking towards the entrance, I noticed it was not easy for her to balance the cane and negotiate her packages with her unsteady gait. I ran over to her and asked if I could help her get to her destination. She was so incredulous (and probably a bit suspect that a stranger would approach her to help. But, she was also very grateful and accepted my offer. When I found out her destination was pretty far from where she had parked, I was so happy that I could help out. Walking slowly and deliberately, we chatted. Now all she had to manage was her cane. As I carried her items, we exchanged names and other details about each other. I found out that she is a resident of Newark and had been in law enforcement there. I thanked her for her service and she told me that her injury was a traumatic injury related to her job as a policewoman. She had been blessed and lucky to have kept her leg and said she was doing the best she could. When I got her settled at the store, she said "Miss Debie, I want to thank you for all your help" and we said our warm goodbyes. As I walked away, my heart was bursting and my mind was swirling. This was, in fact, a day of much needed therapy for me. First and Foremost, it reminded me how blessed my own life is. Secondly, it illustrated how the smallest act can make the biggest difference to someone. You don't have to be rich or powerful to make a difference in people's lives. There are many ways to be helpful besides being charitable with money. What acts can we all do as an ordinary person to pay it forward? 1)Spend some time with the elderly-visit someone in assisted living, the hospital or a neighbor down the street. Often when I visit with my mom at her assisted living facility, I stop and chat with some of the residents. Many of the people do not have family close by and rarely have visitors. They love to tell you their stories. Talking with them makes them feel that someone cares; that they matter; and it always puts a smile on their faces. 2)Give your seat up (on the subway, train, or bus) to someone who needs it more than you do. 3)At the grocery store, "loan" people money if they don't have enough for all the items they have on the counter. 4)At the local coffee shop or drive-thru burger spot, Pay for the people in front or behind you "just because". 5)Many times through out the year, I write notes to the Assisted Living Facility my Mom resides in, a club I belong to, a salon, a Doctor's office, etc. These notes are written to the owners, doctors, or powers that be in praise of their various members of the staff (by name). More than once this recognition has resulted in a promotion or pay increase for an individual. And believe me, that can be life changing and motivating. 6)Take your leftovers from a restaurant and offer to hand them off with a couple of dollars to a homeless person on the street. 7)Welcome a new neighbor with dinner or some baked goods. 8)Drive an elderly neighbor to the Doctor or store. 9)Visit and play with animals at a pet shelter. 10)Donate clothes and toys to a homeless shelter. 11)Hold the door of an elevator or open the door for the person walking in front of you or behind you. Opportunities exist everywhere and everyday-You just have to look for them and most of all, you must be willing to help a total stranger. Not only will this brighten someone else's mood, but it puts you in a great mood as well. The thrill of paying it forward it that you do something really good for someone who did not at all expect this act of kindness. Winston Churchill said, " We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." PEACE OUT-ONE B HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY