Living Simply October Challenge: Day 9 Pay It Forward

     

We've been talking about gift giving and the holidays on here, so now let's shift just a bit and discuss Paying It Forward. If you haven't seen the movie by the same title, it's about a young boy who challenges people to do something nice for someone who isn't in a position to pay you back. It has to cost you something (time, emotional investment, etc.) Then that person is challenged to do the same, to Pay It Forward. What if during the holidays, we all decided to spend less on material things and instead, pay it forward? It would make the holidays more meaningful, bring joy to you as well as the receiver of your kindness. It would help make your corner of the world a better place. What would that look like? Here's a few ideas: 

'1.  Hold the door for someone behind you. This seems like a simple thing, but every day I see people who have no concept that they're closing the door in the face of the person behind them. Common courtesy isn't so common. Walking into that store, restaurant, or workplace, hold the door for someone. Even if you don't say hello, or "after you", or smile, it will still make their day a little nicer. It may even take them by surprise.

2.  Take some time to give some good reviews to the places you enjoy frequently. It helps their businesses when others see glowing comments on places like Yelp.com or on a business' Facebook page (or similar sites). Be specific about what they do right. It doesn't need to be long and all it costs you is a little bit of your time.

3.  Be a good listener for someone who's struggling. I don't mean to take on a whole project that's none of your business, and don't be the shoulder for someone else's hurting spouse (that's dangerous territory), but maybe an employee somewhere who needs to vent, a friend or roommate who's stressed out, or someone you see that just needs to feel heard and understood. Don't offer suggestions to fix their problem, just be there for them.

4.  Encourage others. Take a few minutes and go through your social media feeds. Say a quick line of encouragement to someone on Facebook or Twitter who needs it. Remind someone that it'll be okay.

5.  Let someone cut in front of you in the grocery store line who only has a few items. This goes a LONG way in making someone's day. When I do that, they say, "No, it's okay," at first, then ask, "Are you sure?", and they tend to smile, be nicer to the cashier, and say thank you to me several times before leaving. It's a 5 minute time sacrifice but makes their day go smoother. 

6.  Donate the change into a donation bucket or box at the cashier's register in stores and restaurants. Often there's a box for local or national charities and if everyone just dropped in their change, it could add up very quickly across your community. Look for them in grocery lines, coffee shops, clothing stores, everywhere you go this holiday season.

7.  Donate your time on Thanksgiving or during the holidays. People need help packing boxes for orphans, the underprivileged, the homeless, the hungry (food banks and soup kitchens), overseas mission trips, the list is endless, and so is the need. Give of your time when you can, and if you can't, then perhaps a check would be appropriate if it's something you believe in.

8.  If someone's sick, take some time and bring them some chicken soup and tea from the local take out place. Let them know you care. If you can't be there, drop them a quick, hand-written note to let them know you're thinking of them and hope they get well soon.

9.  Do you like to bake or cook? Make a double batch of something and share it with a friend, relative, neighbor, coworkers, etc. 

10.  If all else fails, you can still make a difference by simply smiling and saying hello to someone often overlooked. It may be the custodian or janitor at work, school, or the gym. It may be the person wiping tables at your favorite go-to eatery. It could be the elderly neighbor you wave to as you drive by. Just take a moment to notice those around you. Taking your eyes off yourself is a wonderful gift. 

I challenge you to tackle a few things on this list starting today.