Paying it Forward

"Changing the World...One small Favor at a time"

"Anyone can Pay it Back. The true beauty is Paying it Forward."

Good morning everyone. I pray you had a peaceful and wonderful holiday. As for me, this was truly one of the best, if not thee best Christmas I've ever experienced. We were even blessed to have a white Christmas this year! Although I'm not a fan of the white stuff...I must admit, it was just enough to add that special kiss to an amazing day and extended weekend.

As the Christmas of 2010 becomes yet another memory, I would like to focus on the inspiration for the upcoming 2011 year. The topic for this week’s blog was actually placed on my heart 2 weeks ago but because it keeps resurfacing, I know this is the destined place I need to park it - and share it. 

Over the past few weeks, I have been running head-on with the concept of "Paying it Forward." It's like everywhere I turn...I keep hearing about heart-tugging stories of people that have received blessings at the hands of a total stranger. I was first introduced to the concept years ago when I watched the movie, "Pay it Forward." The concept was popularized with the book Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde, which was later made into the movie. Since then, I have encountered individuals that have shared their personal stories with me about how a total stranger did something for them...no questions asked. The only thing they may ask is that the person Pay it forward. Thus, do something kind for someone else that will be a blessing; just as they were blessed. Example, stories of people paying the tolls for the car behind them, buying groceries for the person in front of them in the check-out line, seeing a stranger in need of assistance and lending a helping hand..I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the picture. It's not always something big; in fact they are usually small gestures of kindness that have a positive ripple effect in the Universe.

"The world can seem like an unfriendly, threatening place, yet we all want safety, health, and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones. How can one ordinary person -- you or me -- make a positive difference in this world? One way is the practice "paying it forward." While the steps might be simple, the outcome could change the world."

The one thing I do know..the universe is round, "What you give is what you get...Universal Plan" and although you do things not expecting something in return, you never know when your act of kindness will boomerang back to YOUR doorstep. 

I would like to challenge you all to adopt "Pay it Forward" in your every day living. I know I am! I want 2011 to be the year that I personally do things that will have some positive impact on the way people view the world. No, Paying it Forward will not save the world..but it WILL perhaps change the way someone views the people in it. I want to believe that there are still some good, thoughtful, kind and compassionate people here! I want to believe that there are still people that will do good deeds without expecting something in return. I want to believe that people still care about someone other than themselves. So, the only way for me to believe that...is to start with ME leading by example.

My journey is to become a better & more spiritually aware person. Also to live more authentically. I've been in this journey for almost a year now. I learned several valuable lessons along the way and I'm thankful for what each one has taught me. I've learned that not everyone will see the good in people. I've learned that not all good deeds are rewarded (in the way that YOU feel they should). I've learned that people's perception about life... based on their own personal past experiences can shape and mold how they view others. I've learned that life isn't always fair. People aren't always fair, and people will misjudge you when your heart is in the best of places...my list could go on and on. But the one thing I want to leave you all with is that...living a self-less life and doing for other people will make a huge difference in how you respond to life itself. Be the light that will brighten the path for someone else along their journey.

Do something kind for another person and just watch how it softens your own heart.  

Pay it forward.

Until we meet again, Happy New Year!!