Paying it forward

Have you ever been through a drive-thru and get to the window and your orders been paid for.

Helping a complete stranger, not knowing what’s going on in their lives at that time. Putting a smile on someone’s face, that wasn’t there before.

We don’t know what people are going through. You walk past people in a crowd, stand behind them and line up sitting in a waiting room at a doctor’s office. They surround you, no idea what’s going on in their lives.

Did you know, that a smile to a complete stranger can change that person’s day or even life. A simple “have a great day”, or “enjoy your day”. It could be a “Merry Christmas” on the holidays. Or “happy Thanksgiving”. A “happy birthday” just because you overheard it’s a complete stranger’s birthday.

Have you ever thought of paying it forward, knowing the impact it would make on a complete strangers life.

A struggling single mom. A wife being abused and beaten by her husband. A student struggling through school. A loved one sick in the hospital. A friend in a car accident unknown if they will live or die. A break up, heartbroken falling apart. Rape victim. Depression. Anxiety. PTSD.

Think about it. Every room, every lineup, strangers and their lives around you. Tell me something, when was the last time you smiled at a stranger, or paid it forward at the Tim Hortons lineup. Moved seats on the bus for a pregnant lady. Helped an elderly woman or gentleman across the road.

Things we do for people around us. Not just family and friends but strangers. How about this one. How well do you know your friends and family members. Really know what they’re going through. Maybe there’s a secret. How would anyone know.

As we get older, we get very good at hiding. We don’t want to offend anybody. Or disappoint them. So we keep it in. So the question is. How well do you know the person sitting next to you?, across from me?, sitting in your arms?, holding you for a hug and a kiss?, lying next to you in your bed?.

A smile could change a life, paying it forward could make someone smile.

I challenge you to pay it forward, smile, say something nice. Do it to everyone. No matter who they are.

Change someone’s day.