Paying it forward…

Everybody wants something, right?  And you don’t get something for nothing.  That’s the rumor.  Watch out folks, my inner Pollyanna is courteously clawing her way to the surface!   The sun is shining and I’m filled with the frickin’ milk of human kindness.  I have a proposition:  what if instead of all the take, take, taking – we just did a bit more of the paying it forward?

Doesn’t come easily to some.  You’re in your own world, you’re stressed, your credit line is through the roof, the kids need to be taken to dance, or hockey, or piano…  You’re busy, you don’t have time.  But how about this?  Just for today –  do something without wanting anything in return.  Today, it’s not going to be about you.

So leave the quarter (or loonie) in your No Frills cart, drop a handful of lucky pennies in a public place, if you’ve got a granola bar (or leftovers from your pricey lunch) give them to someone who’s hungry.  Say “Yes” instead of your automatic “No.”  Spread the word about a cause that needs momentum.  Throw accolades at the unsuspecting.  Compliment that gal at the bank who has awesome hair.  Smile at a stranger – say a “Good morning!”

Yes, it’s corny, but you know what else?  I can guarantee that every little act that you do – every little act not for you – every act of kindness without that selfish core – makes you happier.  That’s what’s so great about it.  The less selfish you are, the more you think of others, the happier you become.   You end up getting something for yourself, just by being… nice. 

So how about just for today, share the happy.  Tomorrow you can go back to being an asshole.