Pay It Forward

The inspiring and lovely Annemarie of Brunch at Saks posted about "paying it forward" today {read her post here}. She created a list of ways to "pay it forward", and bring joy, hope and peace to someone you know, or don't know at all. What a wonderful way to kick off the holiday weekend! Annemarie encourages other bloggers to create their own list of ways to "pay it forward". Below is my list -- enjoy!

-- Leave a hand-written note on your co-worker's desk, letting them know how thankful you are for all they do at the office.

-- Make a conscious effort to smile at strangers you see on the street, in the grocery store, or during your commute. Smiling is infectious!

-- Leave a gift card to a coffee shop, large chain store or restaurant for a co-worker who you know is having a bad day, or is having a streak of bad luck. Leave the gift anonymously, simply asking for the recipient to "pay it forward" when they are able. *My Mom had this happen to her, and recently shared with me that she was able to "pay it forward" to a co-worker - inspiring!*

-- Bring the neighbor's trash cans or newspaper up to their house for them, so that they don't have to go outside in the cold.

-- Bring a cup of coffee to a co-worker in the morning.

-- Leave a "good luck penny" with the cashier at a shop, instructing them to give it to the next customer with anonymous well-wishes.

-- Offer to take the neighbor's dog out for a walk, so that they don't have to go outside in the cold.

-- Bake a batch of cookies and leave a small bag of them in your mailbox for the Postal Service worker.

-- Hold doors open for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

-- Offer to visit a friend with a newborn and do her laundry and cook dinner while she rests.

-- Donate books you've already read to a homeless shelter or local library.

-- Say "I love you" to someone who you know has not heard it in a while.

-- Ask people you know, or strangers even, how they are doing... and mean it!

Annemarie, thank you so much for this inspiring exercise! I now encourage all of you to create your own list of ways to "pay it forward". Be sure to head back to the original post at Brunch at Saks and leave a comment with a link to your list/post!