Originally published at Am I the Only One Dancing?. Please leave any comments there.
I Pay Forward at the Grocery Store (randomly):
Today at the grocery store I waited (and waited) behind a very young couple who were carefully counting out WIC voucher foods and food stamps (this being the end of the month). In the end, they found they had to put back a couple of oranges, some strawberries, and some corn on the cob.
I asked their permission, then I paid for the extra items so that they could have them. It didn’t cost me a lot, just five bucks, and hopefully stretched their food a bit farther. I asked this couple to do the same for someone else someday, when they can (yes, I have read The Magnificent Obsession, several times. Why do you ask?).
I try to pay forward whenever I can. For me, paying forward is an investment in the world I want to live in. Sometimes, like this time, it is an impulse. Other times, its along the lines of planned charitable giving. It’s an inherent part of the shared joy integral to my life.
Your Weekly Opportunity to Pay Forward:
Starting today, I am going to provide my readers with a regular feature every week, pointing out worthy causes for them to pay forward. There is never any obligation. If you don’t have the ability or inclination to help any particular person or cause I point you to, that’s fine. I would greatly appreciate you sharing this post, liking it on Facebook, or tweeting it, to find others who can help. The share buttons are up there at the top of the post. There you go!)
The first two people for pay forward are known to me (one intimately). They have both given me permission to ask for help on their behalf, and I thank you in advance for any help you can offer.