Introducing: "Pay it Forward Fridays"

At the suggestion of a new blogging friend, I have been inspired to include a new meme at A Dose of Positivity.  A "meme" in the world of blogging is another catch-phrase for creating a specific theme - usually one specific day of the week -  devoting the posting for that day entirely in support of the meme's message and purpose.

Kelly at Blue Frogs Legs initiated a most wonderful idea for Fridays - "Pay it Forward Fridays."  Being a devotee of the novel, movie and mantra of the same, I couldn't help but be drawn into her idea and dream for this movement to move into more of the blogging world.  We bloggers have so many ways to touch the hearts of many, and whether we write about family life as mommys, review books or movies, keep travel logs or anything, I think we can all agree on one thing...random acts of kindness - in any form - when paid "forward" are contagious, and now within the world of cyberspace, we writers have infinite possibilities to touch lives the world over!

I have touched on this "theory" several times in past postings, (see "Smiles - At A Bargain" ) and usually try to incorporate a message as often as I can on how very simple things can make a huge difference in another person's life.  Seeing Kelly's post and new idea was a "light-bulb" moment for me, and I'm honored to take up the challenge. 

Recently, a very close and personal friend of mine was presented with an opportunity to actually put this "theory" into practice.  About a week ago, my friend had stopped at a convenience store/gas station within the city to purchase gas and some snacks before getting on the expressway for his long ride home from work.  As he was leaving the store, heading back to his car, a man who definitely appeared to be "down on his luck" came up to my friend and asked him if he could spare a little money, because he hadn't really had anything to eat in a while.   My friend knew by looking at him, and the tone of his voice, that this man was probably truthful.  Quickly looking around, my friend noticed a fast-food chicken restaurant directly across the street, and made a quick - yet monumental - decision.  Telling the man to get into the passenger's seat, my friend then drove him across the busy road to the restaurant, where he took the man inside and purchased him a full meal.  He left the man inside to eat his meal in peace, never knowing exactly just how long it had been since this humble person had actually had a meal.

I've been thinking about my friend's experience for quite a few days now, and reading Kelly's post, I knew that I could finally write about this amazing little story of generosity.  While I won't embarrass my friend by posting his name, I have to say how proud I was to hear of this story, and how grateful I am to personally know someone of this caliber - for it really did happen, and I know deep within that at the moment, my friend wasn't even thinking about the "pay it foward" movement - it trully was a random act of kindness.  Moments like that are usually unexpected, but when we are faced with them, they not only change the outlook of the recipient, but in the blink-of-an-eye, they change us.  Sure, many people might walk away thinking in "today's world" such an act of faith would be very risky...would you, when faced with a similar dilemma, invite a seemingly homeless stranger into your car, even though it's only across the street?

Maybe most of us aren't presented with opportunities such as this to perform such a selfless act, but all of us are usually given many moments where we have an occasion to share something. Usually, it doesn't even have to cost us anything - as I've posted before, sometimes taking the time to offer someone a handshake, welcome or smile, can mean so much more....  why does this seem so important to me?  In a nutshell, I firmly believe that continuing to pass on a spirit of kindness - of any kind - offers us hope.  All of us, when on the receiving end of a selfless and generous deed know that there is, indeed, still kindness and love remaining within the world.

In this spirit, I would like to begin posting examples on Fridays of those who have "paid it forward."  Ways other readers are - or have experienced - paying it forward, and even notes on how I, myself have strived to exercise this belief.

I sincerely hope that you will join me and my new friend Kelly in promoting the dream.  One blog, one story at a time, each of us can make a difference for positive change within the world! 

"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."

- Lady Diana

Looking for ideas, additional thoughts, stories and inspiration on how you can get started?  There are many links to visit on the Internet, offering tons of suggestions, tips and information.  Here's a couple to start:

The Pay It Forward Movement:   http://www.payitforwardmovement.org/

The Random Acts of Kindess Foundation: http://www.actsofkindness.org/

And be sure to check out Kelly's blog at:  http://bluefrogslegs.blogspot.com/2010/05/pay-it-forward-fridays_28.html

I look forward to sharing some memorable and inspirational moments with you on "Pay It Forward Fridays!"

Pay it forward - spread a smile!

Photos courtesy of Google Images.

"Looking Forward To The Future"

Welcome to 2010, everyone!

My husband and I did something very different last night for New Year's Eve (well, for us anyway!): we stayed at home, and did.....virtually nothing!

At first, I thought maybe it was a sign that we were getting older. Actually, we've had a couple of sick kids in the house this week, and between all of us just needing to "kick back" and relax, we really didn't need to spend any money on hosting or attending a big New Year's celebration. To me, last night turned out to be a special Blessing.

All the boys were home for dinner last night, and we shared a simple but delicious meal of home-made turkey and rice soup, and fresh bread. I then attended Mass at our local parish in celebration of the "Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God," celebrated on January 1st of each year. While this particular feast day in the Catholic church holds its own special importance and meaning to us as Catholics, last night's Mass and the homily our pastor shared with us was particularly poignant at the start of this new year, and new decade. I couldn't help but notice how full the church was last night, and I could tell by looking at the sea of faces in the congregation (I lead music as a Cantor) that Father's message on this New Year's Eve was touching everyone... the sense of hope and anticipation was definitely palpable.

I'm ashamed to say that I don't remember the last time I attended Mass on New Year's Eve. My youngest son attended the service with me last night, and I mentioned to him as we were leaving that "it just felt - right." My son agreed, and we discussed how appropriate it was to begin the new year in that spirit of peace, reflection, and hope.

Through the remainder of the evening as we quietly "chilled" together in front of the television, I began to recognize the ways we celebrate, and then understand why we celebrate the coming of a new year. Yes, it's the beginning of another start, another chance.....a "do-over." But more importantly, I believe it's because we're grateful for the renewed gift of hope.

As I watched several television hosts interview various celebrities and members of the public within their live audiences, I noted that many of them made reflections on the many difficulties and hardships our country (and the world) continued to experience in 2009. While it seems that everyone had some sort of comment on either the economy, the war, health care concerns or the relations of our world in general, it occurred to me that everyone was also happy. Not dwelling on the past, not dwelling on the negatives, not dwelling on all the things that have gone "wrong..." but hopeful for what can be.

Hope. Without dreams and visions of greater possibilities we are lost - stuck in an endless loop of treading water, doing the same things the same way. Without hope and the ability to dream, the human race would never accomplish, achieve, or improve. The word "future" would not be in our vocabularies, for what would we have to look forward to?

Like many of you, throughout 2009 our family experienced much: heartaches, health-scares, tragedies, financial woes. Yet in between these "speed-bumps" we've also experienced the gift of new friendships, strengthened or re-kindled relationships, lessons learned, accomplishments made and personal victories won. I can honestly say (even though it is in hind-sight!) that I wouldn't change a thing....well, maybe the financial part! But we've continued to grow, even through the "bad" stuff, and I know deep within that 2010 will hold just as much, if not more, of those same gifts for each and every one of us.

A New Year is a time to celebrate, and look forward. And when mankind looks toward the future together - in a spirit of hope - our dreams and desires, even if held only briefly, are the same. Basically, we all want the same things - worldwide, black or white, male or female, young or old: to love and be loved, health, shelter and safety, peace in our future and our children's future. Anything else (in my opinion) is icing on the cake.

"The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started."

- Norman Cousins (American Essayist and Editor)

As you begin your New Year, may you and yours look toward the future with great expectation and Joy, and may you be Blessed with hope in all you attempt or undertake.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." - Albert Einstein

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Pay it forward - spread a smile!

Clip-art courtesy of Google images.