Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward has been my mantra since I can remember,
always seeing what you can do for other people.
My dad wouldn't walk past someone who looked a bit lost without asking if they were alright, or needed some help in anyway, and its second nature to me.
I don't think it's tied to any particular religious affiliation: all religions I know of have kindness to others to some - if not every - level, and my mother brought us up with a 'do as you would be done by' attitude.
As a very small child, I remember every Sunday morning the violin teacher came to the house to teach my older siblings their music lessons, and he would then stay and share the roast meal and some company, as his wife - a professional classical pianist - had died and he was lonely.  This sprang to mind again this week with the lovely story in the news of an elderly, but still sprightly, chap advertising himself available for part-time work as he was lonely having been 
recently widowed. A local cafe contacted the man and 
offered him part-time employment as a friendly 'Maitre D' character, greeting people at the door and seating them, bringing drinks from counter to table, and chatting to people to ensure no-one was lonely. 
One of our local pubs has begun a weekly TLC group (Tea Laughter and Company). Every week this group meets, has free company and free cups of tea, and is designed for anyone who lives alone, is feeling lonely, or who simply wants to meet more people. TLC Thursdays were inspired when the landlord was watching a TV programme about loneliness.
When we are feeling fed up because it's raining, or because there's a big queue at the petrol station - or whatever our little gripe might be - we need to remember to feel grateful we are not homeless, yes, but also think about what we can do to Pay It Forward. 
Not simply putting loose change in the charity collection box (that too!) but how to use our brain to plan and help other people.
Here's my current 'to do' list:
. Take large picture books and jigsaw puzzles to local care home.
. Take used duvet and pillows to cats and dogs shelter.
. Take food collection box to foodbank and start next one.
. Invite chums over for coffee  that I haven't seen for a while.
. Take bag of clothes to charity shop.
. Donate table to charity furniture shop.
. Sort through crafts and donate items to care home.

It's raining here today - a perfect day to spend a couple of hours on the last of my list.
What else can we add to this list for folks to Pay It Forward where they live?

Tracey xx 


Comments

  1. We help other boaters through the locks whenever we can.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a lovey, thought provoking post. Best wishes to you xxxxxxxSue

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a lovely post. Kindness and compassion don't cost anything, so are truly priceless in more senses than one. X

    ReplyDelete
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