Paying It Forward

I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do ~ Edward Everett Hale

In honor and memory of each of the Sandy Hook Elementary School students taken from this Earth far, far too soon, here are 20 suggestions for ways we can perhaps try to send love out into the universe and pay it forward, if just a little bit. It may not be much, but I think even the tiniest things can sometimes make the biggest difference...

1. Have you just finished a great book? Leave it in a cafe with a note attached: "Whoever finds this, please take it home and enjoy. It's a great read."
2. Talking about cafes, perhaps the next time you're driving through Starbucks, leave a few extra dollars for the car behind you. (This is great for any drive-through, toll booth, movie line, etc.)
3. If you're shoveling, why not do the neighbor's walk, too?
4. Let a car or two merge in front of you...
5. The next time you're at an airport, offer to pull bags off the conveyor belt for someone who looks like they need help.
6. Drop off coats/blankets/mittens to a local church or homeless shelter.
7. Tip your waiter or waitress twice as much as you normally would.
8. Smile at everyone you see today. :o)
9. Send flowers anonymously to someone you know who could use cheering up.
10. Practice compassion, no matter how difficult, with someone who's recently upset you.
11. Say "Thank you" to the next teacher, first responder, military person you meet.
12. Open the door for someone (or some two)...
13. Call a relative or friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Ask them how they are, and really listen.
14. Drop off a stuffed animal at your local police station for a traumatized child.
15. Bring in treats for your office mates.
16. Leave negativity out of any and all social media. (Instead, spread positivity. I have several friends who continually spread hopeful messages via social media, and I'm so grateful for them.)
17. Donate. Your time, your help, clothing, money, blood, food... Whatever it is you have to give is perfect.
18. Have your children draw colorful pictures (or paint/draw your own!), and drop them off at a local hospital or convalescent home to hang in their windows.
19. Be nice to customer service reps.
20. Bring hot chocolate to cold road crew workers; lemonade to hot ones; doughnuts to a police station; balloons to hospital patients...

I would love to hear more ideas on how to pay it forward. If you get a moment, please let me know how you've sent your good thoughts and gentle blessings out into the universe.

Love to you, kind readers. So much love.