Paying it forward with a smile!

I got this off of my Fly Lady e-mails. It struck my attention because so many people in the world today do seem to be unhappy and I think that grumpiness is very contagious. In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season people forget that it really takes away from it when we get so caught up in busyness that we can't even smile. Well this is a "Pay it forward" story about how one smile can make a big difference, not just to those around you, but also for yourself! Merry Christmas...


I have been reading the pay it forward emails and loving them so much.But at the same time, I was sitting here a little sad because we are in a tight spot this year and I can't do the giving I normally do in the community. Then it occurred to me that it doesn't take money to pay it forward, it takes love and kindness.

I started really paying attention to the people around me when I've been out running errands. It seems that people this time of year tend to be stressed and in a rush. Very few people were smiling. "Where's the Christmas cheer?" I thought to myself. I decided right then and there, that any time I actually made eye contact with someone I would smile and wish them a Merry Christmas. To my surprise, the whole mood
of my shopping trips has changed. People look so surprised and happy just to hear a kind word. I'm actually looking forward to all the last minute shopping I have to do this week instead of dreading the crowds.

Anyone can pay it forward in some small way. It all counts.

Thanks for the reminder,

Heidi in Michigan