(Notes From a FB Live Sept 5 2018 ~ Click to Watch)

Yesterday when I was walking the Majestic Mr Monty I came upon a dime shining brightly on the sidewalk hanging out with a pretty yellow flower. It gave me such pleasure and I was flooded with a memory from my youth.

I was in my early teens when I saw a story flash by on the TV that rocked my world. It was about a mother who had lost her child and every time she found a dime, she thought it was her baby angel sending her love. Even as a child going through the foster care system it moved me so much I took action. I didn’t even know what a “random act of kindness” was all I knew was that perhaps I could give someone that heart hug. And back it was pre-cell phone days and a dime was a call on a pay phone.

It was the beginning of me being able to give back to the world. As a student of human nature, I have observed the absolute pleasure others get when they find simple things like a cart they don’t have to pay for. And they get to return it and get the quarter or the dollar! Free gift! When I go shopping, I rarely take the cart back and get my coin back. I smile as I think of the little pleasure the next shopper will receive when they find it.

I also know what it’s like to be so sad and alone in the world and to have an act of kindness suddenly show up for you – specifically … it can mean the difference between life and death.

I love the concept of “pay it forward.” To me it means take the blessing and when a time is appropriate, pass it along. I love being able to say when I am helping someone in need who is resisting because they are embarrassed “no no you don’t understand! It is my turn! In my past I received help knowing one day I could pay it back. Please don’t deprive me of my blessing. And in your future, you will be in a position to help someone else.” It is SUCH a great way of helping each other!

Kindness is rooted in empathy and acceptance. I love it when kindness bubbles up inside me and spills out on those around me.

#randomactsofkindness #kindness #strangers #dimes #depression #universe #suicide #ptsd #claimingwellness #selfgrowth #payitforward