Monday - Pay It Forward

How do you ‘Pay it Forward’?  Maybe you do it by reciprocating kindness, favors, or good deeds. Ultimately this phrase means reaching out and doing something kind for someone because you want to, not because you owe them or because they ask you to.

Last week we discussed gratitude and this week people across the U.S. are celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. Before the holiday rush starts, now is a perfect time to set your wants and desires aside and focus on what you can do for others. This week we will learn more about the concept of paying it forward and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives.  

Tuesday - Pay It Forward for Yourself

Self-kindness can be difficult and may feel foreign at the start. Many times, it feels more natural to be an enemy than a friend to ourselves. Something simple like washing dishes or putting away laundry before bed can start the next day on a great note.

Take the time today to do something that sets you up for success. Try packing your lunch before bed or treating yourself to a breakfast treat! The ways you can be kind to yourself are limitless and can cost little or no money. Just think about your future self and find one thing that you can do today to make your tomorrow better. Don’t forget, when you hear that voice in your head discounting what you can do or discouraging you – think something positive and remember to be kind to yourself! 

Wednesday - Pay It Forward for Your Coworkers and Workplace

There are so many fun, quick, and inexpensive things you can do to Pay It Forward to your coworkers and workplace. Here are some ideas to help get you started:

• Take time at the end of the day to clean up your area, put tools and supplies away, and get organized and prepped for the next day.
• Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves recognition or take time to thank a coworker.
• Set an alarm on your phone to go off and use that as a prompt to do something kind for someone else.
• Keep an extra umbrella at work in case a coworker needs one.
• If you have extra time, reach out and help someone who is swamped with work
• Bring in a treat to share.
• Leave extra change in the vending machine coin return or in an envelope taped to the machine.
• Set up a Pay It Forward or Random Acts of Kindness bulletin board so people can share how they are inspiring others 
• Be a supporter of the ideas and suggestions of others.
• Find opportunities to give compliments – they cost nothing and could brighten someone’s day!

Thursday - Pay It Forward for Your Community

We can all come up with ways to help our community. RandomActsofKindness.org published these things you can do to Pay It Forward in your community:

• Buy coffee for the person behind you in line.
• Compliment the first three people you talk to today.
• Send a positive text message to five different people right now.
• Post inspirational sticky notes around your neighborhood, office, school, etc.
• Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.
• Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats.
• Leave a gas gift card at a gas pump.
• Leave unused coupons next to corresponding products in the grocery store.
• Know parents who could use a night out? Offer to babysit for free.
• Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter.
• Put your phone away while in the company of others.

As we move into the holiday season, let this time of year inspire you to make a difference for someone and spread some seeds of kindness along with holiday cheer!

Friday - Fortunate Friday

Let’s spend a few minutes sharing things you’ve done to ‘Pay it Forward’ this week.