If everyone looked in their own backyard/community you'll see so many little things. You just simply need to walk out your door and adopt the attitude that we are all human beings living the human experience or trying to. If we all realized that we are all truly connected, part of each other, then we might find it easier to nurture and embrace all things.

Be kind and considerate of all things.

My life is so blessed. Even in the tougher emotional times, I have it better than many people. My honey enjoys anonymously purchasing meals for people. I hate to see people have to put back food when short money at the grocery store, so I will step up and pay.

Most of our neighbors are below poverty level income, disabled and/or elderly. We share foods from our garden and find ways to help them with dignity. One time we did that by offering a neighbor a new folding chair for his front porch because his had no seat strings. We told him our dad couldn't use it and we thought he might take it off our hands.

I order freebies that are then donated to our local homeless shelter. Shampoo, toothpaste, lotion...... For those of you that travel, consider donating the shampoo, etc from your hotel rooms.

Each payday we look around us to see if any of our friends, neighbors, friends of friends, etc., need some financial help. It seems like someone is always in need of a little extra help.

Like someone else mentioned, I smile at everyone. I remember days when a smile from someone made the world less heavy.

Paying it forward is the best medicine in the world.

A small "extra" garden on the boulevard, between the sidewalk and street (check city ordinances first) with tomatoes etc. for those who walk by (lots where we live) with a little staked sign facing sidewalk "Pls take what you need"... always nearly picked bare but happily I've never seen anyone one person strip it bare... anyway, just a thought for city dwellers....

I love this thread. I believe very strongly in paying it forward. It's right in line with the phrase "faith without works is dead," which is an important mantra in my life. I rarely tell anyone. I get upset when people find out actually. I'm not part of the 1% by any stretch, but I do make decent money for what I do. I also grew up dirt poor, so money doesn't hold the same power for me as it does for some. I will buy/do/donate things because I can. There is nothing that makes me feel better. It's like I have magical super powers. lol. I can create magic for others. I love Christmas for this reason. I've always struggled with long term anything, friendships, relationships - commitments to others in general - I am excellent though at paying attention and reading people. Two abilities from childhood that really have little purpose in my life today other than the ability to use them for magic making now.

I was driving through a small town the other day, when I was saw a man, down on his luck, holding a sign that said "Hungry, Need Food", well guess where my lunch went, the lunch that i had just purchased. I have seen people bumming for money, but never for food. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to have stand on a street corner and have to ask people for food.

I am so lucky I have met people here, that are willing to open their doors and their hearts, to people that need help.....

I think it is time we all learn to work together, this is our family, we all have so much to offer....forget about the petty bull crap, the arguing, the snide comments, the gossip, our pride and be better people, better neighbors, better friends.

I actually am in the process of fulfilling an obligation to six people in an effort to pay it forward. I am crocheting dishcloths for them this year and will mail them out. I also wanted to share another thing that I found out about recently. An organization by the name of Threads of Compassion in Harrisburg, PA accepts donations of knitted or crocheted scarfs. They give them to individuals who seek treatment at the hospital for the crisis of rape. I have completed one for them and that will be in the mail soon as well.

I truly enjoy doing for others. I feel it is my duty here on earth. We are all in this world together so should make it as pleasant for each other as we can. I have many blessings in my life. As a matter of fact my father just today turned 92 years old. I am very grateful and feel honored to share with others.

Thanks for starting this thread. I really enjoy reading what others do too.

I believe , I said this before . We are combining two houses together and number of donations it's huge . I am so happy for people in need they will get things . It gives me a pleasure :)

There are some really great ppl here paying it forward

I had the opportunity to help a family in need, we just gave quilts we found so a woman with polio just starting her life without abuse. I wish her all the luck in this world and I know she can make it on her own

At the corner store , the lady behind me in line had two dollars and her purchase was $2.86. While she was hunting for change, I handed the cashier an extra dollar and went on my way. A young man in the other line surprised me by coming out the side door to tell me what a nice thing I'd done. I smiled the whole drive home.

It was really nice, not expecting to be thanked, but having someone notice. I told him I liked helping. I hope he'll take it to heart.

I love this thread , it makes my eyes water how many awesome people are in our community and in many ways we are still being looked like a second class citizens . Sad , but true .

I had plenty time left on my pay-and-display parking receipt (8+ hrs.) and wanted to pay it forward by providing it to the next driver so they wouldn't have to pay. The intention was to pass it on to the next driver which would have happened had the driver just been patient and waited.