Paying it Forward

I just said “Oh” and asked for a cup of milk.

We often went through our clothes and donated them to Goodwill; even as we went through their racks for “new” clothes.  We were rarely well off enough to by new clothes.  I guess that is why I still donate clothes often.

Paying it forward was brought to our collective consciousness by the movie of the same name.  Find it, play it for the family and start a conversation.  If you only receive charity and do not try to pay it forward it can make you feel helpless.  We all have some gift to share. Teens can read to kids at the library, organize a clean-up at a park, and even come up with a project to help fellow students. Younger kids need more help with an idea. They can help neighbors with small chores; they can brush the elderly neighbor’s dog, and feel the benefits of giving without expecting a return.

Foster kids get a double whammy of learned helplessness. Not only are they not with family, they also never know when they are going to be moved to another family.  The practice of paying it forward allows them to belong to “family” of their choice and maybe even people that they can remain friends with when moved to a new family.

So, the benefits of “Paying it Forward” are good for anyone.  Helping others lets you feel less helpless.  Our esteemed editor is doing this by running this magazine, encouraging others to share their gifts, and being part of his own happy family.