Feeling overwhelmed by my busy week at Street Roots, I was reminded last week by vendor John Michael of a simple message — that all anyone really needs is to know that they’re loved.
I stopped in my tracks.
He smiled at me and gave me a hug. We each shared a story with one another, laughing at our silly ways. We fist bumped and went about our day. It was magic.
Each day, we are bombarded with different messages and tasks and things we have to do. The daily grind of life can take a toll on all of us. Sometimes, it’s hard to stop and recognize that at the end of the day, we are all just simply doing our best to make it through each day.
The reality is people are people, and I would like to believe that deep down we all want what’s best for the people in our lives and the world we live in.
Sometimes we forget that a simple smile or a “hello,” or taking the time to do something nice for a stranger has a huge impact on people’s lives and the community we call home. It’s also good for the soul.
I was forwarded a meme this week on Facebook that talked about the idea of paying it forward. The idea is to ask people that may owe you something to pay it forward and to give to others — possibly even a stranger. Another rendition is that when eating out or getting a coffee or purchasing a Street Roots, that you make your next purchase for a stranger that may not have the resources.
I thought to myself, what a great idea. I started telling friends and co-workers about it. They laughed and said, “Um, there was a movie about that called Pay It Forward. I think it starred Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt.”
Oh. OK.
After doing more research (Google, Wikipedia), I discovered that, apparently, the idea has been around for centuries. What a relief, I thought to myself, knowing this idea wasn’t invented in Hollywood.
Regardless of where the idea began, or entered into pop culture, or was dropped in our lives, the idea of doing for others still bears weight. When we are able to rise above the madness that life sometimes brings, and give to others, than we are setting an example for everyone around us. It becomes contagious.
So, to quote Kevin Spacey’s character from the movie, “What if the world is one big disappointment? Unless, you take the things you don’t like about this world and flip them upside down. You can start this today.”
I couldn’t agree more. Regardless of your plight in life and the resources at your disposal, possibly it’s a smile or a meal or possibly something more, let’s start today and pay it forward. You just never know what we might silently inspire.