INSPIRATIO N FO R
BUSY FAMILIES By Lisa Payne
PAY IT FORWARD for the Holidays and Every Day!
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Have you ever been in line at Starbucks and the person in front of you pays for your drinks? That happened to me in
Minnesota this past summer. The drive thru line was long and I had terrible allergies that day and was sniffling and wiping my eyes the whole wait. When it was my turn to pay, the barista said the person in front of me had paid for my drinks. I was so caught off guard that it choked me up. And then I realized they probably thought I had been crying the whole time watching me wipe my eyes and nose so much! No matter the reason, I will never forget the feeling of being taken care of so unexpectedly by a complete stranger. I vowed to return that favor as often as I could because everyone should be caught off-guard with acts of love. December is a wonderful time to show your love! There are countless ways to serve others that don’t cost much, if anything at all. Brainstorm with your family and come up with your own list, or use some of the ideas listed here. Get ready to feel elated all month long!
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Ring and dash some baked treats on a friend’s porch (ring their doorbell and run before they answer, leaving them to guess who did it) Have pizza delivered to your local fire house Send a nice note to someone in an underappreciated profession (insurance adjuster, electrician etc…) Leave a thank you note and a treat for the person who cleans your office at work Leave baked goods for the trash collector Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog (or even scoop their dog poop!) Draw a happy message in chalk on a neighbor’s driveway Send a note to a family member or friend, telling them what you love about them the most Stick affirmations in your kid’s lunch box Put chocolates on your kids pillows one night, like a fancy hotel Make a coupon book for your husband or kids, offering to give a back rub or take their turn emptying the trash Write a nice online review for your favorite restaurant or a book you loved Send a text to your partner telling them they looked so nice today Serve a meal to homeless people through the Denver Rescue Mission (sign up on their website) Pick up pieces of litter you see on the street or walking trail Hold the door open for someone Smile at everyone you see in one day Compliment a stranger in some way (nice shirt, love those shoes, great bike) Babysit for a friend free of charge Leave an uplifting comment on a friend’s social media page Invite an old friend over for hot tea or coffee Donate blood Compliment a parent on their child’s behavior Put money in an expired meter Let merging cars into your lane with a smile and a wave
Let’s all spend the month paying it forward! Have your kids do one act of kindness each day this month and write them all down. The benefits of being kind not only reduce feelings of anxiety and unhappiness but it helps you live longer. Let’s all live long, happy lives! Happy Holidays everyone!
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Our Broomfield™ Magazine | December 2021
