Pay it Forward
“Trevor McKenney: I think some people are too scared, or something. I guess it's hard for people who are so used to things the way they are - even if they're bad - to change. 'Cause they kind of give up. And when they do, everybody kind of loses.” Pay in Forward (2000).
Between my month long break to cope with family matters and my struggling to find motivation to write, I haven’t given you all a movie reference in some time. So, here it is; Pay it Forward is a movie I have watched many times and highly recommend to everyone. It is about a young boy who sets out to change the world when given the opportunity as part of a class assignment.
In this movie, seventh grader Trevor McKenney comes up with an idea to help three people in a very big way asking only in return that they too help three strangers in big ways.
A similar concept called Random Acts of Kindness is also present in today’s society and ranges in anything from purchasing a coffee for the next person in line, to helping someone carry their groceries, shoveling a neighbours driveway, leaving a note of encouragement for someone, holding the door open for a stranger, or even extends to something larger such as paying for someone’s meal or groceries. The sky is the limit.
I believe that in light of all of the hate and negativity spreading like wildfire around the globe now, more than ever, we need to put forth more effort to spread positivity by doing such kindnesses onto one another.
I believe we have to make a conscious effort to blur the lines separating us into groups and classifications, colours and religions. We need to stop focusing on our differences and start focusing on the common capability we all have of being kind.
All it takes is putting forth a little more effort to be aware of what is going on in the lives of people around you.
Last year, a woman came into my workplace seeming quite stressed. It all started with a smile and soon this stranger was comfortable enough with me to show her vulnerability. She needed help and she was reaching out. Being in a position to locate resources that may be of help to her and her family, I started writing down contact information for various institutions centered on helping people in her situation.
A quick and easy internet search and suddenly, to this woman, I was an angel sent from God.
Now, I am not a religious individual but it truly upsets me when people turn on others simply for having a different religious or spiritual perspective. I could have corrected her and specified that I was not Christian, I could have scoffed because our beliefs were different. After all, many people in that situation do, even when being wished happy holidays, people choose to get nitpicky over the words used rather than the sentiments being expressed.
I could have done that but instead, I chose to first respect her religious beliefs then show kindness by assisting her further.
You see, standing before me was a woman going through a difficult time who, in her religious practices, sought comfort in a Christian God. Knowing this, I put her in touch with my parent’s church and tried to find her a ride to and from the upcoming mass.
This kindness took me very little effort, did me absolutely no personal harm, but meant the world to someone else.
I really hope that in the dark days that are sure to come in light of everything that is going on in the world, that we can try to remember and focus on our similarities and the kindness we have all witnessed rather than attacking our differences.
In this movie, seventh grader Trevor McKenney comes up with an idea to help three people in a very big way asking only in return that they too help three strangers in big ways.
A similar concept called Random Acts of Kindness is also present in today’s society and ranges in anything from purchasing a coffee for the next person in line, to helping someone carry their groceries, shoveling a neighbours driveway, leaving a note of encouragement for someone, holding the door open for a stranger, or even extends to something larger such as paying for someone’s meal or groceries. The sky is the limit.
I believe that in light of all of the hate and negativity spreading like wildfire around the globe now, more than ever, we need to put forth more effort to spread positivity by doing such kindnesses onto one another.
I believe we have to make a conscious effort to blur the lines separating us into groups and classifications, colours and religions. We need to stop focusing on our differences and start focusing on the common capability we all have of being kind.
All it takes is putting forth a little more effort to be aware of what is going on in the lives of people around you.
Last year, a woman came into my workplace seeming quite stressed. It all started with a smile and soon this stranger was comfortable enough with me to show her vulnerability. She needed help and she was reaching out. Being in a position to locate resources that may be of help to her and her family, I started writing down contact information for various institutions centered on helping people in her situation.
A quick and easy internet search and suddenly, to this woman, I was an angel sent from God.
Now, I am not a religious individual but it truly upsets me when people turn on others simply for having a different religious or spiritual perspective. I could have corrected her and specified that I was not Christian, I could have scoffed because our beliefs were different. After all, many people in that situation do, even when being wished happy holidays, people choose to get nitpicky over the words used rather than the sentiments being expressed.
I could have done that but instead, I chose to first respect her religious beliefs then show kindness by assisting her further.
You see, standing before me was a woman going through a difficult time who, in her religious practices, sought comfort in a Christian God. Knowing this, I put her in touch with my parent’s church and tried to find her a ride to and from the upcoming mass.
This kindness took me very little effort, did me absolutely no personal harm, but meant the world to someone else.
I really hope that in the dark days that are sure to come in light of everything that is going on in the world, that we can try to remember and focus on our similarities and the kindness we have all witnessed rather than attacking our differences.
This week, I ask you to think back and remember the kind things people have done for you in your life, no matter how small. You can keep them to yourselves or share them in the comments below. I also ask the you put some more conscious kindness out into the world.
Let’s fight back against the hate with the only effective method I know, a conscious refusal to hate.
Let’s fight back against the hate with the only effective method I know, a conscious refusal to hate.
Cheers!
The Bra Street Rambler
The Bra Street Rambler
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