Feel Good, Make a Difference: 20 Ways to Pay it Forward

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." --Aesop

Doing something for others, especially strangers, is a selfless and wonderful act -- a random act of kindness that can steamroll along, encouraging others to give and pay it (the kindness) forward. It's amazing to see this process in action, as someone is toughed by a stranger's kindness, and then passes a kindness to someone else, and so on, and so on.

Performing random (and anonymous) acts of kindness are great ways to demonstrate the compassion and love you have for others.

But perhaps the best part of performing random acts of kindness is the unexpected encouragement it gives to others; how a simple act of kindness -- of recognition that we are all people who (mostly) co-exist on this planet

So, spread some joy today. There are lots of ways to do it, from simply smiling and showing respect to someone, to buying someone's meal or paying someone's toll. Spend money or not, it is the act of giving of yourself to someone else that matters most.

20 Ways to Pay it Forward

1. Hold the door open for someone or a group of people.

2. Tip a service provider (server, hair stylist, taxi driver, shoe shiner) more generously than you normally do.

3. Allow others to go ahead of you in line.

4. Pay for someone's meal at the local diner or restaurant.

5. Make a service provider (toll booth operator, trash collector, gardener) laugh by reciting some goofy saying or a short (and appropriate) joke.

6. Buy several small gift cards (for coffee, food) and donate them to local veterans.

7. Offer to speak on a subject (for which you are an expert) to a local non-profit organization.

8. Send doughnuts and coffee to the local fire or police station.

9. Let someone cut into your lane on the highway, offering a smile and a wave rather than road rage.

10. Give money to a local street performer after his/her performance.

11. Give up your seat on the bus/train for someone more in need.

12. Contribute to the college fund of a friend's child -- or to a scholarship for needy students.

13. Donate blood.

14. Post inspirational notes in your apartment, neighborhood, school, or office.

15. Pay for someone else's gas -- or leave gas gift cards near the pumps.

16. Praise the performance of a service provider by telling the manager.

17. Donate items to a local charity.

18. Stand on a busy corner at rush hour with a sign that expresses a positive message.

19. Donate school supplies to one or more teachers at a local school.

20. Smile and nod at strangers as you commute to work or school.