A phrase that means to repay kindness that one has received whether in hard times or not so hard times. The idea is not to be selfish and keep it to ourselves. Nor are we to limit paying it forward to our friends and family. I know my time and money invested in the United Way and The Children's Hospital are well spent. One of my other self rewarding ways of paying it forward is when I spot one in need of a coat. He is young, (20) made some bad choices, has a 2 year old child, he has been working for 7 weeks and did not have a coat. The look on his face when I handed him a new coat was priceless. 

It would be great to hear others on how they pay it forward.

I haven't been able to do it personally, but I have loved hearing about people going into Walmarts and paying off people's layaways...  Making Christmas just a bit brighter!  I love it so much.  :D  This world has more than enough negativity in it, so it's beautiful to see that positive things happen too!

There is a diner I go to often. I don't even have to order I go there so much they know what I get. Anyways, I sometimes see a mom and/or dad with a few kids, doing their Saturday shopping or whatever. I will call the waitress over, Andrea or Nichole, and let them know I'm buying those people's meal. They have seen me do this several times, so they know the drill. When the family is ready to pay they are told someone already paid it. They always ask who and the girls tell them that, that person already left. I enjoy seeing the look of shock followed by smiles on the parent's faces.

I have no reasons for doing it, I just like to. It makes me feel good, like I helped the whole family have a better day.

I always pay it forward in some kind of way to allow the cycle of goodness and positivity to continue. Last year around this time I was homeless due to a fire. So I know how it is. During that time (2 month period) I had multiple strangers step up and help cover cost of my motel room, food and necessities I needed at the time. It was a heart touching experience and it help me to be more grateful of the little things we tend to take for granted daily.  I will never forget. It was those individuals that were encouraging when I needed it the most. Sadly my so call family, associates and friends acted the opposite.

 This week alone on a bus stop I ran into a woman that was in the same boat I use to be in. She was homeless and had nowhere to go. It was cold outside, the temperature had recently dropped and it was starting to rain. She had no money or nothing but I was led to give her a few dollars to help her on her way with bus fare because that is what she needed at the moment. Very same day ran into an elderly guy that was looking for something to eat I took him to the Waffle House and paid for his meal.

It not my nature to stick my nose up to other because you never know it could happen to you.  Bad things happen to good people all the time

Every now and again, when I’m at Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts or a place such as that, I pay for the persons coffee and food behind me in the drive through

I usto drink and be an alcoholic and I know this is horrible but I helped a guy out by buying him a pack of cigs and a 6 pack of beer because he was counting his change out to pay for it pennies and all. so I felt bad and have been in that spot before so I decided to buy it for him. I have been sober for 2 years now and have totally changed my life in the most complete and most positive way possible.

This is awesome!

Coppa1, it is not that horrible. We have no idea what positive thoughts crossed this mans mind after your generosity. He may very well be on the road to recovery himself. 

Just as I always are to all ppl I meet everywhere irl, kindness always wins in the end so spread good feelings around you so will your life get much better.

This is something i practice in my everyday life my spouse says i am too kind sometimes but its always good to remember that at some point or another you were in a bind and needed help. Whether u received that help or not is irrelevant what is important is to remember that feeling and wanting to ensure no one has to go through that this i practice everyday :) .

I was once homeless from 17 to 20 years old so now I always give my leftovers from a restaurant to someone I see that is homeless. I also tend to give buy one get one free deals at fast food places to someone I see begging for money. When I was homeless it was always a bright spot when someone gave me leftovers haha especially if it was something I actually would eat lol. 

I've been known to do little things when I can. Stuff like moving the grocery divider a few items to pay for a bit of someone elses stuff then leaving it in the bagging area.

I honestly wish the money existed in my life to do so more then I do. Satisfying doesn't cover it.

I do little things here and there. Donating that dollar to charity, or bag of coffee to the troops.. at check out. I enjoy buying the person behind me meal at a drive through, keeping the door open for someone, or helping an elderly woman carry her things to her car.

None of it is big or fancy, I don't really see it as much as paying things forward as I do just being a good person.  So I dunno. 

Every year I pay for groceries for one person/family who is behind me in the supermarket. Always do it right around holiday time.