pay it forward!

Last week I spent some time in Canada. Sadly it will be my last visit for a lil while (about a year to be exact). I've gotten the green light to proceed with my dissertation (happy dance) and now, the rest is up to me... with the guidance, mentorship and assistance of an awesome committee with expertise who has made themselves available for assistance wherever possible.

Anyhoo, I digress. This post is about a small, yet cool incident that occurred on Sunday past. I was in the drive through line at Tim Hortons and felt this overwhelming need to "pay it forward".   You know,  leave something extra with the cashier for the person behind me.

I looked in my coin purse and found some extra coins (which of course in Canadian could be a lot of money since they've got $1 and $2 coins- not bills). I identified that I had an extra $2 and thought, "well that could cover up to one large coffee".   While ordering, I was asked if I wanted to upgrade for $.10 more  (mini size to small tea) and I was like..sure whatever.

Well, I left the extra $2 plus my change and indicated to the cashier that it was to go toward the next car's bill, he smiled at me almost knowingly (we were conspiring together).  I smiled at myself. Not in a prideful way, but in a feeling-very-fulfilled way. Yes, it was only $2 but I can't ever recall a time that I was not fulfilled doing something for someone else- especially if it was more "anonymous giving"!

I enjoyed my tea on my way to church and just as I was about to dispose of the remaining liquid and the cup, I remembered that Tim Hortons promotional Roll up the Rim was still going on and the reason I was offered to upgrade was to be eligible. Now I should note, I am one of those persons...you know, who never ever ever wins anything? Everything I've gotten has been either because of unmerited favor (not luck or chance) or because of my hard work. So I wasn't really feeling any particular pull to roll up the rim, but I did...to humor myself I guess. As I was about to toss the cup after rolling up the rim  without reading, just expecting the try again...

there it was "winner"!!!! whoaaaaa really???

It was a donut. I won a donut...valued at $.60 but a win nonetheless right? I immediately thought of my actions purchasing the tea and thought to myself "aint that something". Now I know that this win was all by chance...and my tea was given to me before I paid (or I think it was) so I won't go getting all super spiritual about it...but I definitely think this was a tangible reinforcement to make it  more likely that I do this again.  

I'm challenged to be more conscious about how regularly I "pay it forward". Now the thing is, to truly pay it forward, the recipient should be aware of the good act and their responsibility to pay it forward also so there is a chain of good deeds that starts to just double and triple...

But honestly even without the intentional act of creating the chain, I think we as humans have an inward wiring to want to do good, especially when we have been the recipients of a good act.

So...go forth and do something good, selfless, or an act of kindness today!

Grace peace and love,

Gia