Do you remember the book and movie from a while ago about the young boy who came up with the plan that people could accomplish amazing things if they helped people “just because”?

The only caveat was the person they helped also had to “pay it forward” and help someone else. It’s the old-fashioned “golden rule,” guaranteed as part of the process.

This is a great idea, don’t you think? It’s something we could put to use every day if we set our minds to it. We can start next Monday, April 28. That is global Pay It Forward Day.

One way the pay it forward concept works easily is with food. You can improve someone’s day with food in many ways and sharing food is fairly easy—you just make more of something than you can eat.

I think it’s even more meaningful (not to mention easier) if you share something you are involved in, so I am going to help you along with a few ideas.

Let’s make it easy to start, gently warming you up to the idea. How about the next time you’re at Tim Hortons, or your favourite haunt, you buy someone’s coffee, donut or whatever. If you aren’t there with a friend, try buying one for the person behind you in line or for the regular staff member who serves you. You will be surprised how good it makes you feel to see the surprised smile on their face.

That was mostly........

© Castanet