Paying it forward

The generosity of others has always amazed me. I suppose it shouldn't.   I am a huge giver.   I give till there is nothing more to give. Giving feels good.  It feels right.I don't think I ever expect anything in return. Maybe just an honest thank you would suffice.

It took me awhile to learn that giving is not just tangible.  Giving of ones self is so much  more valuable.  Oprah tried so hard to get the world to wake up.  She spent hours, days and months shouting from the roof tops to pay it forward.  She even gave us the tools to do such kind deeds.
 Truly listen to a friend, with both ears open.  Give a genuine compliment to a stranger. Offer a helping hand in any way possible to a needy family. It's not about the money.  Helping, by giving of yourself is actually free.


Just like reading a Leo Bescalia book.  The Buddha feelings are real.

But sometimes the high only stays with you temporarily.  Unless you shed the crap of wanting something in return.  Paying it forward may not seem like an immediate gratification.  But I can assure you the benefits outweigh the momets of selfishness.

Nathaniel is always bringing 'gifts' into our home.  The out pouring of love has been immeasurable. 
 Once again at our local 7-11 store Nathaniel made sure he has said hello to everyone.  A genuine hello that follows with 'Whats your name?"  On this day he met a man named John. They strike up a small conversation and John bids us his farewell.
A week later we were back in our local hangout and Nate spots John from across the store. Nate shouts "Hello John"  with pure radiance.  John cannot believe that this little guy remembered him.  Especially that he remembered his name.
Their friendship begins.
John later returns to the store with an autograph from Michael Jordan for Nate. (Turns out that Nate's new friend is M.J.'s bodyguard!)

Then  there is the friend from the neighborhood who heard that his brother was getting rid of their old computer. Immediately he thought of Nate. Took the computer home, spent days cleaning it out and delivered the desk top straight to Natie's bedroom.

Or the clients that never forget to bring Nate a Halloween goodie bag. Or a toy that they spotted that they thought Nate would enjoy, and learn from.

Yep- I have been rendered speechless on those days.


Its not about the monetary value. 
Its that in that moment they thought of Nate.
  Nate somehow touched them gently enough to leave a footprint.

It is Nate that starts the 'paying it forward' chain of events.  His simple 'hello' or his  heart felt smile leaves you with a feeling of pureness.  Pure kindness. Nate truly wants NOTHING in return. He merely wants to meet a new friend. 

 The gift of kindness oozes out of Nate.

It is infectious.
It is honest.
It is pure.
It is loyal.

It is priceless.

  It is a rare occasion that someone does not let his sunshine in.  I feel sorry for those people that turn away from Nate's genuine appeal to invite them into his  world.

Nate has taught us all that KINDNESS is free.
"Hello's" can be given away.
Compliments that are real and given away with conviction are  priceless.

Just say hello.

Pay it forward.