I refer to “paying it forward” as “gratitude in motion.” Personally, I find that the fastest way for me to feel happy is to make another person happy.
Even Deepak Chopra says, “If you want to be happy make someone else happy.”
Have you ever had this experience? That when you do something for someone else, you are filled with the feelings of abundance and joy? Those feelings were not just in your mind; the benefits of giving have actually been scientifically proven!
Being Gratitude in Motion does not require you to make a donation to charity or volunteer your time. Becoming philanthropic with your attention and kindness on a daily basis in all of your interactions will profoundly impact you and those around you. (And, by the way, it’s free!) So ask yourself how generous you are in your daily interactions. Are you mindful of the way you interact with people throughout the day? How are you the majority of the time; is generosity the rule or the exception?
I want you to do an experiment.
Think of the ways, big and small, you can pay it forward as you roll through your day today.
It doesn’t have to mean money, but rather giving joy and making a human connection. Treating all people with dignity, consideration, and respect. Make eye contact and smile at the Starbucks barista and see how energy shifts. Ask a co-worker how she is and then stop talking, allowing her the chance to answer while you actively listen. Let someone go in front of you in line at the store or in traffic. Allow others to get on the subway before you.
Please share your ideas for paying it forward and share what it feels like to be consciously generous for the day, a week, or, better yet, a lifetime. How does a change in your consciousness and intention shift not only your internal experience but also your interactions with other people? It lights me up to bring joy and caring to friends and strangers alike in big and small ways, and I bet you will have the same experience.
I hope you have a loving kindness-filled Valentine’s, exercising lots of gratitude in motion! And, as always, take care of you as you take care of others.
Love Love Love
Terri
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