Yesterday morning after dropping the kids at daycare, I went for a walk. It was a stunning day. Much like today. Clear blue skies, sun shining, beautifully warm. There were a few people out and about. A child on a bike, a women walking to the beach and an old man wandering across the reserve. As I passed him I said 'Good morning' and he replied. 'yes a beautiful day'. We had a little bit of conversation as you do when passing by people, before he finished with, "pity the worlds gone crazy".
That random comment had me thinking all day long. But particularly on the rest of my walk. As I realised there are people in countries getting bombed. Children growing up with fear as their main emotion. They will never know the freedom of going out and not having to worry about bombs dropping. Wondering where they can hide. Running in fields behind butterflies is out, cause there might be mines.
Then there was the talk of the rental car guy charging the family of the two brothers who died when part of a glacier crashed down on them. Or the Turkish man in Invercargill asking some Israeli women to leave his shop in protest over the bombing in Israel/Gazza.
What is it about us humans that do this to each other? Really what can it matter? Is someone elses opinion/feelings really so much less important than our own that we would hurt or maim that person to get our own way/confirm the way we feel/believe?
And it doesn't even have to be that 'big'. It can be simple little things like road rage on the Auckland roads. Or a disagreement with a friend. We as humans have really become so intolerant of people, thoughts, ideas that don't fit in with our own. I'm guilty of it too. But seeing it so clearly yesterday and this morning has made me feel sad. And asking what can I do to help? What can we do?
I have recently offered my time to volunteer somewhere. It may or may not come off, but its a little step in the right direction.
Last year I talked about paying it forward as a way of making our contribution to balancing the craziness in this world. So I wanted to challenge you to do it again. Maybe even more than once. Smile at someone you don't know 'just cause'. Send a card to a friend you know is feeling stressed. Take around some baking to another friend who's hubby is away. Send an email to a friend to say how much you value their friendship. Invite a friend over to hang out. Pay someones parking meter that you notice has ticked over time. Pay for the person behind you at a toll bridge.
I don't know? There are so many ways we can make someones day a little brighter. It just needs a little creative thinking.
What I do know is that these little actions are like ripples in a pond. They start small and keep growing.
So I wanna dare you to do it. And more than that, I'd love to hear your ideas so I can used them myself next time I'm wanting to 'pay it forward'.
Go on dare ya!
I agree - the world is such a depressing place out there at the moment...I tend to do lots of baking and when neigbours and friends least expect it drop some around!
Posted by: Debbie - NZ | January 15, 2009 at 02:49 PM
one thing that makes me nervous about the proliferation of groups etc on social networking sites is this tendency to identify with other people who have the same ideals and values as yourself... I think there is a real risk that intolerance will develop as a result of it.
Posted by: Penny | January 15, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Hi Trina… I wanted to let you know that I have chosen you for a “lovely blog award”. If you want to play along, check out my blog to copy & save the award then…1) Add the logo to your blog. 2) Link the logo back to my blog. 3) Nominate 7 (or more) blogs that you think are lovely 4) Leave a message on their blog letting them know that they are “one lovely blog”
If these types of things drive you kooky please know that I will in no way be offended if you choose not to play along. I love them & think they are a fun way to get to know people…but I know some people hate this kind of stuff. I do enjoy your blog a lot though and am glad to let you know that.
And thanks...this was such a nice post. My Mom made a wonderful new years resolution this year....she wants to do something nice for at least 3 people every day...even if its just a kind word.
Posted by: Donna | January 15, 2009 at 04:29 PM
already blogged about this the other day... click on my blog and look back a day or two for a post on what I do to pay it forward...
Posted by: mandyb | January 15, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Bless you, Trina!
Posted by: Nancy | January 15, 2009 at 05:53 PM
ooooh another of my favourite movies ... Pay It Forward ... I'm gonna give this one some thought ... yes, there have been some crazy things happening in the world of late; and I am a strong believer that it is the small gestures that can often make the biggest difference ...
Posted by: topkatnz | January 15, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Hey Trina - well I am proud to say that my son and I made a young mother and her mothers day a little easier today.
We headed to scitech after my appointment at the hospital and we saw an elderly lady in front of us trying to get a pram up a step whilst her daughter was in front carrying her child. So I helped the lady much to the embarrassment of the young lady in front who hadn't realised her mother was stuck. And to top it off there were two flights of steps in front of us so I offered for my son and I to carry the pram up for her. And much to my horror the poor grandma had problems just getting herself up the stairs. I received a heartfelt thankyou from the young lady and a smile from the grandma - which in turn made my day. Connor was very proud of himself and it made an awesome start to our day :)
Thanks for listening.
Cheers
Maursie xoxo
Posted by: Maursie | January 16, 2009 at 12:05 AM