Paying it Forward

**AmyBoz** · 03-14-2006, 01:03 PM

I have read on here, so many times, about some wonderful, generous RAOK's. Many of us have been blessed time and time again by the kindness of others.

When this happens to you, do you make a concentrated effort to pay it forward? Do something kind and generous for someone else to keep the spirit of thoughtfulness alive amongst humanity? It doesn't have to be a monetary RAOK...even just the gift of your time for someone else.

Anyway...just a thought.

**Missy** · 03-14-2006, 01:55 PM

I try my very best. It might not be a huge display of gratitude, but I do try to do something that hopefully lets the person know they are appreciated, loved and thought of.

And I try to look at situations in a "how can I do something to help/make better/ bring a smile/ etc etc" kind of way.

I don't know if that's the pay it forward answer, but it's the way I try.

guest7 · 03-14-2006, 03:07 PM

Yes- always. And sometimes unconsciously.
Just the yesterday, I was picking up my cat from the vet hospital and I was settling the bill. I said to the vet... "Last summer, you undercharged me by $100 for procedures on my cats. And I'd like to add that $100 onto the bill"
He said. "I remember. And no- you do not have to pay me. I already told you that- and, if you remember, I said bring the kindness to someone else." And he looked at me with those eyes like he knew!
I said "Oh my goodness!! I did do a RAOK! I forgot about it!"
He said he didn't forget, he remembers the 100 pounds of premium cat food that was dropped off at his door- with a note 'to use or give to any needy kitty'. He knew who it was from.

Seems to have been second nature to pay it forward- and not ever expect a return. It's a nice feeling.

**Scattymum** · 03-14-2006, 04:41 PM

Originally posted by Missy
I try my very best. It might not be a huge display of gratitude, but I do try to do something that hopefully lets the person know they are appreciated, loved and thought of.

And I try to look at situations in a "how can I do something to help/make better/ bring a smile/ etc etc" kind of way.

I don't know if that's the pay it forward answer, but it's the way I try.

This is me too

**KimSecret** · 03-14-2006, 08:06 PM

Yes, absolutely! It feels good to PIF (pay it forward)

**hollyhill** · 03-25-2006, 01:51 AM

Oh yes! I pay it forward and backward and sideways LOL. Anyway I can.

I try to RAOK anyways and always and I always have.... it is being on the recieving end that has been hard.

I also never called RAOK before. I always called it giving, caring and sharing and have taught the same to my children.

**celina** · 03-25-2006, 02:06 AM

ALWAYS...and even if i havent received any acts....i never know what the future holds and i may need prayers and wishes answered some day..so i try to create a karma surplus if you will....

so many times we were so close to NOT making it...and yet god provided...never in raok.....but in luck...so i repay in raok to others...since i cant hand out luck

**PrairieRose** · 03-25-2006, 02:29 PM

I always feel rather selfish over ROAK's that I do. I honestly feel that I always get more out of them that the person(s) that I do them for. So I'd say yes, I always look for a way to pay a kindness forward.

**Mumzy** · 03-25-2006, 09:23 PM

If I can ever do a RAOK I do it. Even if it feels slightly awkward. For example, I have been known to turn and share a coupon with someone unexpectedly. I do try to do this with common sense and grace. I don't want you to think I am crazy. The one truly grateful person makes it worth while.
Another example is a waiter went out of their way to make our meal wonderful. On the way out I told the manager how pleased we were. Right there the manager told me that that waiter was going to get their raise early because of our complement!

I also try (and is this bad?), hoping there is such a thing as a karma surplus or a type of bank, like Celina mentioned.

Perhaps this would be a question for a new thread:

Does it count if you tell anyone about a RAOK or a pay it forward act?