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April 28, 2017 3 min read

It turns out that April 28th is National Pay It Forward Day, and of all the crazy made up holidays, I think this is my favorite. I mean it. I love this idea. I like it better than National Talk Like A Pirate Day (Sep 19), National Hug A Plumber Day (Apr 25), National Fresh Breath Day (Aug 6), National Fly A Kite Day (Feb 8 - love the idea but they may want to reconsider the timing of this one!), National Spicy Guacamole Day (Nov 14), and National Shrimp Scampi Day, which is tomorrow. I even like it better than National Chocolate Day (Oct 28)!
One of my favorite things about National Pay It Forward Day, is that it comes two days before National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day (April 30), which, incidentally, would be an amazing way to pay it forward! Here are 48 more...

  1. Smile at the next 6 people you see today!
  2. Find opportunities to give compliments. It costs nothing and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it!
  3. Leave encouraging or inspirational post-it notes in library books, on bulletin boards and other random places.
  4. Give someone your undivided attention. It is a rare and precious gift.
  5. Mail (yes, good ol’ US Mail with a stamp and everything) a card to someone who needs a boost.
  6. Let someone go in front of you in line who only has a few items.
  7. Put your phone away while in the company of others.
  8. Carry quarters and top up expiring parking meters
  9. Pay it Backward: buy coffee (or lunch or groceries or a toll…) for the person behind you in line.
  10. Send a positive text message to five different people right now.
  11. Tell someone they dropped a dollar (even though they didn’t). Then give them a dollar.
  12. Say hi to the person next to you on the elevator.
  13. Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats!
  14. Have a LinkedIn account? Write a recommendation for coworker or connection.
  15. Leave quarters at the laundromat.
  16. Leave a note on someone’s car telling them how awesome they parked.
  17. Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels included.
  18. Write a kind message on your mirror with a dry erase marker for yourself, your significant other or a family member.
  19. Place positive body image notes in jean pockets at a department store.
  20. Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.
  21. Practice self-kindness and spend 30 minutes doing something you love today.
  22. Know parents who could use a break? Offer to babysit for free.
  23. Return shopping carts for people at the grocery store.
  24. Put a plant in a terra cotta pot. Write positive words on the pot and give it to a friend!
  25. Leave a kind server the biggest tip you can afford.
  26. Put 50 paper hearts in a box. On each cutout write something that is special about your partner or a friend. Give them the box and tell them to pull out a heart anytime they need a pick-me-up.
  27. Everyone is important. Learn the names of people you see in passing every day. Greet them by name.
  28. Write your partner a list of things you love about them.
  29. Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter.
  30. Take flowers or treats to the nurses’ station at your nearest hospital.
  31. Keep an extra umbrella at work, so you can lend it out when it rains.
  32. Send a ‘Thank you’ card or note to the officers at your local police or fire station.
  33. Take muffins or cookies to your local librarians.
  34. Run an errand for a family member who is busy.
  35. Leave a nice note or some goodies in your mailbox for your mail carrier.
  36. Email or write to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.
  37. When you hear that discouraging voice in your head, tell yourself something positive — you deserve kindness too!
  38. Hold the door open for the person behind you.
  39. Introduce yourself.  Make new colleagues, classmates, etc. feel welcome.
  40. Volunteer at a hospital, homeless shelter, nursing home, animal shelter, etc.  
  41. Stop and buy a drink from a kid’s lemonade stand.
  42. Become a mentor or tutor to someone in need.
  43. Be a courteous driver.  Let people merge in front of you.
  44. Offer your seat to someone when there aren’t any left.
  45. Hug a friend.  Let them know how important they are.
  46. If you have a good book you’ve read that’s just sitting around on a bookshelf, give it away to a friend.
  47. Clean up litter in a park or open space nearby.
  48. Use National Pay It Forward Day as a reminder of how we should live everyday. ❤️

There are a few things on this list for everyone. It doesn't have to be big; every little bit of good counts. Now don't wait... Get out there and share the good!