Tammy's Ten: Easy Ways to Pay it Forward

While I was waiting in my car today for the light to turn green, a homeless man approached me requesting money for food. As a social worker, it's easy to become jaded in today's society. Many questions begin to enter your mind that others may not even think about. Why can't this man apply for welfare? Why can't he use the shelter or food bank? Is he already on welfare and trying to earn extra money that he is not going to claim to the government? Today I was in a generous mood and decided to skip my morning coffee and give him my change. He was so thankful and sincere that I really felt I had helped someone, even if it was only such a small amount. I don't even care what the gentleman spent the money on; everyone is entitled to his or her own happiness. So in the spirit of giving, this issue of Tammy's Ten is my list of easy ways to pay it forward.

1. Give your change to the poor when they ask you for help. Let's face it, they wouldn't be asking for it if they didn't need it. Most of us have change to spare and more often than not they will be very appreciative of your gift.

2. Help out a new mom or dad. If your friends or family have recently brought home a baby, offer to baby-sit their child or cook a homemade meal for their freezer. Having a small break from child watching or cooking can be a real lifesaver for new parents.

3. Be courteous when on the road. If you travel by bus, make sure to give up your seat to the elderly, disabled or pregnant. If you travel by car, wave a driver in front of you instead of racing them to see who can be first when the road narrows. Even a small action may prevent road rage from happening.

4. Give credit to someone who has done a great done. If there is someone at your favorite restaurant that always brings your coffee with a smile or speedy service, then give him or her a compliment. Fill out a comment card with praise their boss will see or give them a higher tip then you would normally leave. It's sure to make them feel better about their day.

5. Donate your hair to make a wig. If you are someone with long hair and are deciding to get it cut short, it can be donated to a charity that will make a wig for someone that really needs it. It doesn't cost you anything.

6. Volunteer at the soup kitchen, animal shelter or senior's home. Time is the easiest thing you can give to others.

7. Plant a tree or pick up garbage at the local park. Anything to help the environment is beneficial to everyone.

8. Be polite to telemarketers. After all, it's their job to call you; you don't have to be rude. Just let them know politely that you are not interested in their services. It doesn't feel good to be hung up and yelled at all day.

9. Donate your old clothing and furniture to the needy. Instead of throwing away the things you no longer want, or holding a garage sale to make a few extra dollars, consider giving your things to a charity that will pass it on to those less fortunate.

10. Pass on a funny joke or story you think someone may like. It's just as easy to forward e-mail, as it is to delete it. It may just be the pick-me-up they need on a bad day.

For my list, I chose the first and easiest ways that came to mind. There are so many ways to make the world a better place that it would be impossible to ever have a complete list. I would love it if people reading this would add their own ideas to the comments or share any stories if this article made them do a good deed. I do believe in good karma and that "what goes around comes around".