Pay it Forward (PIF) Acts Do a Spirit Good

There's a lot of "stuff" out there to make us feel good emotionally and physically. Sometimes the "stuff" we choose to use/do is good for the body, mind and soul, and sometimes, not so much. Which is why PIF acts (see title) are some of my favorite things. It's doing good, for no other reason than doing good for someone else, and without the intention of receiving accolades. The reward in PIF is the feeling you gain from it. Pure joy.

So, that was the first "stop" on The Year of Magical Living Tour (TYMLT). I know, it's not really a location, but I make the rules on the tour, and I say it qualifies as a tour stop. Plus, it allowed us all to participate from wherever we were, and the outcome was pretty awesome.

Someone helped a challenged shopper find their way at a store, someone made room for several other drivers on busy snow-covered highways, someone helped another save money by giving them a winter coat, someone paid-it-forward literally by putting quarters in the shopping carts so future shoppers didn't need to pay, someone helped bag groceries after finishing shopping due to the store being short of staff because of the flu, someone picked up litter when they were out and about, someone shared a life-lesson of responsibility and doing good without complaint with the next generation, someone helped a mom with very tired toddlers to maneuver her cart in a slushy parking lot, someone brought hand lotion to the workplace and put it in the bathroom for others to use, and someone bought breakfast for another who was down on their luck.

This listing is to offer ideas, remind us what we are capable of, and the good it does others and ourselves.

Onward in TYMLT.

Beginning at the beginning

--> As Maria in the "Sound of Music" sang: Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start.

For those of you who are fans of this timeless musical you are most likely singing the next lines of this catchy tune; and for those of you who are not, I understand - no hating, no judging. Not liking musicals isn't a crime, especially if you aren't Irish (like certain people I know). Because we all know the Irish have music running in our veins - but, it isn't your fault if you were not born into the most amazing heritage ever. Not to worry, as long as you are up for a good pub sing-along from time to time, you can remain on my proverbial island - but more about that later.

I'm beginning this blog in combination with The Year of Magical Living. Not to be confused with the book The Year of Magical Thinking, although I have read Joan Did ion’s book and found it quite intriguing and insightful. I believe it is living that I am carrying out the magical thinking I've done for years. The Year of Magical Living (herein referred to as TYML and TYMLT when we're talking about The Year of Magical Living Tour) began as an idea to really experience my 40th year of life, as that is the same age at which my late mom (Patricia Ann Pape Florian Tschirki - affectionately referred to as Helen by some of us) had me. Not only did she have me at age 40, but also I was her 40th birthday present. There's nothing like spending your birthday in labor. So, that in it self is a magical start to a life, wouldn't you agree? Given that start, TYML seems more than appropriate.

The deal with TYML is to do/experience/tackle/enjoy a variety of enriching, soul fulfilling, spirit strengthening and memory making "things" with people I hold close to my heart. So, that's exactly what we're going to do. My goal for this year is 1 special "thing" a month - and in this space I'll share the thing, highlights from the event and the gains to come from it - along with photos, because who doesn't love a good photo or 2?

And away we go....