CHAD ALAN wrote:
I keep checking my mailbox, but....nothing

For a few ongoing months, I did something nice for random strangers on the same specific date, anonymously. It was a lucky date for me and wanted to pay it forward, so to speak.

Small things like paying for the meal for the car behind me at the drive-through, leaving some money on someone's windshield, etc. It was mostly anonymous, but not always monetary.

Sad thing is (and I don't blame them), it's not easy to just help a random person or buy them a surprise meal without a cashier or someone reacting weirdly.

EDIT: oh, my point was that I agree with the OP. Spread some love today! It makes me happy.

Actually I had posted a thread about "paying it forward" in this forum along time age.  So thank you for bringing that up, but you are missing the point of this thread if only slightly. Happiness is found with our own thinking.  Reread the original post above. 

When you think of someone who has had a profoundly positive effect on your life, that alone will bring about thoughts of happiness.  Then consider what you would say to them if you could thank them.  Write it down. Then call them and read it to them.  Simple as that!  Or you could mail it in a letter or card.

You don't even have to pay it forward in doing random acts of kindness, you merely show gratitude to those who have meant something to you.  If you take it some steps forward, then so much the better.  Just saying "Thanks!" is good for the soul! 

Patrick Walberg wrote:

Actually I had posted a thread about "paying it forward" in this forum along time age.  So thank you for bringing that up, but you are missing the point of this thread if only slightly. Happiness is found with our own thinking.  Reread the original post above. 

When you think of someone who has had a profoundly positive effect on your life, that alone will bring about thoughts of happiness.  Then consider what you would say to them if you could thank them.  Write it down. Then call them and read it to them.  Simple as that!  Or you could mail it in a letter or card.

You don't even have to pay it forward in doing random acts of kindness, you merely show gratitude to those who have meant something to you.  If you take it some steps forward, then so much the better.  Just saying "Thanks!" is good for the soul! 

My fault for not watching the video I get what you're saying.

Ok maybe this is a different spin on it for me, but what I do most often is write emails and send audio recordings and pics to my daughter saying how much I love her and how she's changed my life in the most amazing ways.

She's only 4-1/2 but I got an email address for her when she was born and my wife and I email her often so she has a play-by-pay of her early life. My family emails her also.

I'll try what you suggest with others, thanks!

CHAD ALAN wrote:
My fault for not watching the video I get what you're saying.

Ok maybe this is a different spin on it for me, but what I do most often is write emails and send audio recordings and pics to my daughter saying how much I love her and how she's changed my life in the most amazing ways.

She's only 4-1/2 but I got an email address for her when she was born and my wife and I email her often so she has a play-by-pay of her early life. My family emails her also.

I'll try what you suggest with others, thanks!

What you are giving your daughter is wonderful beyond any other gift I can imagine!  You are giving her a celebration of her life on a continual basis.  I know that it is possible to do such a thing today, but many years ago when we were growing up, our parents were limited to "Kodak moments" on film and recordings of voice on tape recorders.  If our parents could afford it, they'd also have shot 8mm movie film or depending on our age, captured those moments on VHS video tape.  But with the computer age, you are being progressive in thinking ahead. 

I appreciate that we are already "Friends" on this site, and I thank you for your comments on here.

Patrick Walberg wrote:

What you are giving your daughter is wonderful beyond any other gift I can imagine!  You are giving her a celebration of her life on a continual basis.  I know that it is possible to do such a thing today, but many years ago when we were growing up, our parents were limited to "Kodak moments" on film and recordings of voice on tape recorders.  If our parents could afford it, they'd also have shot 8mm movie film or depending on our age, captured those moments on VHS video tape.  But with the computer age, you are being progressive in thinking ahead. 

I appreciate that we are already "Friends" on this site, and I thank you for your comments on here.

This thread is proof that happiness doesn't sell and isn't newsworthy.

~ bump for happiness!

CHAD ALAN wrote:

This thread is proof that happiness doesn't sell and isn't newsworthy.

~ bump for happiness!

Seems like you and I are the only two interested in having a fulfilling moment of happiness that doesn't cost a thing?  Well that's ok.  Maybe others will catch on later? 

Warren Leimbach wrote:
I like how you think.

Gotta give to get.

Thank you! 

It's like the lyrics of the Beatles song "in the end the love you make is equal to the love you take!"

MesmerEyes Photography wrote:
Nice thread. I posted a similar thread a while back, Thoughly Thoughtful Thursdays. It lasted for a few weeks but died off.

We've had a few threads similar to this.  Most do die off with a lack of interest. 

Mostly I just wanted to say that there are benefits to being grateful as well as giving.  In the process of being thankful for someone else's giving, you are receiving as well.

Increase your happiness right now!  It's simple!