A BIT OF HUMOR

PAYING IT FORWARD IS GREAT!
By Saralee Perel
When I told my husband, Bob, about my latest doings, he said, "Why not tell
others so they can feel as good as you do?"
I have a crush on a young guy named Jared. (Sorry Bob.) I met him when he worked
at a supermarket.
While I was awkwardly trying to move items from my motorized shopping cart to
the conveyor belt, Jared, without me asking, took over and did it for me.
He insisted on taking the bags to my truck. "But I have nothing to give you," I
said.
"I wouldn't take a thing from you. I love helping."
"Then who's your manager? I've got to tell someone how amazing you are."
He was too shy to tell me.
I teased him. "I'll find out anyway."
He still wouldn't say. Then I felt too timid and lazy to go back in the store.
So I gave myself one of my talks: "Any action, no matter how seemingly small,
can change a life."
What motivates me to break through my bashfulness and do-nothingness? It's how
badly I'll feel if I don't. So I went back in the store.
Daron, the assistant store manager, was elated, though not surprised, to hear
how wonderful Jared was to me. That day, he gave Jared a reward.
I began a quest. One in which I receive as much happiness as my recipients do.
Nancy, a pharmacist, is the queen of helpfulness. I said, "Everyone's so caring
here. Is there a supervisor I could tell that to?"
Shyly she said, "Taking our survey would help if you wouldn't mind."
That survey took 2 minutes. What a small thing to do for someone who's so
exceptional.
My helpers modestly claim that kindheartedness is a part of their jobs. I know
it's more than that. Extraordinary kindness is a result of who people are on the
inside, not the product of a job description.
I also have a crush on a guy named Zack. He works at a pet shop. He'd walk a
mile to save me 4 steps.
At first I focused on the hassle of calling his manager. Then I thought
sarcastically, "Such torture to press 11 numbers on my touchtone handset." I
picked up the phone.
The manager, Steve, proudly told me that Zack is more than a great worker; he's
an outstanding human being who cares deeply about everyone. That day, he
surprised Zack with free stuff.
Last week Jared texted me. "It was a blessing meeting you."
He feels blessed? It's because of Jared that I began this pursuit of helping
myself by helping others sparkle even more than they already do.
If we look around, we'll find Jareds and Nancys and Zacks everywhere. But they
won't be conspicuous. They'll be in the background, busily doing for others by
quietly running those extra miles.
-----------------------
Award-winning nationally syndicated columnist, Saralee Perel, welcomes e-mails
at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com. Her newest
book is "Cracked Nuts & Sentimental Journeys: Stories From a Life Out of
Balance."
"I love you and Bob. Your wisdom and humor in your book provides guidance and
encouragement to thousands of people." ~ Mike Atkinson, Owner, Mikey's Funnies.
You can read about her book and/or order it from her website or through
Amazon.com.
Copyright 2013 Saralee Perel. Permission is granted to send this to others, with
attribution, but not for commercial purposes.
============================
Many people are frightened by new ideas. I'm frightened when people keep
suggesting the same old ones.
=======================================
www.mikeysFunnies.com