What if I don't feel like paying it forward?

Sometimes people get a little tired of helping the world. Fears, limitations, uncertainty, or just plain old fatigue might hold us back. What if you have a mortgage payment to make, kids to take care of, aging parents, responsibilities galore, and you think that only those with unlimited funding or free time can do the difference-making work?

And yet, don't you love to be around people who love being alive, who love what's happening at the moment, and who just enjoy themselves? And even better, isn't it nice to know that they really enjoy being with you?

Did you know that most healing, cleansing, and spreading of joy happen in the tiniest of moments? And that it usually happens when you're just being yourself?

If you're on the lookout for ways to savor the luscious moments in life, you might be making more of a difference than you know.

You might already be of service without sacrificing your life, but by doing what you love, taking time for joyful gratitude for all that your mortgage, your kids, your colleagues, and your parents represent. The warmth you feel when you recognize that you've literally been loved into life, and that love flows through you quite naturally will radiate forth.

You might find yourself being more altruistic as a side-benefit. You make your life more enjoyable when you're looking through the lens of openly receiving all the good gifts and blessings that are yours. And it naturally ripples out to others.

I went to dinner with my friend Susanne the other evening. While she was honest about some hard things going on, she exuded gratitude for being able to do meaningful work that she loves (coaching!), for some beautiful objects and artwork she had placed in her home, for the possibilities of education for our kids. I left that evening with more energy and enjoyment than I started with. Her presence was a delight and a gift. And her lasagna was delicious! 

Helping the world often takes no more than a moment. It might just be about your presence, your willingness to enjoy the moment you're in. 

What are you most grateful for right now, even if there are some hard things happening? Was there the tiniest moment of beauty, love, fun, or enjoyment in your day? How does savoring that moment, journaling about it, and commenting on it to a loved one make your world and mine a little better? 

With great love,