There seems to be a big, dark, ugly cloud of sadness and negativity looming over our world lately. Self-centeredness, mistrust, violence, and animosity often blanket our communities, both large and small. Maybe it is time to take charge and spread some joy.

April 28, 2017 has been deemed ‘Pay It Forward Day’. According to payitforwardday.com, this “is a global initiative that exists to make a difference by creating a huge ripple of kindness felt across the world. We believe that small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can literally change the world for the better.” This year, founders of this concept are aiming to inspire over 10 million acts of kindness around the world.

Pay It Forward founders hope to encourage people to embrace the power of giving, show that there is love and hope all around, and create a sense of being a part of something bigger. They also want everyone to “know that we may be only one person in this world, but to one person, at one time, we are the world.” Even the smallest gesture can touch another person and make a huge difference in his or her life.

Recently, Melissa Howard-Music created a Facebook Page called ‘Hendry County: Let’s Pay It Forward’. She stated that “Hendry County already had a ‘Pay it Forward’ Facebook page, but it hadn’t been utilized as it should have been in quite a while (it is actually being used as a selling group). So I decided to start one that residents of Hendry County could be proud of and actually want to post their ‘random acts of kindness’ on. I am so happy with the positive reaction I’ve gotten. So far, we’ve had posts about someone donating their time and bringing donuts to the HCSO Dispatchers and EMS workers, others helping a young single mother who is working full-time and about to have a baby with almost nothing, and we even had someone post about how wonderful they were treated at our local hospital (HRMC)! I had no idea how inspiring this group was going to be for me as well. It has definitely shown me that all of Facebook is not negative and has given me hope for the future of Facebook. Words can’t describe how much I love and am proud of our county. Let’s all show it some love back by representing it in a positive way and please join our Facebook group - Hendry County: Let’s Pay it Forward.”

It takes very little energy or effort to be kind, thoughtful and courteous. The great part about Paying It Forward is that these acts are generally random and anonymous. There is no desire for glory, praise or recognition– it’s simply about just doing good deeds for others.

So, the next time you are out and about, try paying for someone’s drink or meal, pick up the next person’s tab at the toll booth, collect trash at a park, sponsor a child’s field trip, or help someone who is in need by donating to a worthwhile cause or charity. The list goes on and on. It can be a real ‘spirit booster’ to know that someone did something nice for no other reason than wanting to spread kindness.

Music’s favorite quote is from the late Princess Diana who stated that we should “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Let’s make this world a better place, and continue to ‘Pay It Forward’!