Today I decided to go get a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Pretty basic day, right?
As I sat in the drive-thru line that is always wrapped around the building, I waved to let a van that was waiting in line from a different way move in front of me. This lady had about four kids in the car with her and seemed as if she was in a hurry, while I on the other hand was in no rush.
About 10 minutes after ordering my drink, I pulled up to the window to pay for my $2.60 venti black coffee. I stuck out my money, but it quickly was rejected.
“The lady in front of you paid for your drink; she said you let her budge after five other cars wouldn’t let her in.”
As a former barista, I had experienced many people "paying it forward" to the car behind them before, but it had never happened to me.
After experiencing this, I realized how the tiniest moments and acts of kindness can completely turn a day around. Whether it is letting someone budge you in line or spending $2.60 on someone else, every moment counts — big or small.
With my day made, I drove away and began to think about how easy it is to make a positive impact on someone else’s day and attitude — whether you actually try to or it happens by accident. It may cost you some time or a couple dollars, but the optimistic outcome you can make for the other person is priceless.
I challenge you to go the extra mile to make someone smile this week and every week after that. Smiles are contagious; before we know it, everyone will be paying it forward with positive attitudes.
Take this as a reminder that sweet, short and simple moments can make those basic days pretty great.
