Pay it Forward

For about three solid years, I felt like I was never going to get over life kicking my ass. I kept my chin up, I kept in the fight. I soldiered on, doing what I needed to survive. But honestly, there were days when it just felt like it would make more sense to paint the walls with my brains...

A friend helped me out of my mire, (see The Value of a Good Meal). The timing couldn't have been better, and I'm eternally grateful for his help. It's been a life changing experience for many good reasons.

Sure, I got the job based on my skills, experience and merits. But without his keeping an eye out for me, I would not have my new job. I would probably be on another blistering tirade about how in spite of life's many injustices, you must keep in the fight...

Life isn't perfect, and there are still challenges. But I actually have the ability to do something about them. I remember when I wasn't able to. It's not a good feeling. So I put this out to everyone who IS in in a potential position to help - Do it.

You probably don't have to go more than two degrees of separation to find somebody who could probably use your help. If you can't offer them a job, keep your eyes open. If you know of resources that might help, offer 'em or let your friend know. If it's a simple word of encouragement, it can sometimes offer the hope, the spark that they need. Give it.

I'm not good at thinking or helping globally. But I think that if we can individually help even one person out, that's a pretty fantastic thing....

I now get off my soapbox. Profanity and lewdness will probably resume with the next post.

Help if you can and Get your Gun on!