Paying it Forward

One of the most remarkable things happened over these past few weeks that has left a lasting and memorable mark of generosity and kindness.

I had spent a wonderful morning, walking in the park with two of my very dear friends and sharing a laugh and a coffee as we often do at the end of a busy week. After saying our goodbyes for the day, I decided to do some much-needed gift buying as I found myself being very disorganized with many other events and happenings leading up to the time of year.

Normally, I would have checked my accounts before doing this kind of shopping but this hadn’t occurred to me until getting to the counter and realising that the transaction wasn’t going to go through. Given that we’d just had a milestone family celebration, the finances didn’t really surprise me and I expressed this to the cashier who graciously agreed, shared a laugh and assured me that I could return at another time with the gifts being put aside.

Trying to work out the money situation, I was suddenly called back into the store to take home the goods. The lady who was waiting to be served behind me had already left when it was explained that my gifts had been paid for already. This extremely generous person had added the expense to her own bill and paid it forward, asking that her wishes for a Merry Christmas be passed along once she’d left the shop.

I was totally overwhelmed with gratitude for this random act of kindness from a complete stranger. I had no idea who this person was and neither did the owner of the store, who was also very taken by the sentiment, expressing her belief that there were still so many good people in the world, giving a helping hand to others.

I had heard of people “paying it forward” but had never experienced anyone actually doing this and for a sizable amount as well. It wasn’t just $5 or $6 but almost $60. Knowing it would make her day also, I immediately shared the news with my friend who conveyed something equally unexpected, stating that as I was always doing things for others that now it must have been “my turn”.

Those two small words took on so much meaning in that moment that the gratitude I felt was palpable. I had never anticipated anything like this ever happening and like the lady who left the store before I had a chance to say thank you, I have just always helped when I’ve been able.

My way of expressing my thanks is through the words within this post and the smiles I hope that it is bringing for those who read. I will be forever grateful for the kind-hearted deed of someone who I do not know and for the love and support of someone I am blessed to call my friend. 

If you’ve enjoyed this post, buying me a coffee would be wonderful. Thank you💐

28 December 2025, Andrea Weber , Expansive Happiness®
Image by Stephanie Klepacki, Unsplash. Thank you for sharing your creativity.