Cup of Inspiration

Today, February 28^th, is Inconvenience Yourself Day. Today we focus more on putting others first.

There are people we know who practice this every day. They make sure others have a seat before taking a seat for themselves in the conference room during a work meeting. They will stand rather than take a seat on a full bus during the ride home. We see these kind souls making sure everyone else has a serving of food before they dish any for their own plate. They avoid taking the last donut in the breakroom.

These small gestures may not seem to mean much, but they show concern for fellow bus passengers who may be too tired to stand. These small gestures allow fellow coworkers to enjoy a dish for the first time during a potluck. The person foregoing that last donut in the breakroom is giving a fellow worker that chance for a small pleasure before a terribly busy workday. Small acts of kindness may be just the thing the receiver needs to brighten a stressful day.

We also see those who put others first in bigger ways. The nurse who works through a break to help a patient in pain, for example. The person spending their afternoon sorting food for the local food bank instead of spending the day with friends at a restaurant is another example. We have seen people who could take jobs making much more money, but instead choose careers focusing on other people’s welfare. We have seen people who could spend their wealth shopping and eating at expensive restaurants, but instead choose to spend their time and money helping various charity causes.

We all need help from time to time in our lives. Sometimes we need medical help, other times we need emotional support. There are times when we need help pursuing a particular career or seeking advice about a life-changing decision. When times are hard, we might need help making ends meet till we get that next paycheck. When we need help, we should reach out. However, we should also remember to pay it forward.

Today, remember those times when someone helped you get through a tough situation. Then think of a way that you can pay it forward. Help someone out during their tough moments, even if it means inconveniencing yourself in the process.