Barlow's brief

| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(9)


advertisement

Do unto others but try to do it more often

Vic Barlow
9/ 5/2007

WITHOUT a doubt the best idea I've heard in a very long time is Pay It Forward where you repay any good deed done for you threefold.

It's currently in operation at All Hallows school in Macclesfield where pupils are committing random acts of kindness from compliments to bunches of flowers and prayers for people in need.

Students say Pay It Forward has transformed the school, I'm sure it has and it would transform our society if we had the courage to adopt it.

Can you imagine how our roads would improve if drivers were more courteous to each other instead of mouthing obscenities? Suppose we gave shop assistants and waitresses a smile instead of a hard time?

Maybe we'd find helping someone in need more rewarding than helping ourselves and what about cleaning up our neighbourhood instead of vandalising it? How good would that feel?

There are lots of people today who don't know what it's like to do a good deed for others or have one done for them. The experience could transform their lives forever.

All Hallows have shown us the way. It can be done - it's not impossible. In the USA where the Pay It Forward movement started thousands of ordinary people are committing random acts of kindness in an attempt to improve life in their communities.

There's absolutely no reason we can't do likewise. Think about it and if you receive one kind act or courtesy pay it back to three other people. Try it what have you got to lose?

Look, I'm not talking 'have a nice day' or anything cheesy; just say thank you more often or hold a door open instead of rushing through, smile at other drivers instead of giving them the finger.

It isn't earth shattering, but it will make a difference.

  • THE views expressed on this page are Vic Barlow's and not necessarily those of the Express.

| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(9)


Most recent 2 of 9 user comments

   Lesley same feelings, so we cannot all be wrong then.
Joyce Reid, Macclesfield.
15/05/2007 at 14:30
   Lesley if there were more folk like Vic Barlow in this once proud town we really would be in trouble. His column may be a constant source of embarassment to my wife and I but I for one am not about to up sticks and abandon the town that has been home for all these years. If more good folk were willing to stay and try & improve the town maybe we wouldnt be in the mess we now find ourselves.
Leigh Turner, Macclesfield
15/05/2007 at 09:42
Have your say
 
Have your say Got an opinion you want to share?
Register now and have your comments heard.

Register now

Latest stories
 

 
Personal Finance
 

Balance Transfer
Card BT Fee
Virgin Credit Card 2.98%
MBNA Platinum 2.9%
Customers with a 'good' credit profile
Company Typical APR
Platinum Exclusive Loan 7.8%
AA 7.9%
Sainsbury's Personal Loan 8.2%
Alliance & Leicester 8.7%
Lloyds TSB 8.9%
Abbey Personal Loan 8.9%
HASH(0x2ada09a9b730)
Provider AER*
ICICI BANK
HiSAVE Savings Account 		3.55%
FIRST DIRECT
Everyday e-Saver 		1.75%
SAINSBURYS FINANCE
Internet Saver 		2.25%
Fees may apply