n KINDNESS continued from page 3 explained, and she replied with a “well, bless your heart.” Little did she know how blessed I really did feel that Friday. She and her husband smiled and waved as they headed on their way. I drove the streets some more, handing out a few more bags, pop, candy and flowers. Though at first hesitant, most people smiled and accepted my offer, seemingly surprised by a simple act of kindness. I had one gentleman kindly turn down my offer for a can of pop and another kind man tried to pay me. I refused to take his money, explaining that my goal was to make people more aware of the “Pay it Forward” aspect. I asked him simply to pay it forward with a kind act instead. It’s a funny feeling walking up to strangers and asking them if you can give them something for free. A little awkward at first, it becomes easier with practice, especially when you get past the thought of “what are they going to think of me,” or “I hope I don’t get arrested for being a nuisance.” Many seemed a little apprehensive of me when I approached them, like I was trying to sell them something. If I put myself in their shoes, I don’t blame them as I probably would have been a little suspicious of myself too. I suppose I really was selling something - kindness. For the most part, it was a pretty stress-free sale. I’m sure it was a much easier sale than peddling knives or vacuum cleaners. I found that pay it forward day so rewarding that I continued my mission as often as I could during the next several weeks. I made treats for bake sale fundraisers, donated clothes to someone who needed them, saved Box Tops to give to local schools, helped make and donate meals to someone too ill to cook and kept my eye out for the little things I could do to make someone’s day. Though it’s still hard for me to understand why things today cannot be done without some sort of expectation to pay for it rather than on good will, I will continue to pay it forward as often as I can. Paying it forward to someone else pays my heart back more than I would have ever imagined. Check Out... hervoiceonline.com n By Julie Eickhoff Lewis & Clark Athletic Circuit Training Ages 14 & up 6 Week Class June 12-July 24 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am-10:00am This class will focus on enhancing athletic performance with old school attitude and regimen. Instructors - Physical therapists with collegiate and national sports experience with advice on sport specific injury prevention. Registration Deadline May 31 For Information or to register: www.lewisandclarkspecialty.com or call 260-0918 Lewis & Clark Medical Plaza, 2525 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 100, Yankton, SD 4 v HERVOICE MAY/JUNE 2014