Paying It Forward
I'm a strong believer that you have to stretch what you have to make it work for you. Do what you can with what you have. Things may seem greener on the other side, but there are always good things to your current situation, even if it isn't your ideal place to be. I never seem to have enough money to do everything that I would like to do: travel the world, buy a bass flute, continue my education, repair my instruments, and all the little things that add up over time. I know I'm not at the bottom of the barrel but I'm reminded of times when I was much closer and friends/ strangers did nice things just because they could. They had a few more resources than I did and their friendship and generosity will not be forgotton.
I was at Starbucks today and when I went in for my free tea refill (yay Gold Card bonuses!), there were about 20 young highschool students mulling around. After waiting in line, I realized that many of the students were just their accompanying their friends who were ordering drinks. Anyone else remember being that kid in school? Going on a field trip and either not having the money to spend, or the money you had was allotted for something specific. I asked the girls if they were in line (I hate being that person who unintentially cuts in line!) and they said no and politely moved out of the way. Before I knew it was coming out of my mouth, I offered to buy three girls near me a Starbucks. They turned me down, which I thought was very sweet but I insisted. I have found that the "I'm going to buy you one anways, so you might as well order what you want" line works very well. The girls were so sweet, saying "really?" I appreciate that they were polite, trying to stay out of the way of other people. Polite people should be rewarded more often than giving attention to those who demand it.
I asked them if they were downtown for a school trip and they said "yes." They go to Jefferson and were there to hear the live band at the Grand Events on Fridays. They get to meet the band afterwards which I think is so cool. Those are the kind of events kids remember years after it has been experienced. I told them how I'm a flautist and one of the girls said she played saxophone. Nothing better than random people connecting over music! :)
Be the example, show people that strangers can be nice for no reason, no strings attached. Words are more powerful when followed through with actions.
In honor of those sweet girls, go Demos!
