I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love. ~Mother Teresa

I am sitting here watching Oprah with my roomie and we both have tears in our eyes. This particular episode is even more wonderful than usual. Oprah gave everyone in her audience $1,000 and told them to 'pay it forward' and they had one week to pass it on to a complete stranger and they were given cameras to catch it on tape. I am completely amazed--two sisters left with their money and before they were finished had raised $200,000 for a Women's shelter for women and children who have been abused. A particularly touching one was a 68 year old man finally learned how to read, when he was a child his family was to poor to send him to school. What a gift to finally fulfill the simple dream of learning how to read--something we all take for granted everyday. He fulfilled his dream when a complete stranger offered to help him. The money people were given were used in a variety of creative ways---all which touched peoples lives forever.

It is truly amazing how 'paying it forward' can change so many lives--can affect so many people. Watching Oprah today was a reminder for many, including myself, that even if you do not have the money you can 'pay it forward' with a smile, your time, a hug, and just the gift of giving yourself. My challenge to everyone today (myself included) is to begin 'paying it forward' a little more in our lives and to everyday find something we can pass on to someone else so that eventually everyone begins to 'pay it forward.' Think of how this world would be if everyone was concerned with 'paying it forward.' I have a feeling it would be a much safer and happier place. So go on---PAY IT FORWARD!!!!

Picture: I love the movie Pay It Forward and this is a picture of the diagram Haley Joel Osmond drew describing his plan--how it starts with one person, but how quickly it spreads to be something so much bigger when you 'pay it forward.'