I like this!

Very well said Miss M. Like you said not everyone has the choice of going to work again because of health reasons or whatever stops them. After you get so old no one wants to hire you, so you are definitely on a 'fixed income' You only have so much coming in regardless of what comes up to be paid out. There are some of us who would like to go back to work even part time for a few extra dollars that we might eat a meal out even though it might only be fast food or some inexpensive place, but are unable to do so. Plus medical expenses must come first and often times that nixes food purchases one would like to have and definitely all the donations people and places want all the time.

I for one have had open heart surgery for valve problems and am facing it a second time. Whether I make this one remains to be seen, but I will see to it that my medical expenses, utilities etc. are paid first and what ever is left if anything can go to food or other necessities. Now don't get me wrong I am not looking for any handouts from anyone, just trying to show what people mean when they say fixed income, so everyone please don't judge as as Miss M said, until you have walked in those shoes. I would love to work part time for a few extra dollars, but it is impossible for me. Again, not a sob story, but just an illustration of what the fixed income thing is.

God bless everyone on this list.

But you could go back to work perhaps if you wanted some extra dollars, a lot of people don't even have that option.

Just say something nice to someone, and watch them break into a smile. That's paying it forward. You both win.

The phrase I don't like is "No problem" when it is used to replace "you're welcome"

Personally, I don't care what expression someone uses, as long as they are doing something nice for someone else. There isn't nearly enough of that nowadays. I try to make a point of doing something nice for someone else in front of a young person, then its a 'two for one'....I'm teaching that young person how good it feels to help another (AND how good it feels to receive it). The best lessons in life are by example.

I think those taglines are great. If they can remind one unhappy soul to open up and even smile at another, it is worth the effort to go about doing this. I try every day to do at least one random act of kindness somewhere in my day. It doesn't even have to make me feel better to do it, Maybe someday I will do these things without thinking about it.

Well, I have to say, I find this really interesting. Do I say pay it forward? Yes I do!! And I really mean it when I say it. I say it when I am giving something to someone, or when someone is giving something to me. Do I DO paying it forward? YES I do. I do it whether someone has given me something or not. That's why it's called FORWARD, not back. I am grateful for everything I have, and especially for all those who have reached out to me with love, kindness and support. I am delighted for every opportunity I have to reach out to others in the same way, as we never know when that one little act of kindness may be just what a person needed to keep on going that day.

Do I say I am on a fixed income? Yes I do. Because I am. What do I mean when I say it? I mean that I am not able to indulge my desires to buy just because I want to. I am on Disability and Comp. My DH is on SSI. I give away my quilts because I make comfort quilts. So yes, I have to be very careful with my fabric budget. I shop thrifts, I try to trade when I need something here on the board. And when someone is generous and gives me something, I also pay it forward when someone else needs something I have! There are many members of this board who can attest to that.

I'm sorry if anyone finds these terms disagreeable, but I find them very helpful for me to be as successful and effective as I can be in making and gifting the quilts that I make for those undergoing chemo, dialysis and for our wounded military.
Like many on this board, I have multiple health issues, but quilting for a cause gives me incentive to be productive each day. Patrice said it so well, gratitude for our many blessings is paramount to our well-being! I can't bother to let small things upset me, I have too many good things to focus on! Hugsssssss and smilessss......

lots2do, I think I would contact your friend & ask her & husband to go to lunch with you so you can catch up. Just let her know how much you miss the times you had with her. Since you invited her, it would be your honor to pay for lunch & would be a blessing for you. My DH was injured on the job 2 years ago & had surgery on both hands & we have been on L&I ever since & it has been a constant fight with them with his small wage he is getting from them. Found out he will never be able to go back to work as he has only 40% use of his right hand & 60% of left hand. Even though we have very little, our good Lord provides us with an opportunity to help others. We have been able to bless a few older couples by paying for their lunches at a cafe. We did not know them, but noticed they were checking their money to see what they could afford to buy. When we left the cafe, we just payed their bill also. It really blessed us knowing we were able to bless them. We get our pay back, by our good Lord blessing us.

I also agree with PatriceJ. I notice when I do a kind act for someone, 2 people feel good - that person and me! What could be better! And so often, because they are feeling good, they pass a kind act on to someone else. We can all use a little extra kindness!

When I do something for someone who says " how can I repay you for your kindness?" my answer is always "You can pay it forward." By that I mean take the good feeling I gave you, and give it to someone else. I am sorry if this bothers people, but Grandma always said "if you are sad, do something for someone else, and you won't be sad anymore." Works for me.