Nine-year-old Josh Zuchowski and his swimming opponent Reese Branzell, 10, have built up quite a rivalry over the years. The two Floridians are often in the top ten nationally for their age group. Josh was looking forward to facing Reese in the  Santa Claus invitational swim meet, but when he found out his competitor had been sidelined with a mysterious bone infection, Josh became even more determined to triumph. However, the first place trophy he inevitably won wasn't for himself. He sent it to Reese, along with a note telling him to get well soon "so we can get back to battling in the pool." Josh added that Reese was an inspiration to him, and an athlete he had admired since he was seven.

 

Most recently in the news was an example of the momentum of paying it forward.   A waitress found $1,000 cash in the booth of one of her customers.  She rushed to return it to the person who she thought had dropped the money.  However, it turned out that she gave it to the wrong customer (who did accept it...).  The man who actually dropped the money ended up coming back to the restaurant leaving the waitress devastated that she returned the money to the wrong customer.  Guilt must have gotten to the man who wrongly accepted the money and came back the next day.  He even gave the waitress a $100 tip for her good deed (or in apology).  When the waitress contacted the patron who the money did belong to, he insisted that the 6-month pregnant waitress keep the entire $1,000.  Then, the restaurant owner insisted on giving that very patron $1,000 worth of free meals.  Good deeds certainly breed more good deeds.

In the spirit of this holiday season, I challenge you all to pay it forward somehow.  Whether it's as simple as letting the harried mom with kids in front of you in line at the market or visiting an elderly neighbor who may not have family close by.  While it may seem that you're doing a good deed, in fact it will end up you that actually reaps the rewards.

Happy Everything!  Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, a belated Happy Hanukkah and any other holiday you may celebrate.

Please share how you paid it forward.   Let's have a conversation  Jill the Health Coach FB page

Please feel free to contact me at Jill the Health Coach.com

All material in this newsletter is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction.  No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication;instead readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.  The information provided has not been approved the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.