Did you know,

if you gave,

more than you took,

you can still save,

pages of your checkbook?

Cost of compliments?

Breaths, texts, social media comments…

I know you wanted to post and boast your “accomplishments”,

like drinking martinis in Manhattan

or Manhattans in Providence…

it’s cool, I’m guilty of that too.

But how about we also cultivate cognizance of kindness and its consequence?

The domino effect of encouraging remarks

vs disparaging darts or even unsaid regards

is the difference between someone bouncing out of bed,

or decaying in the dark.

Maybe that person needs a spark,

a hand, a chance!

What’s the opportunity cost of giving someone an, opportunity?

Maybe some financial loss, maybe not -

But you’re definitely building a community,

a camaraderie;

musicians giving stage-time to poets,

establishments giving wall space to artists,

you, giving to nonprofits so the people they help can benefit.

These things won’t dent your wallet,

but they will indent gratitude and hope in their spirit.

And in the spirit of paying it forward,

this community of kindness and giving will become,

a culture.