This morning I came across a blog post that deeply touched my heart. It is written by one of my favourite coaches, Cheryl Richardson. In honor of what would have been her father’s 82nd birthday, her sister’s friend, Lisa, decided to extend a gift of kindness to a stranger on behalf of her dad by paying for his breakfast.

Cheryl’s father has just recently passed away. He used to collect food donations and distribute them to the homeless in downtown Boston for many years. Lisa wrote a short note on the bill, just to say in honor of the memory and spirit of this kind man, the way he used to Pay It Forward to others.

Reading her blog post has lead me to think about Christmas in a different light. December is often a month full of celebration, festive cheers, feasts and wonderful gifts. It is a joyous time. However, it may also be a difficult time for some families who struggle financially or who feel very isolated. I have heard several charity organizations in Australia that give away Christmas hampers to disadvantaged families or put together free Christmas meals for people in need, so that they can have a good meal and do not have to be completely alone during this time. 

It is one thing about getting fed physically, where food provides the sustenance we need to survive, but it is also very essential to have hope and to believe that there is help in this world, that those who are struggling are not forgotten. The spirit of humanity is the guiding light that can lead us to make the world a better place. 

As I felt so moved by the notion of Pay It Forward during this time, I looked up some websites in Australia that offer Christmas appeal. I am also saddened by some facts that I did not know about Christmas before (the following numbers are based on 2015 statistics from The Salvation Army).

• 1 in 10 Australians report that they cannot afford to buy enough food for Christmas
• 603,000 children live below poverty line
• 2.7 million people aged 18 – 64 say they know at least 5 families who will experience financial hardship/poverty during Christmas
• In the 6 weeks to 25 December 2015, Australians spent $47 billion on Christmas

There is a clear disparity in our society, so perhaps if you are in a more fortunate position this year, consider helping those who are in need. Whether it is about donating food or money, or volunteering at hamper packing, or invite someone that you know may be alone for a Christmas meal. 

Pay It Forward or random acts of kindness are not just about doing a good deed. It is about being part of the greater human spirit, that guiding light which illuminates a path for those who may be lost, and for those who need hope to keep going forward. Every single effort is like a single candle, when put together, it will appear like a Lighthouse, beaming in the dark.

Be the light you wish to see!

The following is a short list of several Christmas appeals available in Australia:

• The Salvation Army 10 Thousand Meals 
• Magic Moments – Basket Brigades 
• The Smith Family – Donations and Give Toys or Books
• The Salvation Army Food Hampers

SzeWing coaches conscious individuals and purpose driven entrepreneurs to a fulfilling, well-balanced and successful life. She speaks, writes and promotes in the health & wellness industry. She is the co-founder of Lighten Up Summit, author and teacher of Feminine Power & Goddess Archetypes, editor for GratitudeOnline, consultant for publishing and media companies and creator of many life empowering online courses.

Sze Wing holds a master degree in European Studies and a bachelor degree in Economics. She graduated from the prestigious London School of Economics & Political Sciences, and University College of London.

She offer workshops, talks, goddess retreats in Sydney. You can contact her via her email: szewingyip@mac.com or www.GoddessArchetypes.com and her Facebook page