“It doesn’t have to be a big thing. It can just seem that way, depending who you do it for.”  PIF Foundation 

My first PIFing post was December of last year, rereading it the other day brought back fond memories of the moment described and then brought on the cold realization that I don’t do nearly enough of what I say I’m going to do – like PIFing: “Paying It Forward”. So, this post is more for me than you, but since you’re here . . .  

You see, the small things really do count, and there is no better time than the holiday season to reach out to others in teeny, tiny wonderful ways. Not only is PIFing a nice thing to do, it feels good, and studies show that altruistic behavior is a great stress reducer. (Anyone stressed at this time of year?) And, the positive effects of PIFing last far beyond the energy expended.

So this holiday season hold a door; pass-up the primo parking space by the mall; share a table; make the coffee or the copies; surprise a friend; call your mom; let the one-item guy go ahead of you; give up your seat; pay an extra toll or two; shovel the driveway; babysit; bake or buy the cookies; or even better – sit with, hold or listen – really listen to someone at little longer than you normally would. The options are endless; PIFing is fun, and in most cases free – or at least extremely inexpensive. 

The only rule to PIFing is you can’t PIF and expect anything in return. The goal is to PIF and let it go! 

If you like the idea of PIFing, share this post on FB or email it to friends – the goal is to making PIFing an everyday event in 2012 for as many folks as possible and the best way to do that is to keep it in front of as many people as possible. I really believe the nicer we are, the nicer the world becomes. I’ll be posting PIF reminders throughout the year, so I do not forget!

This week, I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of these warm and wonderful PIFs, each touched my heart and made me want to PIF more and more:

1. A ride to work with great conversation along the way

2. A seat on the bus

3. A hug from an anonymous coed holding “Free Hugs” sign in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia!

Happy PIFing. Get started today, and let us know what you are up to.

Wishful Thinking Works is on Facebook; visit for posts and other weekly updates, and to “Like”, if you like! 

As part of creating the life she really wants, Patrice Koerper is currently living in Tbilisi, the capital

of the Republic of Georgia with a wonderful host family on a 3-month Peace Corps Response Volunteer assignment.