OPINION — Your car is parked in the parking lot of your favorite grocery store. You jump out in a rush to dash into the store with a goal of picking up that last-minute item or missing ingredient needed for dinner. Partway into your journey approaching the store entrance, a bright shiny object catches your attention. Looking downward, you notice a penny sitting there begging to be snatched off the pavement. Closer examination determines that it is even “heads up.” Wow! Your lucky day!
Most of us have experienced a scenario like this at least once.
When my children were young, we enjoyed the simple excitement of finding that lucky penny on several occasions. Each time seemed just as joyful as the first.
One day I decided that I wanted to switch things up a little and offered a different approach to my kids. Instead of finding those treasured coins, we decided to create opportunities for others to find their lucky pennies.
Thus, on our trips to the grocery store, we began to throw our pennies onto the pavement in hopes that someone else would have a lucky day. We would strategically toss a few coins with the intent to maybe lift a spirit, make a young person smile or even change someone’s fate.
This ritual has carried on, and I desire for my children to pass along the tradition to their children and for it to move forward for generations. Join us. Will you please consider throwing your pennies? It is a simple act but will assist you in looking at how you approach life.
When we begin to think of others, our own lives are lifted and burdens become a little lighter.
You will probably never meet the people who pick up your pennies, but you can picture in your mind those who may receive a “lucky day” because of your small act of giving instead of receiving.
Penny tossing has become a part of who I am. Throwing my pennies comes naturally, which fuels my thoughts toward other ways to serve.
As you accept this challenge, develop the process into some fun.
What will be your art in the throw? Will you hone your underhand toss, sidearm swing or overhand heave? Teach it to others and attempt the bowling method, seeing who can roll the penny the farthest. Can you prevent the under-the-car shuffle and land your penny heads up?
The possibilities in throwing your pennies are endless.
If you desire to take this challenge to the next level, stick around for a few minutes and witness who picks up these coins. As they do so, imagine what impact your little coin had in that person’s life on that particular day.
Go forward and create those lucky days!
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Written by Jack Rolfe for St. George Health and Wellness magazine and St. George News.
Rolfe is the founder and president of the School of Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission of helping youth reach their full potential. A professional speaker, Rolfe holds the honor of presenting at the inaugural National Mentoring Summit held at the Library of Congress. He conducts the “Achieving Straight A’s in the School of Life” workshop at colleges and universities nationwide.
St. George Health and Wellness website
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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.
Great piece and idea. The IRS won’t get involved, will they?
….and if I see a penny on tails, I’ll turn it over for the next person to find a lucky penny.
pffffffffffffffffffffffffffff what did i just read here? That’s an incredibly stupid idea. Wanna make my day start thrownin’ c-notes ahahahhaha……….
So instead of throwing your pennies which people are trying to get rid of why not throw ALL your change?