I have always been a fan of payback. I’m not talking about the kind of payback you get in a sarcastic, mean-spirited way. I mean payback such as returning favors and being thankful for those who have helped me. I have wonderful friends and family who are always willing to help, and I really like the idea of paying them back.

   Lately, though, I’ve started to think a lot more about paying it forward. You may remember the movie with the same title from 2000 in which one elementary-aged boy starts a movement to give to others before anything is ever done for him. He doesn’t do nice deeds because he is getting something out of it or because he feels like owes anyone. He simply does it because he wants to bring a smile to someone’s face and help someone in his or her life.

   It’s such a simple concept: Do something nice for someone before they ever do anything for you. It doesn’t have to be a grand, sweeping gesture, just something kind and from the heart.　

   Pick up an extra coffee for a co-worker on your way to the office. Leave a card in your neighbor’s mailbox. Clean the house for your spouse so he or she can relax upon getting home from work.　Pay a compliment to a stranger. Make lunch for a friend.

   Don’t do it because you want something in return. Do it because it’s the right thing to do. Do it because you want to make life happier for someone else, just because you can. You’ll be amazed how much you’ll gain from the experience, too.　

   Go ahead. Make someone’s day a little better. Pay it forward.

JANET NEVILLS owns Ladies Fitness Zone in LaPorte,　where she teaches Jazzercise, Pilates and Yoga.　She is　also a Certified Personal Trainer.