Everyone's Using Smile Cards

--by worldcitizen, posted Aug 14, 2011

My sister and her family were visiting from Mexico last week. Naturally, I took the chance to introduce them to as many beautiful things as I could - including Smile Cards!

When we were about to cross the toll both at San Francisco's Bay Bridge I thought it might be the best time to explain the pay-it-forward idea. So I pulled up to the toll booth, paid our $6 fare, and said, "This is another $6 for the car behind us. Can you give 'em this Smile Card to pay forward?" Anyone who has done this knows that it gives you a joyous high.

All of a sudden the car driver who is visible in your rear view mirror becomes a part of you in some unexplicable way. But today, the experience went even further! The toll booth attendant said, "You know, everybody seems to using these cards. We get them a lot around here. It is really beautiful to witness this. How can I get one?"

I mean, wow! One small act at a time, by so many people, is really starting to add up to the point that toll booth attendants know about Smile Cards!

Sure enough, I pulled out another card and said, "Ma'am, here you go. This Smile Card is for you to use when you do a pay-it-forward act of kindness."

All four of us drove off with an exhilarating feeling. I didn't need to give any extra explanation of Smile Cards. They had seen them in action!

3749 Reads

Posted by worldcitizen
Aug 14, 2011
Comments (17)

Readers Comments

bookworm58 wrote: I enjoyed your special story.

I like to share smile cards too.

Merry christmas and happy new year

bilkis yusuf wrote: Wonderful idea, i am not in us but can help put a smile in many other ways, this gives me a good idea, thanks

Spoonerism wrote: :-) i was in san francisco for a work gathering last year and i got one of my colleagues to use one of my smile cards and pay for the car behind us. Sounds like san francisco attracts a certain kind of driver! :-) yay.

Twitch wrote: That is fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing this. I am so going to do this the next time i go through a toll.

bookworm58 wrote: Smile cards are very special indeed. I like to share them with everyone i meet to help them have a special day. It can change a frown into a smile in just seconds. Its a small way to show a kindness to others.

aAlcy wrote: I live because of others!

moral12 wrote: Wonderful story! Even neater was the fact that the attendant had already heard of the smile cards. Kudos to you! You made me smile today!

bookworm58 wrote: Smile cards bring a smile to everyone who gets one. Its so unexpected too. I love giving them to people so much. It makes me smile too.

Joy wrote: Wow! What a great idea. Glad to see that smile cards are spreading. Thanks for sharing. Many blessings to you.

annjav wrote: Wow! Talk about positive feedback. That's great!

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