Friday, March 6, 2015
Paying It Forward. Doing Random Acts of Kindness
How many of you have heard of the phrase "Paying it Forward"? Paying it forward is basically a random act of kindness. It's all about being selfless and having compassion. Doing random acts of kindness is about making a difference in the world. It is so easy to dismiss this idea because you don't think that you can make a difference. You don't think that one random act can have an impact. You couldn't be more wrong. Ok, it may be a little far fetched to think that you can change the world, but you can do something to make it a little bit better. One person can make a difference. Why not let that person be you? |
| Image courtesy of moonjoggers.com |
Recently a friend of mine experienced this very thing. He was lucky enough to be on the receiving end. But he didn't let it stop there. Being the recipient of a random act of kindness inspired him to do the same for someone else. You see, this becomes a chain reaction. Can you imagine the impact you will have just by paying it forward? Can you imagine a world where people will think of others before themselves? Kindness is contagious. So let's start the epidemic.
"Be the change you want to see in the world"
-Ghandi
Here are a few ways you can Pay It Forward:
- Buy a stranger a cup of coffee.
- Pay the grocery bill for the person in front of you at the checkout line.
- Buy a housewarming gift for new neighbors.
- Let someone with few items cut in front of you at the checkout line.
- Babysit for a couple who are too busy to get a night out.
- Send a nice written letter to someone.
- Volunteer at a charity event, hospital, shelter, school.
- Pay the toll for the car behind you.
- Buy donuts for the office.
- Compliment someone you don't know.
- Open the door for a stranger.
- Be courteous to public service workers (bus drivers, sanitation workers, mailman, etc.). Say "good morning" "Thank you".
- Tell your significant other that they look especially beautiful or handsome today.
- (you can do this with your kids) Leave a box of cookies and a "thank you" note for the mailman.
- Make a donation to the food pantry.
- Smile and say hello to everyone you see today.
This list can go on and on. You don't have to be rich in order to give back to the world. All you need is a good heart and a passion for people and spreading love and kindness. You never know who's day you are making, or who was at the end of their rope until you came along. Doing just one small thing will have such an impact on you and others. It might just bring you one step closer to finding your ZEN.
"Give, and it will be given to you..."
Luke 6:38
I love this post! I recently joined a movement called 1000 Speak for Compassion and it was about 1000 bloggers all writing about compassion at the same time trying to spread the word and help change the world! I feel like this post goes right along with that! I love that I have done some of the things in your list and didn't even associate them as being things that could be considered "paying it forward"! Makes me feel good knowing that they could be considered that! Now I will have to do some more on your list! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
ReplyDeleteAmy, thank you so much for this. You never truly realize what a difference you can make until you actually put yourself out there. It is such a great feeling when you do something for others. Not to mention how much of a positive impact you can have on someone else. I really appreciate you shedding more light on this. Thank you!
DeleteTruly an inspiring post. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kimberly.
DeleteGood post. I've been on the receiving end of the scenario of someone who is loaded with groceries letting me go ahead of them since I had just a few. I still remember the first time that ever happened because it was such a pleasant surprise! I'm doing a series on my own personal "Happiness Project" (based off of the book). You might like my post about smiling at strangers in public as it's a similar concept... you just never know when you're truly making someone's day by the smallest of gestures!
ReplyDeletehttp://theinnovativemama.com/2015/02/26/the-happiness-project-smiles-and-finding-the-silver-lining/
Emily, that is so true. I will definitely check out your post and see how your "Happiness Project" is going. Thank you for reading.
DeleteThese are great ideas, I think looking at things in smaller ways of helping is a much more realistic goal. It can be overwhelming to try and do good, but small things like these are all that matters to that one person you help or touch.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Even the smallest gesture can make a huge difference. We just ave to be willing to put ourselves out there. Thank you for reading Emily.
Delete