What does it mean to pay it forward? Paying it forward is similar to performing random acts of kindness. It is doing something for another person out of the kindness of your heart, with no motive other than to help them out.
Doing these acts is a way to connect with others, even if the connection is with a stranger for five minutes. Plus, when you pay it forward, it makes the person on the receiving end more likely to keep the chain of kindness going because of the gratitude you instilled in them.
Paying it forward also benefits your mental health, self-esteem and self-worth. According to Mental Health America, when you pay it forward, you increase the feel-good chemicals in your brain. While serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin increase, the stress hormone, cortisol, decreases. Another benefit is that the more you pay it forward, the more kindness becomes a natural response for you. Even though the point of performing kind acts is to not expect anything in return, you can keep these benefits in mind when you choose to pay it forward.
Some may think the only way to pay it forward is by paying for the person behind you at a drive-through, but there are many ways to give back. Here are some examples:
- Donate old items, like clothes or housewares
- Volunteer at a local nonprofit
- Run or walk for a cause
- Hold the door for someone
- Smile at a stranger
- Say thank you for the small things
- Give a compliment or words of encouragement
The next time you have some extra kindness to give, pay it forward!
by Megan DiPietro