Make no mistake, the world is going through one of the most trying periods in recent memory. With so much to think about, it can push thinking of others a little further back in your mind. There are many in need of help in the current situation, and while the bigger problems in the world clearly need bigger solutions, we can all help with little acts of kindness.
Paying it forward is something we can all do and at the moment there are plenty of opportunities where a small act of kindness can change somebody’s day for the better.
It doesn’t matter if they are a complete stranger, you can still give freely without expecting anything in return, which has the knock-on effect of the recipient of your good deed will probably pay it forward themselves and creating a chain reaction – and best of all it, can be done with even the smallest of deeds, and it’s one area where the thought really is the thing that counts.
1. Pay it forward at food outlets
The one positive aspect of there being a line at the coffee shop is that you can pay for the order of the person behind you. This is not uncommon, and long chains of people paying this way regularly occur.
This can be taken to the next level by ordering an extra coffee and giving it to one of the increasing homeless people, as does ordering a pizza or some other type of food for somebody in need. This doesn’t necessarily create a chain reaction but arguably makes a bigger difference than paying for the coffee of somebody who had the means to pay for it anyway.
2. Pay it forward on your birthday
This can be the perfect answer for those who never know what they want for their birthday. Rather than receiving a pile of gifts, you are not sure you want and probably don’t have room for, you can ask people to donate to a charity or good cause on your behalf.
There are many ways to donate money to both local charities and ones that help people worldwide such as the Red Cross, although you could ask that others donate their time or provide a service rather than just donate money. This way the organization will get the maximum benefit out of your request.
3. Pay it forward with your loose change
Every time you pay for something with cash, chances are you’ll leave with a few coins in change. Instead of letting these weigh you down over time, you could deposit them into a machine so the next person gets the benefit.
Imagine somebody going to the vending machine and finding their snack is already half paid for, or going to a ticket machine in the car park and discovering that the first hour is on you. Something like this is almost guaranteed to improve their mood and increases the likelihood of doing something positive for somebody themselves.
Image Credits: reneebigelow
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