Paying it forward is a simple idea that doesn’t involve much effort. But we’re all uncertain of helping others, especially those we don’t know. We live in a quickly-moving world, and the stresses of daily life tend to force us to think only of ourselves. We become guarded against those who need help, be they the elderly walking slowly, people with their shopping, or a stranger. We are so concerned with our daily lives that any act of kindness seems to be ‘random’, just because paying it forward is not commonplace.
Luckily, to many people paying it forward is part of their nature. They don’t see it as a kind gesture and are shocked if others make a fuss about their selfless actions. These people have the power to bring about positive change, and often do. But they do it from an honest intention to help others, not the pat on the back they might get for doing so.
Research has shown that when one person gives to help others, the recipients are more likely to give in the future. It triggers a chain reaction which continues to sweep people up in a wave of generosity. James Fowler, a university professor at UC San Diego, observed that once you are the recipient of kindness, “You don’t go back to being your ‘old selfish self.’”
So, it turns out, kindness is contagious. What can you do today to pay it forward and start a chain reaction?
Sources: http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/pay-it-forward-good-deeds-are-contagious; http://aplus.com/a/7-true-pay-it-forward-stories
