Pay It Forward

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!

25 Jan 2023

Live/Inspire

About the author

Megan DiPietro

Ms. Megan DiPietro is a part-time team member on the Slainte Fitness team at USLI. She recently graduated from West Chester University with a degree in Psychology. At WCU, Ms. DiPietro was involved in a health and wellness club called CHAARG which developed her passion for fitness. She got into weight lifting in 2020 which has grown her love for wellness even more.