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Many people want to be a part of something that does good in the world and makes a real difference in people’s lives.
The concept is old, but received significant popularization from Catherine Ryan Hyde’s 1999 novel and movie, “Pay It Forward.”
In the book and movie, the concept is described as an obligation to do three good deeds for others in response to a good deed that one receives. Such good deeds should accomplish things that the other person cannot accomplish on their own. In this way, the practice of helping one another can spread geometrically through society at a ratio of three to one, creating a social movement with an impact of making the world a better place.
According to Breast Cancer Charities of America,
what goes around comes around. Doing good does have health benefits,
including reduced stress and depression, and improves self-esteem.
Focusing on the kindness of others, no matter how small, shifts your focus from the daily struggles of life to the goodness that still exists in this world.
Here are five other reasons why paying it forward is necessary.
There are many random acts of kindness that will make this world a better place. Make a commitment to be kind to at least one person a day and see how it changes how you feel about yourself and the world around you.