You’ve heard the saying, “What goes around comes around.” It usually means that when someone is being rude or nasty that the balance of the karma of the universe will tip and something bad will eventually happen back to them.
This manner of thinking is often used to soothe our own wounded egos when someone is unkind to us. It makes our monkey brain happy to think of the possibility of horrible things happening to a not-nice person. Thinking this way is adding additional unkindness to an already bad situation. If anything, it makes everyone feel worse.
It’s time to turn this saying on its head and do just the opposite. Consider this – those who make an effort to do kind things without seeking attention or reward will often find kind things happening to them. Even better, when you are seeking out ways of adding more joy to the world, it’s easier to be nicer to yourself.
The challenge to pay it forward
The idea of paying it forward isn’t new. Now and then, it gets more attention when an exceptional story goes viral, like someone leaving an extra-generous tip, only to learn that the waitress couldn’t pay rent that month and the little extra made up the difference.
You don’t have to do big things to make a difference.
You don’t have to do big things to make a difference. Pick one random act of kindness. Write a cute note to one of your kids. Give a sticker to a kid in the grocery store line. Send a teacher a thank you email. Gather up garbage at the park. Text a friend just to say how much you appreciate them.
You’ll find the more you focus on little acts of kindness, the more abundance of positivity you’ll find in your own life.
The time a simple act of kindness changed my day for the better
When my oldest was getting ready for kindergarten, my youngest was a tiny little two-year-old who didn’t like being held – like at all. I didn’t bring a stroller knowing that she’d scream her head off if I had to lock her in it. I was silly thinking that kindergarten orientation would only be a few minutes and after 20 minutes of trying to keep her happy, she started to fuss and struggle. It didn’t help that it was also naptime and both of us were stressed and tired. Another far more experienced and calm mom offered to hold her and she instantly quieted down for the rest of the orientation.
To that calm momma, you probably don’t even remember helping me that day, but here I am more than ten years later sharing your act of kindness. Thank you.
***Discussion question: When has someone done something randomly nice for you that stuck with you? Tell us in the comments below!
