The Pay-It-Forward Challenge | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

The Pay-It-Forward Challenge

Even the simplest of actions can start a chain reaction.

26
The Pay-It-Forward Challenge
deverbeelding.be

Think back to a time where you were having a really bad day. We have all been there when a day seems like it will never end. Whether it was one big bad thing or a bunch of small things that added up, you know exactly what I'm talking about and are picturing part of that day in your head right now.

But have you ever had one of those bad days where something small and random just makes it a whole lot better? Maybe a stranger complimented you, maybe you ran into someone you did not expect to see, or maybe just something simple like the sun coming out after a week of rain helped brighten your mood a little and make that day not-so-bad after all.

Sometimes in our very busy lives it is so easy to get caught up in all of the stresses, worries, and anxieties we go through on a daily basis. With this, we forget how awesome even the smallest acts of kindness can be. On top of that, we also forget how rewarding it can be knowing you helped make someone's day better by doing even the simplest thing. These acts are so small and effortless, but if you're having a bad day it can easily make it a little more positive.

This is where the "Pay It Forward" challenge comes in, and it is really quite simple. Take some time out of your busy schedule and go through your contact list in your phone (or your friend list on Facebook, or even your Instagram followers). Find someone you have not spoken to today- maybe it's an old friend, a relative, or even someone you talk to all the time but just have been too busy to really have a conversation with lately. Text them a message saying something along the lines of that you miss them, were thinking of them, and hope they are having a good day.

Maybe even throw in something about how much they mean to you, a memory you guys shared that you haven't relived in a while, or even a belated "I'm sorry" for something stupid that might have happened between you guys for the reason you haven't talked in a while (even if it wasn't your fault).

We all know how good it feels to know someone was thinking of us and misses us, so I guarantee you that this will make their day, and will probably make you feel really good, too.

Easy right? Well, the challenge does not stop here. Now, after they reply, encourage that person to do the same thing you just did by texting someone they have not spoken to today; in other words, encourage them to pay that small act of kindness forward. If they do (and hopefully they will), your one simple action can easily start a chain reaction.

In my opinion, this is the least challenging "challenge" ever, so there are no excuses for not trying it out! Take five minutes (even if you're sitting on the toilet- no one has to know) and go put a smile on someone's face. If it goes right, imagine all of the smiles that you can put on people's faces within a matter of 24 hours- and all you did was text one person!

Who knows, if it makes it full circle, you may even get a text from someone else in the future that you have not heard from in a while, too. All it takes is a few minutes and a small spark of positivity to pay an act of kindness forward, and by doing so you never know who's day you're going to make.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

982
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15933
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3305
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments