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.
