Paying it forward: the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead (Wikipedia).
So what about this concept? Since my blog is based on the issue of "happiness," random acts of kindness can help boosts an individual's and your own self-esteem. Random acts of kindness can include any action towards another person. In this Youtube video, this random guy at the gas station offers to buy strangers a full tank of gas. This man also paid it forward by doing good deeds towards other people. Pay attention to the reactions on peoples' faces when the man approaches them into buying their gas. And notice, that the man does not for ask for anything in return. After finishing the video, see how your emotions react to the man's random act of kindness.
After watching the video, did you feel any sympathy, hate, love, or other emotions towards the man's actions? My heart literally melted towards this man's actions because he did not even know these individuals, and yet bought different people gas. In the video, he quoted about remembering his random act of kindness. As another alternative to positive psychology, performing random acts of kindness can help increase one's happiness ranging from the individual itself and the other persons included. This method is just one of many ways to increase happiness. Other ways to pay it forward includes: helping someone out, comforting an individual, saving someone's life, or even just tipping a restaurant. Sometimes we commit these actions without realizing it, but just remember that once you help someone randomly or someone you know, you are performing a random act of kindness of paying it forward. So, when you're feeling down, do something for someone else, and I am sure that person will make your day better.
I woud have to agree with you and say what this man did was amazing. The reaction of the individuals who's gas was being paid for can make you think about society as well. Why are people so surprised and even emotional when someone does good in today's society? What does that tell you about us? I believe many of us need to pursue a step like this and do good for someone else. Not only does it make someone else feel good but makes you feel good as well. What I enjoy hearing from this video is that individuals became emotional and teary eyed. It really makes a difference when you spread the kindness.
ReplyDeletewow I would love for someone to pay for my gas, especially with the way gas prices are rising at this time. Like Lucia says, now when someone does something generous you are surprised. I know I would if someone offered to pay for my gas. It is not in our nature to run into nice people so when we do run into one occasionally here and there we are a bit shocked!
ReplyDeleteI feel so sorry for this guy at the gas station because he has to pay for people’s gas with his own money when we do not know whether he is rich or poor. I think he is a nice guy who likes to do nice things for people, but sometimes he should consider for himself. I may sound selfish, but this guy does not have to pay for people’s gas to be happy. If he wants to be happy while helping people, he should donate some of his money to charities, such as American’s Red Cross and The Starkey Hearing Foundation.
ReplyDeleteThis situation sounds similar to the movie, Pay It Forward, which is about a boy who helps people, including saving a suicidal woman’s life. In return, the boy wants these people to pay it forward three times. I appreciate that people like to help other people, but I think there are other ways people can do to be happy.
It’s amazing and touching to see people like the guy in the video doing good deeds to complete strangers. In hopes those would pay it forward to others.
ReplyDeleteI'm a firm believer of karma, out comes around goes around. I'm all for helping others, because I believe something good will happen in return. Also that describable feeling of simply helping someone else when they really need and possibly making their day. It's all worth it. So whenever someone is in need, I try my best to lead a hand.