Nurturing Thurs – Pay It Forward

Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor.  Random acts of kindness are selfless acts performed by a person or people wishing either to assist or to cheer up an individual person or people.  Random acts of kindness are not only nurturing to the soul, but they are also beneficial to our health.  The more we do for others through acts of kindness, the likelier we will feel better about ourselves.  Feeling better about ourselves assists in optimizing our physical health.

It has been found that performing an act of kindness to someone causes an increased release of a dopamine which is a neurotransmitter in the brain.  It is what gives one a sense of happiness or satisfaction.  Scientific studies demonstrate the positive effects of kindness on health, including an increase in energy and longevity, stress and pain reduction, a healthier cardiovascular system, plus inner peace and overall happiness.  So in other words, when you do something kind for someone, you and everyone around you reap the rewards.

A few acts of kindness ideas can include things like:
Holding the door open for someone, doing chores for other people, donating to charity, or buying lunch for a friend.  It may include checking up on an elderly person to assist them, giving up your seat in a crowded room or bus for an elderly, a disabled person or someone who looks like they could use a “break”; if you walk by a car with an expired parking meter, put a quarter in it; talk to the shy person who’s sitting by themselves at a party; or let the person behind you at the supermarket checkout with one or two items go ahead of you.  Let your kindness imagination run wild with enthusiasm.

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness.  Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” ~~ Scott Adams, Creator Of Dilbert Comic Strip

Nurture your inner-self this week by challenging yourself to gift a Random Act of Kindness at least once this upcoming week!

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Pay It Forward!!

 

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Frequent Contributors to
Nurturing Thursday:

Tea and Paper
Carol Carlisle
Mazeepuran
Pocket Perspectives
Meg Evans
Hugamamma

Inside the Mind of Isadora
Jacqueline King
Hope* the Happy Hugger
Laurie’s Gentle Healing Notes

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What is Nurturing Thursday, you ask?

In this amazingly competitive society of ours, how many of us truly feel good about ourselves? How often do we extend to ourselves … the same courtesies, considerations, nurturing, forgiveness and understanding we would a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger?

Our culture tells us we need to be special and above average to feel good about ourselves. Yet, it is not possible for all of us to be above average at the same time. Don’t we usually know of someone richer, more attractive, “more together” or successful than we are? Even if we discount the material aspects and consider the more spiritual facet, don’t we know of those who seem more at peace, more aware or living in the moment. Even when we do manage to feel a strong sense of self-esteem or self-confidence, we are not able to consistently hold on to it. For most, our sense of self-worth bounces around like a ping-pong ball, rising and falling strongly tied with our latest success or failure.

In an effort to eliminate labeling ourselves as “good” or “bad”, and clearly accept ourselves with an open heart … to treat ourselves with the same kindness, caring, and compassion we would show to a good friend … I would like to incorporate more self-compassion and self-kindess in my life.

To “give this planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy” … I am dubbing Thursdays as Nurturing Thursday … a spin-off of the suspended Occupy Blogosphere started by Amy of SoulDipper.

If any of my readers are interested in joining the nurturing, I applaud and welcome you to do so … the more the merrier!!

 

 

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