Spreading kindness on Global Pay It Forward Day

Today (April 28) is Global Pay It Forward Day. The term “pay it forward” means doing good deeds and not expecting anything in return. The celebration aims to spread random acts of kindness in communities around the world.

In 2007, an Australian named Blake Beattie started Pay It Forward Day. He was inspired by American author Catherine Ryan Hyde’s Pay It Forward movement. The celebration began in Australia and quickly spread to countries across the globe. It is now recognized in more than 80 different countries.

Here are 28 ways you can pay it forward on April 28th:

1. Volunteer in your community
2. Donate unwanted items to a shelter
3. Pay for someone’s coffee or meal
4. Donate books to your local library
5. Text an uplifting message to five different people
6. Make a meal for someone
7. Smile when passing people on the street
8. Clean up litter from your local park
9. Put your phone down when talking to others
10. Hold the door open for the person behind you
11. Let someone go in front of you in line or in traffic
12. Donate blood
13. Write a positive review for a business you enjoy
14. Leave a bigger tip for your server at a restaurant
15. Make a food donation to your local food bank
16. Visit your local animal shelter
17. Give your seat up for someone else
18. Thank someone who deserves it
19. Donate to a charity you are passionate about
20. Return someone else’s shopping cart
21. Call an old friend
22. Give a random compliment
23. Be forgiving
24. Visit your neighbor
25. Tell someone how much you appreciate them
26. Practice gratitude
27. Be nice to customer service workers
28. Tell yourself something positive- you deserve kindness too!