Has stress ever impacted your dream progress? According to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, there are ten major events that cause the most stress in peoples lives. They are -
- Death of a spouse
- Divorce
- Marriage separation
- Jail term
- Death of a close relative
- Injury or illness
- Marriage
- Fired from job
- Marriage reconciliation
- Retirement
Our lives today are incredibly stressful, more than any other time in history. Even if you haven’t experienced anything on this list, you have your own personal list of stressors, right? There are many ways to deal with stress. Some people medicate. Some exercise. Others may simply pray for better outcomes.
My solution to relieve all kinds of stress?
I safeguard happiness at all costs - And the way I do that is to Pay it Forward as much as I can.
The idea of Paying it Forward is based on a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde and was also made into a movie in the mid 90s. There are now also organizations, movements, foundations, even a photography blog dedicated to this idea (this was interesting news to me).
The idea is simple. Here’s the explanation on the Pay it Forward Foundation Website:
“It begins with doing a favor for another person ~ without any expectation of being paid back. Indeed one would request that the recipient of that favor do the same for someone else. The unconditional favors can be large or small. It doesn’t have to be a big thing; it can just seem that way, depending on whom you do it for.”
That last sentence is critical.
Who are we paying it forward to?
This is a video from a few years ago about a guy in Oregon who decided to hang out at a gas station and fill the tanks of complete strangers. As you watch this clip, notice the reaction of the people receiving – and also watch what happens to the guy who’s giving -
There is evidence in many social studies that support a definite relationship between volunteering and life satisfaction, and that helping others increases happiness and reduces stress. I used to think that I wasn’t rich enough, famous enough, or experienced enough to make a difference in anyone’s life.
I’m confident now we can all make a difference – anywhere we want. We just have to look for it. So the next time you feel stuck and are stressed about following your dreams, go out and find someone to help. You may find it creates the happiness you need to get unstuck and move ahead.
Here are some simple ideas to get you started:
- Pay the toll of the car behind you
- Offer to watch your friends’ children so they can have a night out
- Volunteer for a few hours at a retirement home
- Let the shopper behind you move ahead of you in line
Keep in mind, there are no ‘wrong’ ideas on how to pay it forward – as long as you give without the expectation of getting something back.
What are your ideas on how you can pay it forward? Can you help someone else with their dream? Let us know by listing them here.
Until next photo,
Rem
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a photographer … then the world. Remy’s post day is Friday
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a respected photographer . . . then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday. +Remy Gervais
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