The reality of the world is that it can be a pretty scary place. How could it not be when you turn on the news and all you see is death and disaster. That is scary. The world can seem like a pretty cold and harsh place and it's easy to get discouraged or feel down.
After contemplating all of this and reading an article about how to improve the world, I was inspired to create my own list of ways that you can make this world just a little brighter.
1. Smile more
It's absolutely free, it's easy and it will literally cost you nothing. If everyone tried to smile more, the world would be a much brighter place.
2. Pay for the person behind you
Whether it be at Dunkin' Donuts or a toll, it will only cost you a few dollars and I can assure you it will make someone’s day.
3. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter
It only requires a few hour commitment and the work isn't too taxing. I guarantee your local kitchen of shelter can use an extra hand, especially since it's so cold. You will leave feeling like you made a difference in someone’s life, because you did.
4. Clean out your closet
We all have clothes that we don't need, so go through your closet and take out the stuff you no longer wear. You can then donate them to a shelter, salvation army or a family in need in your area. Get a head start on your Spring cleaning!
5. Go through books, games, and toys
As you get older you often don’t need all of the toys, games or books you had as a kid. You can take all of these things you no longer need to your local fire department. From there they will distribute them to families or you could bring them to a boys and girls home. As much as you enjoyed them once, I'm certain they will enjoy them just as much if not more.
6. Order socks and gloves on Amazon
Get them in bulk, its cheap and easy. You can have them delivered directly to a homeless shelter. Everyone can always use an extra pair of sock, and definitely a pair of gloves since its so cold out.
7. Volunteer at the Boys and Girls club
The commitment doesn't have to be huge by any means. There are always volunteers needed, to ref a game, help with homework or to do crafts. Give it a try and who knows you could really help someone and yourself.
8. Put money in a library book
When returning a book to the library, leave a couple of dollars in the book and maybe a note that says “enjoy a coffee on me.” A small but kind gesture. Im positive it will make that person’s day.
9. Buy flowers
Buy or pick a couple dozen flowers and go to a cemetery and leave the flowers on headstones. It doesn't need to be an entire bouquet but just a single flower. Maybe the next time someone goes to visit their loved one, they will see the flower and know that someone was thinking of them.
10. Heads up pennies
Leave pennies heads up on the ground, a lot of people think they are good luck and find comfort in finding them. It will only cost you a cent or two and it will give someone hope that their day will be good or that it will improve.
It's true that one person cannot save them world. And in reality, this world is a pretty scary place. The news is concerning and it seems as if there is a new devastating event everyday. But you can make a difference. You have it in your power to improve someone’s day or life. Who knows maybe that person needed a pair of socks, a reason to smile and to feel hopeful. In a world that seems so daunting and cold, it is really powerful to know that simple gestures like these can make the world seem a little brighter. After all, what is the point of living, if not to make the world a better place for someone else?
