I’ve always believed that one person has the ability to change the world, or in fact, change someone else’s world. With that said, every person you know is going through something. It may be big or it may be small, but no one can judge if one trial or tribulation is more important than another. Why not be the person to brighten another’s day and bring light into someone’s world? Here are eight easy ways you can make a positive impact in someone else’s life:

1. Smiling is free

It obviously sounds extremely cliche, but sometimes all people need to see is someone else’s bright smile to alleviate pain or stress. Being surrounded by negative energy is never okay, whether you’re having a good or a bad day.

2. Open the door for the person behind or in front of you

People often feel like they are invisible or unimportant, so when you do that one extra step to think of someone other than yourself, it’s guaranteed that person will be appreciative.

3. Ask someone how their day is going

Adding to the concept that people may feel unimportant, people may also be having a good or bad day and want to share their thoughts with someone. This one act could make someone feel special and it is also therapeutic to talk about your feelings.

4. Do a random act of kindness

Whether it be holding groceries for someone or giving money to charity, it’s guaranteed that you will feel like you did something valuable with your day. It doesn’t have to be some huge gesture, but just doing something for someone other than yourself is extremely rewarding.

5. Be a shoulder for someone to cry on

Sometimes just being there for someone is all that is necessary. If a close friend or someone you know is going through a difficult situation, it doesn’t take much energy to offer a shoulder or even an ear to listen to them. This act of comforting can do wonders and is always acknowledged by the person who needs it.

6. Compliment someone

I’m not advising you to throw random compliments at people that you don’t really mean. If you think to yourself that the woman in front of you looks good in that hat, why not tell her you think so? That woman may be having a rough day and could use some words of flattery. No fake compliments, just ones that travel through your mind and are worth mentioning.

7. Good morning or good night text

I know I love the feeling of being thought of, so if you remember to text your mom and dad “good morning” or “good night” or a friend for that matter, they most likely will feel very loved. This reminds people that there are people out there who care about them, and at the end of the day, what more could a person want?

8. Say "thank you"

We all have been taught by our parents since we can remember how important it is to be polite. I think the only words that are more powerful than “please", are the words “thank you.” It’s common for peoples actions to be under appreciated or unacknowledged, so when you tell someone “thank you”, it could really make them feel like they are worthy and whatever they are doing has a purpose.

All in all, these eight things may not have the ability to transform a depressed person into someone that is happy and content with life, but these eight things are important to have in the back of your mind. You never know how one act of kindness could effect someone's life in a positive way.