Today the news is filled with terrible things that are happening in the world, right now. Before writing this article I spent about an hour reading about all sorts of heartbreak going on all around the world. Stop and think about the last time you saw a positive news article that reminded you of all the good going on in the world today. And when was the last time you personally witnessed a random act of kindness that strengthened your faith in humanity.

After reading many negative articles, I found that if we can do anything to make this world a little happier, we can start with the little things. It really is the little things that make a big impact on somebody’s day, or mood. Most acts require little to no cost. With Thanksgiving and the holiday’s right around the corner, I think it is important to stop and appreciate all the good that we do have in our lives. Rather than all of the bad in our lives, or what we don’t have. And with that being said, I think it is important to give a little bit of hope to others as well. I encourage you to go out and share some random acts of kindness this holiday season.

Here is my list of, “Little Things,” that we can all do to share a little bit of positivity:

Write a letter to someone who has made an impact in your life and might not know it.

Count your blessings, literally. Encourage others to do the same.

Send your grandparents pictures or postcards in the mail.

Send more of, “this made me think of you.”

Ask a friend about their day. Actually listen.

Send flowers to your friend on a bad day.

Put your phone away when you are talking to someone.

Don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking. God gave us two ears and only one mouth so we could listen twice as much as we speak.

Hold the door open for someone.

Help someone carrying heavy bags, or with their hands full.

Talk to the person who’s sitting alone at a party.

Buy dessert for someone eating out alone.

Ask your friends to text you when they get home so you know they got home safety.

Be a “secret santa” for a family in need.

Bake cookies for your local fire department and police department.

Make a, “Take What You Need,” poster.

Compliment others on things other than their physical appearance.

Go through your closet and give away your clothes you don’t wear anymore.

Leave nice notes inside of library books.

Actually, write positive and encouraging sticky notes and place them in any public place.

Don’t let anyone in your life spend the holiday’s alone.

Always send hand-written thank you notes.

Pay for the person behind you.

Tip your server more than expected.

Write a letter to someone you love.

Send postcards to sick children who are fighting serious illnesses and want to receive mail.

Make military care packages.

Take part in a charitable service. (Ex: Toys For Tots)

Tape coins to vending machines for the next person.

Let someone go ahead of you in the checkout line.

You can donate money on Amazon to your favorite U.S. nonprofit through Amazon Smile. It takes about 10 seconds.

The list doesn’t stop there. There are countless ways to reach out and touch another person’s life. You never know what battle someone may be fighting, be kind for absolutely no reason. Be the reason somebody believes in the goodness of people.