In such a chaotic world, I think it would be better if we all just started focusing on how we can make a positive impact, even if it is just on one person. There are college students starting food pantries to help out their busy peers and then there are groups putting their time, money, and resources to help in some of the worst parts of out world. William James, an American philosopher, once said "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." This is the attitude I challenge myself to have in 2017. I hope William James' words also spark something in you this new year.
Obviously, you don't want to do less good things, in fact, you should want to do the most amount of good you can. My mom always looks at nice things she does or we do together as the "good deed of the day." While I love that attitude, especially from my mom, I think it is important that we all do a little more good every day. This can look like a lot of different things.
Here is a list of the incredible good deeds, big and small, you can do in 2017 to help make the world a better place.
1. Smile at a stranger
I'm sure we have all heard the expression about how a smile at a stranger has the possibility to save a life. Speaking from experience, my day always feels better when I get random smiles from people I see around. Just one smile can have a positive impact on someone's day. A smile a day is all it takes!
2. Bring someone flowers
I'm not in any way saying go out and buy a $20 bouquet of roses but you can find a pretty group of sunflowers at places like Trader Joe's or even a colorful patch on the side of the road can turn into something that makes a friend's day so much better.
3. Volunteer
I love volunteering in my community. My personal favorite is going and painting these really pretty beads. In Tucson, there is this organization called Ben's Bells and the story is behind it breaks my heart but going to help out for such a wonderful cause make me feel good inside. Not to mention I get to let the artistic side of me show. I'm alway sure you can find a great place you can involve yourself in and help out with a great cause.
4. Donate
There are so many causes you can donate to as soon as right now. There are so many war-torn places you can help fund relief for. From Aleppo to the American Red Cross to a person on the street, anyone can use just $5 here or there to help with what they need. In a world filled with so much disaster, poverty, sickness, and so much more, all giving up your daily venti latte at Starbucks could mean a family gets a meal.
All it really takes is one person to spark something in the people around them. In 2017, I promise to do something good every day. What will you do?
