1. Hydrate the people without a home.

The summertime is a tough time for homeless people, so this summer, keep a cooler in the back of your vehicle at all times with ice-cold drinks inside and whenever you see someone that looks like they may need it, offer them one. Be helpful.

2. Support a cause.

Find an organization that you are interested in and help support a cause. Organizations are always looking for volunteers so go out there and help bring awareness to something that matters to you. Help register people to vote or to give water to the people of Flint. The decision is yours but I encourage you to take it. Be supportive.

3. Try different methods of transportation.

Mogo bikes are something you might want to look into. Become a bicyclist for the summer. Enjoy a nice bike ride around your neighborhood or go downtown. Get an all-day access pass for convenient travel, but please remember it is a 30-minute window you have until you must go to the next station.

Try the Qline bus to explore downtown Detroit. Get on the people mover and visit every small community within Downtown Detroit. You could also start using the SmartBus to travel even further. However, if you aren't big on passes and all of the above. You could always use your own bike or walk to your destination. Be different.

4. Clean up.

If you are at a lake, grab a trash bag and help with cleaning. If you are simply sitting at home, grab a trash bag and go around your neighborhood picking up trash, any little thing helps. Be clean.

5. Help your neighbors.

If you see the elderly couple next door having trouble unload groceries, offer them some help. If your neighbors plants are dying, offer to water them. I understand some communities aren't as close as others but if you know your neighbors, offer them help. Even sharing something as simple as a smile could help your neighbor cheer up after a long day. Be kind.

6. Use your skills to better the world.

Everyone has a hidden talent. Whether it be something as grand as musical talent or as simple as building a resume. We all have skills that can help people. Your resume building may be able to help a friend get that internship they have been wanting or that unemployed stranger a job to help support her family. Your musical skills could help bring happiness to people in hospitals or at family barbecues. Let's brighten the world, one smile at a time. Be unique.

7. Donate what you can.

Sometimes we are too busy with work or personal things going on so we don't necessarily have the time to do all of the above but sometimes simple donations help as well. Little Miss Flint's organization to bring water to residents of Flint or to organizations that help immigrants reunite with their children. Every cent counts. Be generous.

8. Have fun!

When all is said and done, this summer I hope you receive an abundance of happiness. I hope you have a plethora of stories to tell your friends about this summer. I hope you have days where you wake up smiling and go to sleep laughing. This world needs more happy people so be that person this summer. Be happy!