When we watch the news, it is extremely rare that we witness cheery or hopeful stories. Instead, we are bombarded with stories that continuously display a world that is filled with negativity, violence and cruelty. It is easy, and happens rather often, for us to view the entire world through this negative outlook that we acquire from being surrounded by such disheartening news. However, it is critical that we push through these bad times and find the good even among what seems to be nothing but negativity. Despite the devastating and tragic events of the past week, among many other heartbreaking stories, we must remember to do everything we can to remind people of life's beauties and spread love in order to stop the hatred from winning. I offer these small suggestions of things we can do to spread just a little bit of love that can hopefully cause someone else to spread some love, thus replacing the bad with the good.
1. Help the elderly carry their groceries and load them into their car.
Even though this may seem like a strange thing that people would not necessarily want from a stranger, it can never hurt to offer. Helping someone who may be struggling with carrying their groceries to their car could very easily make their day.
2. Visit and talk with strangers in the hospital.
Many people in hospitals spend large portions of their days alone. To break up this loneliness in the tough times of being seriously sick, visit your local hospital and simply visit and chat with some patients to provide some good company and light conversation.
3. Pay for the coffee of the stranger standing behind you.
Coffee is a rather inexpensive thing, but it would without a doubt bring happiness to anyone if a stranger pays for their coffee for no reason other than out of sheer generosity and hope to spread some good vibes.
4. Write and send a handwritten letter to someone unexpectedly.
There is a certain charm in writing a letter with good ol' fashioned pen and paper, and it will assuredly make the recipient extraordinarily excited to receive a friendly letter amidst their bills and advertisements.
5. Make homemade bakery and give them to people.
Homemade bakery is always delicious, but it would taste even better if given to you by surprise by someone hoping to bring a smile to your face. Nothing like some brownies or cookies to brighten up someone's day!
6. Post optimistic and happy posts to social media to break up the bad news.
Our social media feeds inevitably get packed with numerous depressing and heartbreaking news stories, so why not replace this negativity with some light-hearted and encouraging posts? It can never hurt to have positive and optimistic posts.
7. Put extra coins in someone's parking meter.
Nothing can bring down your day like coming back to your car and finding a parking ticket because you didn't have enough loose change on you. So next time you see a meter running low, throw some change in there to prevent some sadness.
8. Have a conversation with a homeless person.
We often forget that homeless people are still people and often are hungry for normal human interaction. It can never hurt to simply stop and have a conversation with the person you pass by on the street. Even just asking someone's name can go a long way.
9. Leave a copy of a cool book on a train or bus for someone to find and read.
Commuting can get extremely boring and repetitive, so finding a new and intriguing book laying around the seats would surely brighten someone's mood and give them something to occupy and challenge their mind for a while. Never underestimate the power of good literature!
10. Give sincere compliments to friends, family and strangers.
Compliments go a long way in terms of brightening someone's day. Sincere and kind words are sadly not too common so people will absolutely love if you give them some complimentary comments.
11. Compliment a mom on her well-behaved kids.
There is no greater compliment then complimenting a mom on the behavior of her kids. The mom will love this and it will assuredly bring a smile to her face and if she's having a rough day, might even remind her that it's all worth it.
12. Go to nursing homes and talk, play board games, etc. with the residents.
Sixty percent of nursing home residents will never get a visitor and spend their days feeling rather lonely. It is a simple thing, but an extraordinary thing, to simply go visit some elderly folks and spend some time talking and hanging out with them.
13. Leave Post-It notes with positive messages in random places for people to find.
It is always an exciting thing to find unexpected Post-Its in random places, and these surprises are even better when accompanied with an uplifting and positive message.
14. Make a happy and uplifting playlist for friends.
Music works wonders when it comes to affecting someone's mood, so make a playlist full of the happiest tunes you know and give it to your friends so they can be inspired by the uplifting melodies.
15. Smile.
The simple act of smiling is wildly underrated. Next time you're walking to work or going to class, throw a smile to the strangers around you and I guarantee most people will smile back. Good vibes are contagious.
