Have you ever looked up from your busy life and noticed someone who looked like they could use a friend? Have you ever wanted to make someone's day but didn't quite know how? Over the last few years, I've gathered a few jaw-droppingly simple ways to be someone else's sunshine on a cloudy day and I thought I'd share my favorite ways to be sunny with you all!

Take note:

1. Smile at someone … while looking directly at them.

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This summer, I studied abroad in South Africa… and learned a whole heck of a lot about the importance of making sure your whole body is engaged when trying to connect with someone. Looking at people WHILE you interact with them is vital to forming a healthy, uplifting connection. If you want to make someone's day with a smile, be sure that smile touches your eyes (and the rest of your body)!!

2. Find something you like about them and tell them you like it.

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It takes approximately seven seconds to find ONE thing you like about some and it takes three more seconds to tell someone what it is you like about them. Please, PLEASE take the ten seconds to speak up and express love. You never know how a well-meaning compliment can change someone else's day!

3. Offer them your most valuable resource…(your time).

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I get it, you have things to do. You might be a time-pressed college student or a full-time employee and that's a lot, I totally understand (because I am an overworked college student with like, three jobs... lol). But hear me out, giving at least a half an hour of your time will not hurt you. Sacrificing your time is a great way to show all five love languages you care!

4. Check up on people (especially if you suspect they are not doing well).

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Sometimes, life swings super hard and hits us with difficult circumstances and situations. Things like depression. anxiety, and the general busyness of life can make the strongest of people weak. Checking on people, like asking them SPECIFIC questions about their life, how are coping with their life, and what it is they are thinking about are great ways to make someone else's day and potentially prevent them from any form of self-harm!

Please remember, intentionally trying to make someone else's day could be the difference in a person harming themselves or returning home... to live another day. With a little prior planning and a good attitude, you can be well on your way to making someone's day every day (and possibly… saving a life).

#stayencouraged