If you get notifications from your news app, you know what it's like to receive daily, sometimes hourly, reminders that evil is increasingly present in our world today. It's discouraging, sad and can make you feel hopeless. All of this "a single act of kindness can change the world" talk seems far fetched at best. Not even the world's finest motivational speaker can get you out of the slump that turning on your daily news creates, but I know something that can.
Be the good.
You've heard it a million times, "be the change you want to see in the world", but seriously be the change you want to see in the world.
A single act of kindness can't change the world, but it can change someone's world. In a world full of tragedy and chaos, be someone's relief, be someone's order and inspire them to be the same for another. I think sometimes we get so caught up on this crazy idea that change happens in an instant. Get rid of that mindset. Not only is it wrong, but it is destructive to the spirit. Change takes time, effort, blood, sweat, tears, and a lot of compassion. Do your part because it matters. The work you do for others matters. Your single act of kindness matters. There will always be people in this world who seek to darken the light of others, but trust me when I say that there are plenty more who seek to illuminate it. Be an illuminator.
And while we're at it, let's get rid of this "random act of kindness" talk. Be intentional about your kindness and don't give it randomly, but generously. Remember that everyone needs something, and you can give them or even be that something. Yes, that family of four is happy and seems genuinely overjoyed to be together, but do they have enough money for groceries? Yes, that person is dressed to the nines and has the shiniest car in the lot, but are they happy?
Contrary to popular belief, the world is still a good place filled with good people who want to make things better. Be one those people. I don't care how selfish you are; I can guarantee that there is no better feeling in the world than giving a little for someone who needs it and seeing their heart change. Your heart will change, too. You'll realize that something as small as twenty dollars or even a smile can change someone's whole day, week, month, year, life. Knowing that someone sees their struggle and cares is what changes lives. Be a life changer. Notice struggle, notice unhappiness, but more importantly, do something about it.
So, it really is that simple. Be the good. We like to make excuses that we don't have enough money or that we didn't have time. Make time, be generous in all you do, and intentionally throw kindness around like confetti, you might just change someone's world.
