If you asked me before what was one thing that would change my life, I probably would have told you something like money or love, but I never would have told you a lollipop of all things.

It was a homework assignment, one that I never completed but will never forget. Our teacher told us to come up and pick a lollipop. Once we all did, she told us about the "lollipop challenge," our homework assignment. We had to find a stranger and compliment them with this lollipop. The idea was to make someone's day a bit brighter, but our class broke out into laughter instead, as I'm sure you can imagine why.

I realized there was much more to this than a funny way to strike up a conversation (though it's a great idea). The lollipop moment was a way of making you notice the impact you can have on others if you choose to. It was about taking responsibility and action when it wasn't required or even asked of you.

I started looking for ways to use this lollipop and I became so aware of how many people could use a little more laughter. Truth is, I never needed a lollipop to see that, but I did need the lollipop to remind me I could do something about it, so I didn't complete the homework. Instead, I kept the lollipop on my desk to remind me each day I had a choice: spread good vibes or allow bad ones to thrive.

I could give a thousand examples of why random selfless acts are important, but I think we all know the power they possess and sometimes we just need to be reminded they are there. I challenge you to not wait until you see the need to be kind. Go the extra step, pay attention to the details, and spread the love!