A good night’s sleep in clean sheets. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee on Sunday morning. Watching the snow fall. Getting smothered in puppy kisses. A perfectly ripe peach.

When we stop to notice the little things in everyday life, we can find happiness in even the darkest of times.

Lately, I have really begun to notice how quickly time goes by. Day after day, I do what I have to do, and sometimes this can lead to getting stuck in a routine or becoming too concerned with myself. It is so important to me that I am aware of the energy I am putting out and spreading. My mantra has always been to be kind to all those you meet, because at the end of the day, that’s what truly matters. Sometimes there are moments in life that remind you of how important that can be.

I have a job at a local ice cream joint and deal with many customers each day. Most times, our interactions are routine; they tell me what ice cream they want, I ring them up, I wish them a nice day and they go on their way. Or, I hand them their ice cream cone, say “Enjoy!”, and they thank me (sometimes). Most times, these small interactions with complete strangers don’t mean much to me. I’m just doing my job. But other times I meet customers who leave a lasting impact on me. Just the other day, a group of elderly men and women from a nursing home came to get ice cream with their caretakers. I took down their orders, and smiled at them as they made their way to a picnic table. If you know me, you know that I love cute old people. But before they got too far, one of their caretakers came back and gave me two small wooden ladybugs. She said, “One of our residents wanted you to have these ladybugs. They’re for good luck.” Just that small act of kindness by a woman I didn’t even know made my entire day.

My life has since gone on, but this little moment will always make me smile, and those two little ladybugs will serve as a reminder to me to spread kindness, love and happiness wherever I go. How fulfilling it is to know that you can make someone’s day by simply being a good person. This kind woman has really inspired me to pass on the kindness to others, in hopes of affecting someone else in the way she has affected me.

I urge everyone to do small acts of kindness whenever possible. Not only can you make someone else smile, but you will be surprised as to what it will do to you as well. I also urge you to take a moment to notice the little things in your busy life, as those can be so inspiring and satisfying.