Lately, there have been some hardships in my everyday life. Some are not my battles to fight, so I do not feel comfortable broadcasting them. I have, however, been reflecting a lot these last few weeks. This past week, my community experienced a terrible loss. It was one of those moments that left me with more questions than answers. More tears than peace. I realized several things as I watched my community console itself. Most importantly, I realized there are so many positive things in each day, and we can be those positive moments for others.
There are so many things that cost you nothing but may mean everything to someone else. When I get nervous, I tend to make lists in my head. Things that have to be done short-term, long-term, in the interim, etc. What I want to name all my Labradoodles. How I should organize my shoes. How I’ll explain Netflix to my grandpa the next time he asks. Clearly, sometimes they’re not of much importance, but my latest list involved things I could do throughout the day for others. I think that, maybe, if we could all do just one selfless act, that it might make somebody’s day just a little bit better.
- Hold the door open for someone
- Ask that coworker that you always see but never say anything to, how his or her day is going.
- Give your seat up on the bus or train to someone else
- Text your loved one’s “Good Morning!” or “Hope you have a great day!”
- Pray for your friends. I always try to include “please help anyone in my life who may be fighting a battle I know nothing about.”
- Send someone a funny meme or tag them in a video on Facebook.
- Bring your coworker water from the break room
- Call a loved one; I know that I will always cherish the sound my grandma makes when she hears my voice
- Walk your dog a little farther than usual
- Pack your roommate’s lunch for them
- Ask your parents what they’re struggling with, and actually hear them out
- Compliment someone in the service industry; I like calling cashiers by their first name and asking them how their day is going
- Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while and tell them you’re thinking of them
- Surprise your elderly relatives with a visit; I like popping in to visit my grandpa and having sassy banter
- Make sure that someone who works really hard in your life knows you’re proud of them
- Offer to get your neighbor’s mail while they’re out of town
- Do the laundry for your mom - give her a break
- Make someone laugh, for it is the best medicine
- Tell someone you love them
- Pray to someone whom you’ve lost, and let them know they’re not forgotten
- Slow down, listen to your friends just to hear - not to answer
- Plan a last-minute date with your SO
- Ask someone to go on a walk with you
- Clean your space; show the people you share it with that you respect them
- Smile to someone on the street
- Plan a Girls Night In
- Treat everyone in your life with empathy, love, and understanding
You might not be able to do all of these things - Lord knows I can’t. But taking a step back, considering how you can positively impact someone else’s life, and letting them know they are loved, can make a world of difference.
So, just try one of these things on this list. I promise you won’t regret it!
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