We hear it all the time – change starts with you. But what does that mean? How can one person change the world?
It is easy to be discouraged. Every day, new tragedies strike round the world. Sometimes it feels hopeless. We’re faced with so many problems, where do we start? We start with kindness.
Did you know that you can teach kindness? When we see kindness, we’re inspired to do the same. When we focus on our similarities, we’re more likely to be compassionate toward one another. That’s great news, because there’s one thing that we all have in common – we are all people.
The first change you can spark is in you – be kind to yourself.
Dedicate a few minutes of every day to notice the world around you. In our modern world, it’s so easy to get bogged down by the daily stresses of our lives. We forget how much beauty we are surrounded with. When you start to feel the pressure, give yourself a mini-vacation. Take a walk around your neighborhood, drink a hot cup of tea while watching the sunset. Do something that makes you feel like a part of the world, and remember that you are not alone.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
You are only one person. You can’t fix all the world’s problems alone, but you can join the movement and take a few seconds out of every day to make the world a little bit brighter. How?
Be kind. Kindness changes lives.
Don’t underestimate the power of a smile. Smiling releases endorphins, which are nature’s pain reliever. It also releases serotonin, which boosts your mood. As a huge plus, smiling is contagious – make an effort to smile at strangers, and you can help them get those health benefits, too.
Be kind randomly.
Notice a parking meter running low? Have a quarter in your pocket? Stick it in.
Is the person behind you in line clearly in a hurry? Let them go first.
Shoveling snow off your walkway? Do your neighbor’s, too.
Pay for a stranger’s groceries.
Give up your seat for someone who’s standing, whoever they are.
Hear someone crying in the bathroom? Ask if they’re okay, and listen to what they say.
Write notes of appreciation to remind the people in your life they are loved and valued.
Think about all the opportunities you have to be kind throughout the day. Every person you meet gives you a new chance – start with a smile and work your way up.
What small acts of kindness would make your day? Make a list. Start to do those for others. Be kind on purpose. Be happy on purpose. Spread that kindness, inspire others to join the movement, and watch the world change before our eyes.