How can I change someone's life for the better?

Compelling questions help to focus us to think more deeply and opens the door to self-examination.

Do you remember how you felt when you had a tough day and a stranger smiled at you?  Or the time you helped your neighbor carry in her groceries and how she still thanks you for it? Each of these small acts of kindness can make a huge impact on someone’s life.

Small actions often lead to giant ripples. One small action can completely change the life of someone who then performs a kindness for someone else. And the cycle continues and grows.

No matter how big or small the kindness is, it’s likely to have a big impact on your own mental health. According to psychologists and researchers, the smallest acts of kindness can create a rebound effect on not only the receiver’s psyche but your own as well.

For example, a smile increases the level of comfort of the person being smiled at, as well as, making them happier. It puts you in a better mood as well. That simple smile could be the reason someone is lifted out of despair.

Tiny acts of kindness can make a change in two ways; they are the catalyst for others to start invoking their own small kindnesses and they have a contagious affect on others. In other words, when we carry out tiny acts of kindness, other people see them, and they are then inspired to demonstrate kindness.

Let’s look at another example. If you are friendly to the bus driver, he then in turn will be more likely to be more considerate to the next passenger. That passenger is more likely to go home and have a positive conversation with their family.

People who have a tendency to practice small acts of kindness are more likely to take action in bigger ways as well.

Here are ten ways small acts can have an impact.

1.     Learn first aid. Learning first aid principles can help you be prepared to act if someone needs help in an emergency.

2.     Be a part of a community clean up. Help clean up a park, neighborhood or local beach area.

3.     Donate toys to the local prison or women’s shelter.

4.     Donate flowers to someone in need in places like hospices, care homes or women’s homes.

5.     Cook a hot meal for a neighbor.

6.     Leave snacks in the break room.

7.     Volunteer at your local Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, YMCA, or Boys and Girls Clubs.

8.     Donate books to your local library or to children in need.

9.     Remove single use plastic from your life. Recycle plastics and other recyclables.

10. Leave uplifting notes in self help books at your local bookstore or library.

Whatever you choose to do, each tiny act of kindness can have a big impact on others in ways you may never imagine. Each tiny act is observed and passed along to another making it grow into something miraculous.