One of the things that most people are aiming for is making an impact. We all want to move something, have a say in what is happening to us and a lot of people wish to leave a mark on this world. I think this is part of the reason why people start blogging - we are creating our little corner on the internet, we are sharing tips and parts of our personality online and that is our way of trying to make a difference. I definitely started blogging because I liked the opportunity to inspire people and to spread positivity - amongst many other reasons of course.
When you're thinking about making your impact on this world, it seems like an impossible thing to do. And making a huge impact is something that does not come overnight. Creating a charity takes time. And so does writing a book. Or developing a blog. But if you think about it further, you will realise that creating an impact is incredibly easy. You just have to start with something small. By spreading happiness you can make someone's day. And you can change a dull day to a day you will never forget. There are endless things you can do. It starts with small talk. I know that a lot of people aren't a fan of small talk but I think that small talk can be great. Exchanging a few words with the man/woman at the checkout can brighten their day. There were moments when I experienced people working in costumer service quite grumpy but after asking them about their day or just making general small talk they turned out to be really friendly people probably just having a bad day or being tired - we all know that feeling. Talking to people can make a huge difference. There are a lot of things you can do, though - compliment people, tell your friends and family you love them, buy your friend her favourite drink or make cupcakes for her, hug someone 5 seconds longer than you normally would.
We got the power to help others. You don't know what other people are going through - a simple gesture of kindness can help more than you think. Show people you care, talk to them and ask them if they are okay. This question is one the most important questions of all, I think. We are so busy living our lives, we sometimes forget to ask that question. I have gone months without people asking me how I really was - of course people ask you that question a lot but I feel like it has almost become a rhetorical question - and you give people the answer that they expect. It is important to know if the people we love are okay or if we can help them in any way. In fact, that question can change someones life, can give someone a chance to open up to you. I know it can be hard to remember to check up on your friends. What I like to do is going through my contacts at least once a week and then I'll text the people I haven't had a chance to talk during the last days. A simple question can mean a lot. Talking to people can make their day. I had a bit of a down day and someone on the street just stopped to wish me a nice day and after that I was smiling and instantly felt better. We need more people like that. People are spreading happiness without expecting anything in return.
Of course there are more things you can do to make an impact. One of these things is donating to a charity or volunteering - I used to be a volunteer in South Africa and having the chance to help others and putting a smile on the children's faces is truly amazing. You don't have to go abroad to volunteer, though, you can do it everywhere. At a dog's shelter, at a charity etc. Helping others is one of the best things you can do - because you get something back. Positive emotions, people who are feeling grateful for the things you are doing. So if you can do something to help, do it. However small it might be. But think about it - if 1000 people only donated a dollar, it would still be 1000 dollars. So a dollar really makes a difference - because if we all make a small change, we can create a much bigger change together.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that we can really make a difference in this world. And it is an easy thing to do. You just have to do it. If you see something, act. Ask a person if he/she is okay, if there is a way you can help. Spoil your friends and your family, tell them how much they mean to you. Treat people like you want to be treated. You can make a huge impact on other people's life. It might go so far as saving someone's life. You might not be able to change the world, but you have the ability to change the world of those around you. And if we all start becoming more attentive and if we all spread a bit of positivity, the world will become a little bit better and trust me - you will feel better, too.
We are not responsible for the happiness of others. But we can choose how we treat them and if we contribute to their happiness. I think that it's important to cherish your friendships and to be kind to one another - so got out, help others and spread kindness. This can be our way of making a difference
