Even the Small Things can Make a Difference

Be better. Do better. There is a lot we all can do in our everyday lives to bring about a positive impactful change. Say thank you to those who make your coffee, those who serve your food, those who get you through your day, and say hi to those who you pass by in the grocery store. That little bit of kindness we all can bring to others in the world can make a difference in people’s lives. Of course, there are significant things we can do to make a positive influence. Perhaps it’s the smallest actions; a friendly smile to a stranger, a wave, asking someone how they are doing, the things that cost nothing that can reach the most people. 

A few years back, I worked in a fast-food restaurant. In this position, I saw the worst and best of people. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose yourself in all the negativity. However, I learned that there is so much better in the world than bad and we should embrace the positive as much as we possibly can. I realized that being in a service position is not always an easy task because you are working directly with the public. When I decided to leave the job to pursue other opportunities, I was sad. I was sad, not because I necessarily loved pouring coffee but because I missed the people who I saw every day, like clockwork, who made a positive impact on my life. 

I can recall one moment in particular that has stuck with me despite being so long ago. For those of you who can relate to working long hours while being enrolled in school, I am sure you relate to the days when you just are so tired, stressed, and doubtful. On one of these occasions, one of my regulars asked me how school was going, and I told him that I was a little nervous about an upcoming presentation I was preparing to give later that day after work. I did not think anything of it. That is until the next day when he returned for his usual drink and asked me how my presentation went. I was astonished. Not because he had remembered what I had said yesterday, but because he cared and wanted to know. He did not just see me as a robot, despite feeling that way a lot working in the fast-food industry. Instead, he saw me for who I was, a human being. 

I understand that a lot of us live busy lives. However, I think that there is more that we can do in our daily lives that require no extra commitment. Be kind and “treat people how you want to be treated.” It may be a cliché, but it is a good cliché. When you feel down, there is nothing worse than when someone treats you badly. So, when you see someone feeling down, smile at them and be nice. Even small actions can make a difference.

Here are some things that you can do: 

- Smile/wave at people

- Ask someone how they are doing

- Help someone out who needs it

- Volunteer

- Donate belongings 

- Spread positivity

- Advocate for others

- Make sure you thank people in your life

There are numerous other things you can do to bring a positive change to the world. However, these things that I have listed can be a starting point as you can easily integrate many of these actions into your day-to-day lives without impeding your busy life or wallet. These small things will make you and the receiver of kindness better. 

Image obtained from Squarespace