A smile is worth a thousand words. As trivial as this may sound, even simple displays of kindness have the potential to spread an abundance of happiness. It works like the ripple effect of a pebble thrown into a lake. The seemingly insignificant rock hits the body of water and creates wave after wave.

Replace that pebble with a smile and a “good morning” to a stranger in the hall on your way to math class. That brief interaction brightens their day, and in some way or another, they pay it forward and positively influence someone else. Each interaction we have with others has the potential to spread kindness.

It can be easy to become consumed in our own lives while paying little attention to the wellbeing of those around us. By dedicating a few moments each day to positively impact the lives of other people, both the benefactors and beneficiaries come away happier. 

No kind gesture is ever too small. From picking up a fallen scarf, to writing positive messages on sticky notes, to volunteering at a food bank, there are endless ways to spread positivity throughout the community. Acts of kindness can also be extended to benefit the environment. Give back to the planet by planting a tree, cleaning up a local park or recycling old papers. 

In a society riddled with conflict and divisiveness, kindness acts as a middle ground capable of unifying strangers. No matter the magnitude of the gesture, any act of kindness leaves the world in better shape than it was found. Be the positive change, spread happiness and create ripples felt far and wide.

GET INSPIRED

Implementing acts of kindness into everyday life is made easy by groups like the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Dedicated to changing society through kindness, the foundation’s website provides an extensive list of ways to give back to the community. In addition, the website shares the experiences of others who commit random acts of kindness to inspire others.