6 Simple Ways to Make a Difference

Sometimes it feels like I am just a tiny drop in a vast ocean. What can I possibly do that will make any difference in this huge messed-up world?

So much in our ordinary, daily lives seems insignificant. In the grand scheme of things, do we really matter? At all?

I think we do matter. Every day we have opportunities to make a difference. Not in ways that become front-page news, but in ways that matter to individual people and organizations.

Simple ways you can make a difference

1. Say Happy Birthday. I used to think that happy birthday wishes were not valid unless I wrote a meaningful personal note. Even a simple “happy birthday” on Facebook is better than ignoring them because I don’t have time to think up an original and profound message. The same goes for expressing sympathy. When I posted about the loss of my cat, I was floored by the number of people who commented. Many of them were variations of “so sorry” but I felt loved simply because so many cared enough to write something. Never underestimate the power of a few simple words.
2. Download free e-books. Even if you never plan to read them! Why would you download a book you don’t plan to read? Because by doing so you are encouraging some struggling author. I am not suggesting you download anything and everything. I am saying you can give yourself permission to support authors you admire, even when they don’t write in a genre you normally read. It matters to them. Trust me.
3. Like Facebook pages. A friend sends you a request to like their sister-in-law’s new craft business page. I say, Like it. So what if you don’t like crafts. As long as it doesn’t go against your core values, what is the harm? It’s free, takes only a few seconds, and might just give someone the encouragement they need to keep working towards their dreams. Be generous with your likes.
4. Buy local. I know, I know; it’s so much easier to go to the supermarket or the internet and buy everything you need. And I confess I often do just that. But I am trying to be more intentional about supporting local businesses. Do you have farmers, artists or entrepreneurs in your town that you could support with even occasional business? You just might discover some truly awesome products that are worth the extra cost and effort.
5. Donate. There are plenty of non-profit organizations who can benefit from your stuff. Our local library would not survive without donated books, DVD’s etc. Many organizations not only benefit from good quality used items, but also earn a small amount from recycling things like ripped clothing and damaged books. Do a little research and I’m sure you can find a worthy organization near you who can benefit from stuff you no longer need, and even from stuff you might have otherwise thrown away.
6. Buy from the neighbor kid. Girl Scout cookies. Band hoagies. Choir candy fundraisers… Yeah, I may not need them, but whenever possible I try to support the neighbor kids and buy something. I do not necessarily feel the same about strangers who show up at the door, or random groups hawking things outside WalMart. Make up your own mind about who your “neighbor kids” are, and support them proudly.

I hope you find a way to make a difference in someone’s life today. Go forth and help others prosper.

What other suggestions do you have for making a difference in someone’s day? I’d love to hear your ideas.