Have you ever had a moment when you were struggling with something, and nobody seemed to notice or care?
I remember carrying my heavy luggage down a flight of stairs at a railway station in Paris, and despite being surrounded by a sea of people, I felt invisible and alone.
That is until a kind stranger appeared and offered to help me carry my luggage down the stairs. It was such a nice thing to do – a stranger offering to help another stranger.
It made my day.
The incident got me thinking about all the other little things people do to make our lives better and brighter.
So, if you’re in the mood for a dose of positivity and inspiration, you’re in for a treat!
1. Being patient with someone
I remember how my screenwriter professor always took the time to explain things to me, no matter how many times I asked. He never showed any frustration or irritation – instead, he would explain it all with the same enthusiasm he had the first time. Moments like these always stick with us and make us feel grateful. Of course, I am not blessed with much patience, so this is something I need to work on the most.
2. Asking others to join rather than offering them
Imagine this scenario – You receive an invitation from someone who says, “I am having a get-together tonight. You can join if you want.” Now, imagine receiving an invitation from someone who says, “I am having a get-together tonight, and I really want you to be there.” Can you feel the difference in how that makes you feel?
3. Being a reflective listener
Do you ever find yourself conversing where the other person seems disinterested or distracted? It’s not a great feeling, right? Well, the good news is that you can be the exception! Just give them your full attention, and show you’re really interested in what they’re saying by asking open-ended questions. No more boring “hmm” or “ok” responses, ok? Trust me, it’s these small changes that can have a big impact.
4. Hyping up someone’s progress
Do you have that one friend who’s been sweating it out at the gym every day or the friend who took the leap to quit their job and start a small business?
A simple but heartfelt compliment, like, “I can see all the progress you’re making, and it’s awe-inspiring. Keep it up. I’m rooting for you!” can make their day and motivate them even more.
5. When someone is excited about something and shares it with you
it doesn’t matter how mundane or common that thing is to you; share their excitement.
6. Smiling at strangers
This one time, I was at an NYC subway looking down at my phone, and when I looked up, a very cute guy looked at me and put on the brightest, most loving smile ever before I stepped on it. This rarely happens to me, so naturally, it felt nice. At that moment, I realized a smile can do wonders. A smile can someone’s entire day or even save their life.
7. Say what you feel
When someone asks you to text them when you get home safely, you forget to get back to them. Then they reach out and ask if you made it home okay. That little gesture makes you feel cared for and valued. It’s like a warm hug in text form.
8. Getting back to others about stuff they recommended
Have you ever received a recommendation from a friend or family member about a book or movie they love?
Imagine how thrilled they would be if you took their recommendation and actually read the book or watched the movie! And you might end up falling in love with it, too. It’s always great to share the joy of a wonderful recommendation with someone.
9. Say what you feel
Have you ever come across someone who speaks their mind without any sugar-coating or giving the silent treatment? I really admire such people because it saves everyone involved from the exhausting mind games and misunderstandings that often come with hiding our true feelings.
10. Genuinely complimenting people
One of the best ways to make someone feel appreciated is by complimenting them. We’re not just talking about the usual stuff about how they look, but something that really shows them that you appreciate their unique qualities.
Like when you tell someone, “I always learn something new from you – that’s why I love talking to you,” you’re letting them know that you see the good in them and that you appreciate their unique qualities.
So, go ahead and spread some positivity today by giving someone a sincere compliment!
11. Making someone feel comfortable in your presence.
12. When your cart is full, you let someone with a few items go ahead of you in line at the grocery store.
13. Wishing someone a birthday at midnight.
14. Remembering the little details about someone
Knowing that someone cares enough to pay close attention to the small things can really brighten your day. Maya Angelou said it best: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
15. Always saying “good morning” and “goodbye” to people.
16. Asking if somebody wants anything when you go to the store.
17. Expressing appreciation and gratitude towards others.
Do you ever want to tell someone how much they mean to you but don’t know how to say it? It’s actually pretty simple. Write down what this person does or brings that makes you think highly of them. A simple “thank you for being in my life” can go a long way in making someone’s day brighter.
18. Making others feel included and important.
19. When your cart is full, you let someone with a few items go ahead of you in line at the grocery store.
20. Checking on others who are clearly not doing okay.
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Just so you know, I do not do all these things all the time. I don’t always greet people or smile at them, or follow up on someone’s recommendation. I am in no way perfect. So, this is just as much a reminder to myself as it is for you.
xo
Yachna
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