“Everyone can do simple things to make a difference, and every little bit really does count.” – Stella McCartney

Sometimes we go along and get content with our “go with the flow” attitude. It’s easy to take everything at face value and assume we are just one person and cannot possibly make a real change. But, what if you could make a change?

What if something you do or say could make a difference in somebody’s life? It is possible!

You do have the choice of being the change the world needs. You can set off a chain reaction of positive energy so powerful that it’s possible to make a real difference in the lives of others. Check out these 10 ways you can be a difference maker and be that change today.

1. Change your thinking. You are not here to do what you are asked, but to make a difference. You may need to change your way of thinking to see the wonderful gifts you have to offer. Learning how to change your negative thoughts is the difference-maker between living a life of “go with the flow” and one filled with being the difference.

2. Put others’ needs in front of your own. If you can do without something without completely interrupting your life, consider giving it to somebody else. Instead of buying that $5 coffee, put the money in charity jar. Reach out to help when you are tired. Lift up the spirits of others when your spirit feels drained. When you do, your spirit will come alive with an unstoppable compassion that will change the world.

3. Smile at a complete stranger. It is amazing how far a simple smile can go to making a difference in somebody’s day. Smile with energy – smile with love – and smile with purpose. Your smile could mean the difference between someone feeling hopeless or feeling hopeful.

4. Visit a nursing home and do what you can to brighten somebody’s day. Read a book aloud for somebody or be there to listen to them reminisce. You can also help with writing letters or sending email. Perhaps the best gift you can give is to remind the senior citizen that his or her time in this world mattered. Let them know they have made the world a better place.

5. Do your part to keep your community a little cleaner by participating in recycling programs. You can also pitch in with litter pickups or taking care of the park’s building and grounds.

6. Write letters to soldiers who are deployed. Send care packages, help facilitate Skype sessions or arrange memorable homecomings. There are also plenty of organizations, like Adopt a US Soldier or Any Soldier where you can volunteer your time and talent to make a difference to those serving.

7. Give someone a little part of yourself by… giving blood, becoming an organ donor, or cutting your hair to make wigs for cancer patients.

8. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen. Offer to make a meal and serve it to those in need. You can also donate a car, computer equipment, and old coats. Simplify what you own by providing necessities to the less fortunate.

9. Offer to mow your elderly neighbor’s lawn or stack wood for them this winter. Grab a rake and start bagging the leaves, too. You can also help by doing some painting or performing small home repairs. Your generous act will make a huge difference in that person’s life.

10. Get involved with Habitat for Humanity. Volunteering your time to put a roof over a family’s head is generous and rewarding. Just as important as putting a solid roof over a family’s head, when you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, you are giving the family an opportunity to spend more on food, medicine, child care, education and other essentials.

About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.