Making A Difference

I want to make a difference in life. No I’m not practising auditions for Miss World but it’s true – that’s my main goal in life. I like to think there’s a reason to every life and the reason differs for every person and I think mine is to make a difference. Sometimes I get scared and I think about how time flies and I worry that I will end up not doing enough. I think about every aspect of my life and I think I’m doing some things that are worthwhile such as my work, volunteering with the British Red Cross and in my home where I help look after my dad. I think I do make a difference, and people are appreciative of me, to be honest the fact that I know I’ve helped people and continue helping people, and the fact that I have people who love me, they keep me going. Some people think to make a difference you need to do something huge but you don’t. Something you think is small to you may be very much appreciated by someone else and the fact you took the time to do it goes a long way. How can you make a difference? I’ll make a little list.

1) Donate money to charity
Goes to a worthy cause and every penny they get is a penny more to helping their goal.
2) Randomly smile at people and say “good morning” or “hello”
You may be the only friendly face they’ll see that day.
3) Buy a sandwich for someone who is homeless
Could be the only meal they get that day. Afterall, how many people walk past?
4) Phone a friend who could do with talking or cheering up
Hearing your voice and the fact you care.
5) Help someone pack their shopping
Everyone hates it!
6) Volunteer for a Charity
Makes you feel good and everyone else feel good.
7) Stand up for someone
If you think someone is being wrong done by, then say something! Be on their side! Don’t let them take all the stick, maybe if you put your word in it’ll ease the situation.
8 ) Buy someone flowers or a box of chocolates
Everyone likes a surprise, make it anonymous if you want!!
9) Compliment. And mean it!
Often we think things to ourselves but hold ourselves back from saying it because we think we’ll sound daft. But if you’re thinking something nice about someone – say it!!
10) Hug your friends, family, colleagues. Strangers if you want – just hug!!
Makes both you and your “hugged” feel good.
11) Send e-mails or an ecard, a card through the post, or a letter.
Lets them know you’re thinking of them.
12) Pay for the person behind you. Whether it be a toll charge or towards their Mcdonalds.
Kind people do exist!
13) Help an elderly person – whether it be dropping in to ask if they want anything from the shops, helping them with the lawn or even just a bit of company. Especially at times like Christmas when for many, they’re most lonely.
Acts of kindness go a long way, makes the day go a lot smoother.

Remember to Pay it Forward!! I will always remember a film I saw a few years ago named Pay It Forward, about a young boy who was given an assignment to think of something to change the world and put it into action. He wanted to make an impact and he’d help people and when he helped them, he didn’t want anything in return – he wanted them to spread the kindness and carry on helping others. The young boy creates these rules for Pay It Forward:

#1 It has to be something that really helps people.
#2 Something they can’t do by themselves.
#3 I do it for them, they do it for three other people.

Also remember – when you give you also recieve.