Brighten Someone's Day

Yesterday, I shared this thought along with a quote picture on Facebook and Instagram:

"We all judge others every single day, whether we mean to or not. There is so much anger and sadness in this world and we have a responsibility to do something to change that. If your actions come from a place of genuine concern and love, they are probably going to make the world a better place. But no matter how noble you believe your actions to be, if they come from a place of prejudice or conceit, you're only hurting others. The intent behind our actions is a powerful thing, people. I challenge you to do something for someone who is broken in some way. Not because you pity them, but because you truly want to help. Live your life serving others. Love more authentically."

I think this is a really important concept for people to understand, so I wanted to add a bit more by sharing my top 5 favorite ways of brightening someone's day.

1. Send them a text, email, handwritten letter, etc.

There is nothing I love more than contact that comes from out of the blue and shows that someone was thinking of me and wanting me to know that they love me. It completely brightens my day and helps me to know how appreciated I am, even if I'm hearing from someone that I haven't talked to in quite some time; maybe especially then. Show someone that you care! Words are powerful.

2. Smile.

This sounds SUPER cliche, but it can make all the difference. If someone sees that you're happy to see them, chances are that joy will rub off on them. Just smile! :D

3. Hug them.

This varies from person to person since I know a lot of people don't like to be touched, but a hug can convey a lot of things that can't easily be said in words.

4. Show genuine concern/care for them and their burdens.

This is totally a "duh" concept, but surprisingly one that people forget. Make sure that if you're listening to someone's problems, you're not sitting there waiting for them to stop talking so you can launch into your story of how you/your mom/someone you know went through the same thing, and this happened, and blah blah blah. No. Genuinely listen to what they have to say, and provide feedback/commentary IF USEFUL. Don't say something merely to respond to them, but make what you say count, if you MUST say something. Sometimes your words aren't needed, just someone to vent to can make all the difference.

5. Make them something.

I'm a crafter/baker/creator at heart, so this comes second nature to me: making someone a little gift. Whether that's a handmade card that I've written (using #1 AND #5 in one go!), a plate of cookies, or an embroidered work of art, I love taking time out of my day to create something for someone else. And when someone receives these kinds of gifts, they're usually more touched than you would expect. Give someone the gift of your time, through something you've created for them!