I love this time of year. The cooler weather here in the south, the anticipation of Christmas and the kindness that goes along with it. There are those that struggle with this time of year. Depression sucks the life and joy right out of them.
So many people tell me they feel like they are not making a difference in this world. They are discouraged, down and I understand it. Completely.
We need to see more good things flooding our hearts, we need to share more about those that are making a difference, and we need to promote positivity with all the negativity that surrounds us. Don’t wait on the News Media to do it for you! We need to do this ourselves.
I challenge you to do ONE thing a day to make a difference.
At the end of the year 365 lives will be impacted thanks to you. 3 6 5!
It doesn’t have to be what is on this list. This list is just a means to get your brain moving in the right direction.
#spreadingJOY Tip: Use Instagram to show how you are impacting this world. It’s like a microblogging tool for you. You can easily see 9 photos at a time on your home page and be encouraged by the difference you are making!
I’d love to be able to flood Social Media with what you are doing too. Share it with me directly on twitter @spreadingJOY , using the hashtag #spreadingJOY on twitter or Instagram, or on our Facebook Page
Instagram: @spreadingjoyandlove
Facebook: @spreadingjoycorp
I cannot wait to share how you are making a difference! Here are 30 ways to touch hearts and lives this month!
- Card of Appreciation Custodial Worker for Appreciation Day – this could be huge for someone
- Thank a Veteran – keep some pre-written thank you cards in your vehicle and when you see someone parked in the Veteran parking, or a Military sticker on their car, you can easily leave a card for them.
- Positive Feed Back about your waitress, cashier etc – Managers usually only hear the negative. Trust me when I say this is HUGE
- Send Encouraging Text – I mean you are sending texts anyway. Send several. Take a screen shot and tag them #spreadingJOYdaily on twitter or instagram
- Leave a sticky note of kindness for several people – This is so much fun! On car windows, desks, computer screens. Mirrors in restrooms. I cannot wait to see your photos of this!
- Give a blessing bag to homeless (or someone in need) – use Gallon size bags or even purses (or other bags you no longer use) for the ladies
- Make a $5 donation to spreading-joy.org – Seriously, Christmas is right around the corner and we need your help.
- Stuffed animals for Seniors – collect what you can from friends and families and take them to your nearest Rest Home/Senior Care Center
- Cards/treat for first responders – This is super easy and great fun!
- Snail Mail to nieces/nephews – What child doesn’t like mail?
- Pass along a book (or 3) – Got a stack of books you’ve read? Devotionals you are done with?
- Cook extra & give to older neighbor – Making lasagna, soup or anything? Double it and give it away
- Purchase coffee for person behind you – or fast food meal etc. Endless possibilities here
- Pick up trash in park or your road – weather is cooling down, take a stroll down your road or closest park and clean it up some
- Send a card telling someone WHY you appreciate them – When is the last time you did this? Honestly we should pick one or two people a month and do this.
- Rake leaves for neighbors – such a huge help
- Give donuts/cupcakes to homeless – You know where they are in your city. Take it to them. If you live in a more rural area, take some to a local school for the teachers.
- Share info about pets needing adoption – You never know who is looking to adopt. Share the info on Facebook about your local shelter.
- Thank an officer – Be a positive force today
- Tip Extra (especially at breakfast) – This is huge for those that serve during breakfast hours.
- Pay for Someone’s Groceries (or give a gift card) – if you aren’t sure of how much they will spend, just give a random person a gift card. Or a single mom, or a family that is struggling.
- Put notes inside of books at store or library – LOVE this. Do it….it’s great fun.
- Leave some dollars on items at $ store – Put a sticky on the dollar bills and say something like “To YOU from ME…enjoy”
- Leave a note in the pocket or on pillow (mirror) for someone you love – When they find it their day will be even better
- Send a care package to someone – Tons of ideas for this! Please post when you send one
- SMILE – give them away freely – A smile and a nod are amazing gifts when your heart is breaking.
- Print out inspirational posters & leave in random places – or if you are crafty, artsy – handletter it and hang it
- Give out FREE HUGS (yes, use a sign too) – we should set up a free hugs stand. Seriously, post those photos
- Make a homemade gift for someone – easy ideas to get you started
- Lend a helping hand. LOOK for opportunities to do so – so many ways to just help. Be available and looking for opportunities.
Making a difference daily is as easy as…. https://t.co/Z5xZRmrVrv #dailyideas #spreadingJOY #actsofkindness You can do this! We will help pic.twitter.com/TlJG0WrGYB
— Marie Wikle (@spreadingJOY) October 1, 2016
Want more ideas? Get our book Spreading Joy Daily and check out 50 Ways to Make a difference without Spending a Penny.
Let’s be a positive force!
Let’s make a difference daily!
Let’s flood Social Media with good things!
Let’s BE the Difference we are seeking
Have Fun Spreading Joy and making a difference!
What are some ways you are making a difference this month? How are you getting your children involved.
© 2016, Spreading Joy. All rights reserved.
I love this post. Lets Thank someone today.
gratitude is sooo huge and important! and often doesn’t cost a penny to show
marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
These are all such great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by Stephanie! I hope they will inspire you to do just one thing a day for others
marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
Love all of your ideas! I keep a stack of gift tags with encouraging notes/verses on them to tuck under windshield wipers in random parking lots! I live life Choosing Joy, and you reminded me that I can do that by spreading it too!
that is a great idea!! I love that! thank you for sharing! I hope that the next time you do it, you’ll tweet it out and share with me!
marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
Love this! I need to print this out so me, my hubby, my
Kids and my girlfriends can !
yes!! please do! it is a spring board to get your mind going and I’d love to see what you do via twitter or instagram!
marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
There are so many reasons I love this. One, I need to pick a few and contribute to making this world a better place. In the recent months with the divides of our nation becoming more prevalent daily taking time to show others kindness is needed andfinally, we are here to Spread Joy! Thank you for doing just that!
Exactly De. The news won’t show great things happening from individuals, so I decide I wanted to prompt people to have some fun spreading joy and find the good… do some good and be the good.
marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
I love this so much! I think this time of year we tend to focus more on ourselves rather than others so being intentional about blessing others is a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing these great prompts.
being intentional is easy with just a little planning! I hope this will spark some ideas for everyone who read them!
marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
I really like the challenge! It’s actually something I’ve been thinking about lately. I’ve been thinking of ways to stretch myself.
just a few things – things we love are the easiest ways to get into making a difference daily.
marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
a LOT of great ideas!
Thanks Andi! I hope many will find them easy to do and that they spark some ideas of their own!
Marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
I love this, I’m going through a rubbish time right now, this has given me a boost. Thank you xxx
This will give you more of a boost than you realize Francesca. Just one thing a day… the results will flood your heart with great joy!
Marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
Love this concept! I shared it on Pinterest!
Lo recently posted..If My Husband Could Hear Me…
thank you so much Lo! I appreciate you doing so!
Marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
What a wonderful idea! Looking forward to doing some of these with my kiddos..
Thanks for sharing !
I love making memories with the kids this way. When they got older, it was such a wonderful thing to see them think of others first – without realizing that they were doing that. amazing!
Marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
Keep spreading joy. You are making a difference here in your page. 🙂
Thanks Lux! I appreciate the kind words!
Marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
I love this. Spreading joy should be part of our everyday lives. For me it comes in the form of a helping hand, blessing a family who’ve just had a new baby with a meal, making my mother-in-law a cup of coffee, following God’s promptings to pray for people or send an encouraging word.
Thanks for all your ideas.
LOVE these ideas!! thank you for sharing them!
what a great post to share and challenge others to.
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Thanks Angie! I appreciate you stopping by
marie recently posted..You can Be the Difference
I think it would be good for everyone to make a better effort to support each other and brighten someones day. Love these suggestions, thanks so much for sharing!
Laurie recently posted..Five Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
What a great list of ways to do something for someone else! Enjoyed your post!
Julie recently posted..8 Great Reasons to have a Faith Vision Board
Tips are great. This article will help.
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