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If you turn on the news and immediately feel overwhelmed by
all that seems wrong in the world, you’re definitely not alone. It’s natural to
feel like you want to help, but it can be hard to know where to start. You
don’t have to run a billion-dollar foundation or be a superhero to make a
positive impact on others’ lives. These 7 steps are a way to begin making a
difference in the world.
1. Take Care of Yourself.
Too often we are told that we
need to put others before ourselves, but if we aren’t focusing on our own
well-being, we can be very little help to others. Make sure to prioritize the
actions that will help you feel better, such as hydrating, exercising, positive
self-talk, and healthy eating. Antioxidant-rich Superberries Aronia berry
products are a delicious choice for increasing the health benefits of every
meal. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and compounds that can positively
impact your body and mind.
2. Eliminate Toxic Behaviors
Eliminate toxic behaviors in your own life. Sometimes we inadvertently harm ourselves and others with our actions. Gossiping about other people, for example, is one activity that can seem harmless, but it really isn’t. Other common toxic behaviors include comparing ourselves to others or being overly competitive, being jealous, judging people, talking negatively to and about others, seeking excessive attention and affirmation, and holding grudges. Though we have all done some of these things, we can make a positive difference for ourselves and those around us if we focus on positive alternatives.
3. Show Up and Listen Without Judgment
When we show up for
people authentically, we need to listen to them and hear what they are saying,
without trying to fix their lives or judge their choices or stressors. Remember
that when we are really holding space for others, it is not helpful to center
ourselves with our own thoughts or stories, no matter how much we feel they
relate. Valuing someone enough to hear what they are saying can make a
difference in people’s lives. Make sure not to share their stories without
their permission.
4. Volunteer
Whether you volunteer at a local non-profit,
at a school or for your elderly neighbor, doing something solely to help
others (and not to look good for Instagram) is a good way to make a difference
in the world.
5. Be a Good Neighbor
Make a point to know who your
neighbors are, keep your outdoor living space tidy, don’t be excessively noisy
or disruptive, and help others when you can. If you take walks, take a trash
bag and pick up trash along the way. Though it might seem like you’re not
making a difference, you are positively impacting the lives of all of your
neighbors.
6. Be Actively Kind and Grateful
Compliment people
authentically. Greet people in the hallways at work. Take a breath before you
respond in a stressful situation. Ask yourself throughout your day how you can
be kind in any given situation. It will make a big difference for your own
attitude and your experiences with others. Saying thank you, whether in person
or through a note or email is another way to positively impact your and others’
lives.
7. Check in with People
Check in with people and spend quality time. We are all
so busy these days that it can be easy to lose contact with people we love.
Even if you don’t have time to get together often, it can really help to take a
minute to text a friend, send a card or email, or make a call to them on the phone.
When you can spend time together, make sure you are mentally present so you can
spend quality time together, even if you’re doing an active hangout like
running errands together.
You are able to help change the world by changing yourself
and how you interact with others. Big changes often start with small actions.
You will find that your positive attitude and actions will help others spread
their positivity, too.
