As many will agree, 2015 was a pretty dire year for humanity. But then so were the hundreds of years preceding it, for some, many and/or all. No matter what the world throws at us, our initial scared, miserable and angry reactions are not going to solve anything. But don't resist these reactions; let them spur you towards something that will make even the smallest change in just one person's life. "But what can I do? I'm just one person?!" Well this quote is a nice way to think about the world, when everything seems too overwhelming to change:
"Don't look for big things, just do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa
On that note, here are 10 small (but loving) things you can do this year to make a better 2016, for both you and the world.
1. Have a clear out
Take to your bedroom and have a thorough (yes, thorough!) clear out of what you don't need. Have you used it in the last year? Did you even know you had it? Do you avoid choosing it when you open your wardrobe? Will you need it in the next year? No? Thought so. Now you can take this huge pile of stuff to your local charity shop, and/or you could find somewhere that will pass on some of the warm items of clothing to those in need. Failing that, take to the streets and pass on an old coat, jacket, scarf or hat to some who needs it more than you.
2. Buy locally (even if it's just once)
Spending a few extra pence or pounds on some food will not harm you that much in the long-run. You were going to buy those items anyway, so why not help out a local business, instead of handing over your hard-earn money/student loan to large corporations. Think about how much further your £10 will go within a family-run business.
3. Donate some money to charity (and tell no one)
Even if it's just a few pounds, find a cause that you care about and give a little! But don't tell anyone about it. When you share your good deed, you are actually sacrificing some of the happiness this act can yield. But if you keep it to yourself, you can feel content in knowing that you are a good person, and you don't need to prove it to anyone.
4. Go to your nearest pet rescue centre
You don't have to re-home an animal, or even donate any money or food (though it would definitely be nice if you did). Even just going along and surrounding yourself with the adorable animals might just warm your heart a little, and remind you that the world's not so bad.
5. Chat to someone you normally wouldn't
It might be the stern-faced bus driver you see in the morning, the barista that makes your daily coffee, or maybe someone on your course at university, or in your office building. Just say hello and ask how their day is going. Maybe even introduce yourself with a smile. It doesn't have to generate the greatest friendship known to mankind, but a brief human-to-human interaction might just brighten their day, and even yours!
6. Leave a copy of your favourite book for someone to find
If you haven't got a favourite book, then maybe a CD copy of your most beloved album, or a print of a photograph/painting that you love. If it means something to you, then leave it in a public place for someone else to appreciate; the right person will find it.
7. Go to an independent café/coffee shop/sandwich bar
Buy something small. Leave a large tip.
8. Contact someone you haven't seen in a while
Tell them that you've thought about them recently and you hope they are doing ok. You can arrange to meet up, but even just wishing them well will be appreciated. I'm sure you would personally cherish the same gesture (unless it's an ex; if so, delete immediately).
9. Go to a local gig/open mic night
It won't be difficult to find cheap/free live music near you, and the performers would highly appreciate a little extra support, even if you don't enjoy it. Listen, and I mean really listen to them express their love, happiness and pain through their music. If you can, buy some merch, or leave a small donation with the performers; many musicians don't want riches, they just want to be heard (and you know, pay rent).
10. Write a kind note for a stranger to find
Even the simplest of words can have a huge effect on someone's day: "You matter," "Keep going"; "It's ok to be scared." Leave it at a bus stop, on someone's car, in a doctor's waiting room. Everyone needs a little reminder that they are important, even if they don't believe it. If you have any other ideas to add to this list, do get in touch, we'd love to hear your thoughts.
