10 Ways to Be the Light

Life gets so much better when we can find light and be the light in other people’s lives. But how exactly do we do that? Today I’m going to share 10 ways that you can spread kindness and joy every day. These are all simple ideas that go far in bringing just a little bit of light to someone else’s day.

1. Send an encouraging text.

If someone randomly pops into your head or you see that they share a Facebook status about an update in their life, text them! You never know when someone might need a burst of encouragement. Let them know you’re thinking/praying for them, tell them you’re proud of them, or just send a meme.

2. Write a thank you card for someone unexpected.

Don’t wait until Christmas or your birthday to bust out those thank you cards! There are plenty of people that deserve our thanks, so write a note and let them know your gratitude. Need some ideas? Bus drivers, coffee shop baristas, teachers, and custodians all deserve our thanks.

3. Cut the gossip.

4. Speak kindly to others.

5. Speak kindly to YOURSELF.

The way we speak to and think about ourselves changes the way we talk to others, so really, being kind to yourself is being kind to everyone else. When you feel yourself slipping into negative self-talk, acknowledge it and do your best to move past it.

6. Pay it forward.

Next time you’re in the drive-through line at Starbucks, think about paying for the person in front of you. Again, you never know what someone’s going through or whether your small gesture will come at the exact moment that they needed someone to show them love.

7. Support your friends.

There are so many different ways to support your friends, no matter what they’re doing. Show up for them when you can, whether that’s by attending an event they’re hosting, reading something they’ve written, or simply liking the posts they share.

8. Be the first one to say hello.

9. Forgive others when they make mistakes.

10. Forgive yourself when you make a mistake.

It’s inevitable – you’re gonna make a mistake every once in a while (or more often than that). Give yourself the same grace you would want someone to give you.

Bringing joy to life doesn’t have to be hard if you look for little ways to be the light every day. Let’s look at the sunny side and do our part to make the world a better place!