6 Simple Ways You Can Make a Stranger’s Day
Your guide to spreading happiness and joy around the world.
Make a stranger's day (Shutterstock)
The average American knows 600 people. The world population is estimated at 7.2 billion. So that’s a total of 7,199,999,400 strangers. Needless to say - that’s a lot of people. And when it comes to being kind to strangers, there are a lot of opportunities for good doing.
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This list of ideas can help you to spread happiness and joy around the world - to the people you see on the street, encounter on social media - and to millions of people you may never know, see or meet. Each idea listed below to improve a stranger’s day is easy to actualize, and sure to have a strong positive impact.
1. PLEDGE A GOOD DEED
From giving a compliment to allowing a stranger ahead in line, you can make a pledge to do good as part of Good Deeds Day on April 2, 2017. The funky platform allows you to share your promise on social media, and sends out a personalized reminder ahead of the big day.
Helping a stranger cross the road (Shutterstock)
2. DOWNLOAD AN APP
Your trusty smartphone can serve as the perfect tool to help out your fellow man - from lending your eyes to a blind person to giving assistance to strangers in an emergency. This list of six such friendly apps will get you on the right track.
Using technology to do good (Shutterstock)
3. SMILE
Simply flashing a smile at a person you pass on the street can change their day. Imagine that - all you need to do is activate a few small muscles in your face, for a matter of seconds, and you can make someone happy. This smiley 59-second video will walk you through the science behind it. Give it a go - you might just make your day, too.
Smiling at strangers - give it a go! (Shutterstock)
4. DONATE SOMETHING
It could be books you know you won’t read again, clothes your children have outgrown, or even a cash donation to your favorite charity. Either way it’s a win-win - you’ll feel great for helping out, and help someone else in need.
Clear out your cupboard and make a stranger's day (Shutterstock)
5. PAY IT FORWARD
Popping up all over the world, Pay it Forward chains usually start when a kind-hearted person decides to pay for the person in line behind them - at a coffee shop perhaps, or a drive through. Each happy recipient then decides to return the favor, brightening dozens or even hundreds of people’s days with the good vibes of receiving a gift and passing it on. Next time you’re buying something, consider making a stranger’s day by paying it forward.
One for you, one for a stranger (Shutterstock)
6. GIVE WAY
Keeping zen on the road is a challenge to say the least - making it the perfect place to practice your mindfulness and be kind to strangers. When you’re next behind the wheel, try to be the kindest driver on the road - giving way wherever you can, especially if someone seems to be in a rush. You’ll make their day that little bit smoother - and probably enjoy your drive, too!
Help a stranger on the road (Shutterstock)
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Goodnet was initiated by Shari Arison and is operated by The Ted Arison Family Foundation. Shari Arison is also the initiator of Good Deeds Day.
