It can feel as though everything is doom and gloom these days, but love definitely is all around us (didn’t mean to quote ‘Love Actually’ but it’s true). It can be hard to find especially when we are limited in what we can do and who we can see. So be the light you want to see in the world and share the love any way you can.

Compliment

This whole blog post stemmed from the lovely experience I had when grabbing a coffee today. I had such a nice chat with the barista who complimented my outfit and I was instantly glowing for the rest of the day. It was such a small act but I felt so good about myself and wanted to pass on the love. Something as simple as saying “Hey, I love your shoes” to a friend or even a complete stranger can be so uplifting.

Give

I know many of us aren’t in a position to give much to others but it doesn’t have to be extreme. We wouldn’t think twice about buying a sandwich for ourselves when we have perfectly good food at home so why not do that for a homeless person who has very little? As Joey Tribbiani once said, “There is no such thing as a selfless good deed” and that’s not a bad thing! Doing a good deed for someone else will make you feel positive and uplifted. It’s a win win situation in my opinion.

Support

We all need to support each other now more than ever, friends and family but also local businesses and people in our community. Supporting local businesses doesn’t have to be buying solely from them and them alone, it can be sharing their social media posts, following and commenting. Word of mouth is so powerful too, tell your friends about the great coffee you got from your local coffee shop or snap an insta to share with your followers and tag them in it. Simple acts can go such a long way for small businesses.

Another way of supporting your community is by donating your clothes to charity shops. I know this is halted at the moment but take this time to clean out your wardrobe, fill some black bags and in December head to your local SVP to support just in time for Christmas.

Care

There are a million ways to show you care. A good morning text to say “Have a great day!” or sending a care package to friends or family who really need it. My mum sent me a box full of lovely things including my cozy pyjamas and dressing gown, fluffy socks, a dairy free chocolate bar (very thoughtful) and a card with a lovely note. It’s the simple things that really do pick you up.

When I say care, I also mean caring for our surroundings and environment. I get joy out of the smallest acts of care, for example, when I buy an iced coffee I love to bring it home, clean out the cup and recycle it. Or when I have an empty soup carton I use it for weeks after as a lunch box, and don’t even get me started on jars. Reducing your waste and recycling is an act of caring for the environment and will make you feel proud and fulfilled.

Smile

Smiling is infectious. Smile at your housemate when you meet them in the morning making breakfast. Smile at your neighbour walking their dog. Smile at their dog too. Smile at strangers on the street. Smile at your friends on facetime and make funny faces at them in the camera. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Smile through tears, not so cute but it helps. I guarantee you, you will feel one hundred times better if you do this and a million times better when people smile back.

Be kind to each other, be kind to our planet and don’t forget to be kind to yourself. It’s cool to be kind!