improve the world

This morning, I’ve had a particular piece of wisdom on my mind:

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

— Anne Frank

Rather than waxing philosophical on the power of mere existence — and how every person’s every action is like that small stone thrown into the pond, the impact rippling outward to touch even the farthest shore — I thought I’d instead think up a couple of quick, simple ways to put this truth into positive, constructive action.

So, how can one person start to improve the world right here and now?

* Say, “I love you,” and mean it.
* Take a deep breath and appreciate being able to breathe.
* Be generous to other drivers merging and changing lanes in traffic.
* Offer your seat on the bus or train to someone who needs it more than you do.
* Say, “Hello” and share a smile with a stranger.
* Treat your body to a glass of clean water and a fresh piece of fruit.
* Take a five- or ten-minute break to get outside. Take a walk, touch a tree and the grass, literally stop to smell the roses.
* Wave to the children on the school bus as they go by.
* Take a box of languishing items — clothing, housewares, books, etc. — to a local charity.
* Turn off (and even unplug) household and office lights and appliances when you’re not using them.
* Pick up a piece of litter and make sure it gets to a trash bin.
* Greet neighbors and co-workers as they come and go through the day.
* Say, “Thank you” to your librarian, postal carrier, street sweeper, retail cashier, teacher — anyone — to express appreciation for his/her service.
* Think of a favorite game from childhood — whether it’s Red Light Green Light, Twister, Hide-and-Go-Seek, Crazy 8s or chess — and make a play date with your friends.
* Register to vote, if you haven’t already.

It would be easy to spend the rest of the morning coming up with more ideas, but you get the drift. I’d rather spend that same time actually making a difference.

What are you doing today to have a positive impact?