National Make a Difference Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of October. It was established in 1992 with the vision to create a day where people could unite and make a tangible impact on society through community service. If you’ve been looking for a way to make a difference in the world, now is the perfect time to do so. Here are some ideas to get you going.
How to Make a Difference on National Make a Difference Day
Make a change
Just a couple of years before Make a Difference Day was instituted in 1992, Michael Jackson’s hit song, “Man in the Mirror” struck a chord with people everywhere. The lyrics tout the importance of assessing oneself, making necessary changes and realizing that definitive, lasting change must start from within. The gist of the song is that once we change ourselves, then we can seek to change the world around us. This was true thirty years ago and it is still true today.
If you want to make a difference in the world, start with yourself first. Take time to reflect on your ideals and beliefs. What is important to you? Consider meditating to calm your mind. It will also help you to find insight into the things that you are most passionate about. Getting into the right mindset is an important first step in making an impact on the world around you.
The ripple effect
Practicing daily kindness seems so simple that you might be tempted to overlook it. However, daily acts of kindness can make an immediate impact on the world around you. Oscar Wilde said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” This is a great reminder that in our fast paced, busy world, we may not actually get around to those lofty goals we have. Kindness, on the other hand, can be performed on any day, at any time and in any place. Smiling at someone on the street, holding a door for someone or offering someone a compliment are all good examples of how our immediate action can instantly change someone else’s day. It may even create a positive ripple effect where the impact of our actions may extend further than we may ever know. Being nice to others can be good for our own mental health as well. It reduces stress, improves our emotional well-being, and even benefits our physical health.
Lend a hand
Volunteering is a great way to celebrate Make a Difference Day. There are so many organizations that need help. If you have a special skill, such as accounting, social work or writing, consider donating your time in that area. You can find opportunities to volunteer based on your abilities at Benevity.com. There are multiple ways to volunteer: in person, on-line, in groups or by yourself. If you don’t have a lot of spare time, there are charities that only require a couple of hours of help per week. Whether you have a heart for serving in a food pantry, helping at a senior center or working with animals, if you feel inclined to volunteer, there is something for you.
Roll up a sleeve
The American Red Cross supplies nearly 40% of our nation’s blood. In mid-September they declared a national blood shortage. You can make a huge difference by donating blood today. Make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. They also have varied opportunities for volunteers in blood services support, disaster response and nursing. These opportunities can also be found on their website.
Tell me something good
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the tone of the news has been on a downward spiral for the last seventy years. Today there seems to be a constant stream of negative news delivered straight to our inbox, cell phones, and televisions. It can become easy to believe that there isn’t anything good left in the world. If you want to make a difference, try using your voice to spread some good news for a change. Post something positive on social media and hide or unfollow the people with negative voices and unhealthy political rants. Reach out and connect with far-away friends and family. Share a kind, uplifting story that you may have heard about. Social media can be a powerful, positive force if used in that manner.
Spread awareness
Is there a cause or mission that you are passionate about? Why not spread awareness about important issues and events that might be taking place in your community? Inform people about health screenings or healthy lifestyle changes. Organize a charity drive for cancer research. Raise awareness about important medical examinations that people should get. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and helping others adopt good habits would be a great way to make a difference.
It starts with you
You can make a difference in the world in so many ways. Remember that it doesn’t take grand gestures to change the world, even the smallest acts of kindness can affect someone else drastically. It all starts with you. Bring out the best in yourself first and then you can bring out the best in the world.
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Photo courtesy Pixabay/minanfotos
Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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