I opened my local newspaper today and found an inspiring column, written by a 14 year old who, with a number of other teens have made great strides in changing the world!  Marissa has formed a group of like minded teens who have done amazing things to help others and change the world.  They’ve collected used jeans for homeless teens, made and donated fleece blankets to  abused, neglected and emotionally disturbed children, baked and decorated gingerbread houses for nursing homes, hospices and rehab centers around town and more.  This 14 year old, wise and generous beyond her years, shared some ideas for how every individual can change their own frame of mind and make a difference in the world, one, small act at a time.  Here’s her list.

• Give a stranger a sincere compliment.
• At a restaurant, buy dessert for another family.
• Buy a bouquet of flowers for someone you care about.
• Let someone go ahead of you in line.
• Bake a batch of cookies to share with your co-workers.
• Talk with a homeless person or buy them a cup of coffee or a bagel.
• Write an appreciative letter to someone who has made a difference in your life.
• Write a note of appreciation to your mail carrier.
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Call or visit someone who is sick.
• Say “Good Morning.”
• Give someone a hug.
• Give your seat to someone who needs it more than you on a bus or train.
• Pay someone’s toll.
• Leave a generous tip.
• Make someone laugh.
• Donate clothes to a charity.
• Smile!
• Leave flowers on the doorstep of someone you don’t know; ring the doorbell and run.
• Make a card for someone you love.
• Pick up trash at a local park.
• Put a quarter in a parking meter that has expired.

And, my all time favorite:

• Be spontaneous.  Make an effort to act  on each and every kind thought.

Not only will these acts (and others you may think of) make others happy, but performing random acts of kindness feels great and it gives you an incredible burst of adrenaline.

Maybe we should stop reading the gloom and doom headlines and turn to our youth for hope and inspiration!  Thanks Marissa!