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I always had hopes and dreams of making an impact someday. Someday when I reached a certain income level and could afford to donate enough money to a cause to make a difference.

There were two flaws in my thinking, first that to make an impact I would have to donate a large sum of money, and second, that giving money was the only way to make impact.

Yes, donating to charities helps them to further their cause, but it isn’t just about the money. There are other resources, resources that we all have, that we can donate instead. Your time, treasure and talents are just a few.

I was raised to make an impact on others daily, no matter how small or how large. Something as simple as stopping to hold the door for the person behind or just to smile as you make eye contact with someone.

I don’t tend to share these things in public because it isn’t about being recognized for what you are doing. It is about just doing nice things and expecting nothing in return.

Then I began to wonder if talking about some of the things I was doing would inspire others to get involved. I know when I see others doing good things, it makes me want to do something too. With that, I decided to start documenting these good deeds on social media using the hashtag #MakeImpactMondaysProject

Every good deed hopefully inspires that person to do something nice for someone else. From one person to the next. It is a Chain of Inspiration that gets stronger and stronger with each link that is added.

Help Me With #MakeImpactMondaysProject

Will you join me? Every time you find a way to do something nice for a stranger, document it using the hashtag. My hope is that through sharing what we do, we can inspire others to do the same.

Not sure where to start? Here is a quick list of ideas to get you started:

  • Compliment the first three people you talk to today.
  • Send a positive text message to five people you haven’t talked to in a while.
  • Post inspirational sticky notes around your neighborhood, office, school, etc.
  • Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.
  • Say hi to the person next to you on the elevator.
  • Let someone go in front of you in line who only has a few items.
  • Hold the door for the person behind you.
  • Write a review for someone you have done business with in the past.
  • Leave quarters at the laundromat.
  • Encounter someone in customer service who is especially kind? Take an extra five minutes to tell their manager.
  • Leave unused coupons next to corresponding products in the grocery store.
  • Leave a note on someone’s car telling them how awesome they parked.
  • Place a positive body image notes in jean pockets at a department store.
  • Smile at five strangers.
  • Set an alarm on your phone to go off at three different times during the day. In those moments, do something kind for someone else.
  • Shovel snow for an elderly neighbor.
  • Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.
  • Know parents who could use a night out? Offer to babysit for free.
  • Return shopping carts for people at the grocery store.
  • Give up your seat.
  • Write a positive comment on your favorite blog, website, or a friend’s social media account.
  • Ask for donations instead of gifts on your next birthday.
  • Have a cleanup party at a park.
  • While you’re out, compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is.
  • Write your partner a list of things you love about them.
  • Donate blood.
  • Find opportunities to give compliments. It costs nothing, takes no time, and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it.
  • Give someone words of encouragement.
  • Donate your old eyeglasses.
  • Send a ‘Thank you’ card or note to the officers at your local police or fire station.
  • Run an errand for a family member who is busy.
  • Teach someone a skill you know.
  • Email or write to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.
  • Visit a random person at a nursing home.
  • Stop to help a stranded motorist.
  • Donate unwanted clothing to your local thrift store.
  • Buy coffee for the person behind you in line.
  • Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats!
  • Leave a gas gift card at a gas pump.
  • Make a care package for a member of the military.
  • Leave a kind server the biggest tip you can afford.
  • Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter.
  • Take flowers or treats to the nurses’ station at your nearest hospital.
  • Take muffins or cookies to your local librarians.
  • Leave a box of goodies in your mailbox for your mail carrier.
  • Buy a glass of lemonade from a kid’s lemonade stand.
  • Donate food to a local food bank.
  • Give someone a book they will like.
  • Run a 5K for a good cause.
  • Send someone a gift anonymously.
  • Give food to a homeless person.
  • Buy a lottery ticket and give it to a stranger.
  • Put a quarter in an expired parking meter.
  • Drop off a premade meal for someone in need.
  • Donate to a fundraiser for someone in need.