7 Gifts You Can Give That Will Cost Nothing and Brighten the World

Each day, we have an amazing opportunity to make a difference and brighten our world.  Don't miss out on giving this gift!

We live in an "instant society."  Everything moves fast and it's getting faster.  It can be hard to keep up with what used to be the easy things.  And in a world dominated by technology and the "ping" of a smart phone or device that has us trained to immediately respond, we sometimes miss the opportunities to be our best and connect with others, even in little ways to make a difference.  Giving a gift to someone can make a huge difference in their lives and reminds us that we are human enriching ours as well.

Here are 7 gifts you can give that cost nothing and will brighten the world around you today.

1.) Tell someone you care about how much you appreciate them and most importantly, why...With life pulling us in a million different directions 24/7, we forget to stop and let people know how much they mean to us.  So, tell you spouse or significant other, tell a coworker, or call an old friend.  It takes less than 5 minutes to give this small gift that creates a ray of sunshine to brighten the world around you.

2.) Go out of your way to give someone the gift of a compliment, especially someone who would never expect it from you.  It might be the Starbucks barista that fills you cup every day, or the mailman that delivers your mail.  It doesn't matter who you pick.  What does matter is that you take the time to look at someone else and compliment them.  It is amazing the difference it can make.

3.)  Bring out your smile.  Try this exercise.  For one day, make it a point to smile in all your interactions.  All of them.  From those you meet in person passing by to even when you are talking on the phone.  Give everyone the gift of a smile.  You'll be amazed at what a difference it can make and how it will show through, even over the phone.

4.)  Take a genuine interest in another.  This gift can go a long way for any relationship.  Take the time to learn about someone and show them genuine interest.  It may be an employee you've never spent much time with or the person at the checkout counter.  Ask them a simple question (nothing creepy).  You can even mix it with a compliment and get a two-for!  "That's a really cool car, is there a story behind it?"  or
"I noticed you have an awesome scuba picture on your desk, where was that taken?"  The point is that you can make a difference in someone's life, and find out things you never knew that can give you another perspective or level of respect for someone, just by showing a genuine interest.

5.)  Send someone a handwritten "Thank You" note.  In an age where everything happens electronically, a handwritten note really stands out.  It shows you took the time to stop, think, write, and put real thought into your message.  It shows that you are willing to go beyond normal or conventional communication for someone.  Writing someone a thank you note can have a profound impact on their world and it can bring out a more thoughtful side of you as well.

6.)  Do one random act of kindness.  Give the gift of kindness to someone.  It may be helping them with their luggage at the airport or their groceries to the car.  It could be letting someone who is obviously in a hurry go ahead of you in line.  Opportunities to be kind present themselves to us all throughout each day. Take them up on their offer.

7.) Forgive someone.  Give the gift of forgiveness to someone who, either by accident or on purpose wronged you, or made a large mistake.  Forgive them, put it behind you, and move forward.  Forgiveness is a gift that truly helps both parties.  It clears the conscious of one, while strengthening the soul of the other. If there is someone to forgive in your life - do it now.  You will be amazed at how it can change the world around you.