We know, we know—the new year started last month. But we want a do-over. Let’s face it, 2020 was a hell of a year, and January 2021 seemed like a continuation. 

We should all take heart in the fact that things never stay the same, good or bad. So with all the bad we’ve been through together, there’s good on the horizon. Nature is evidence of that; the days are getting longer, and soon we’ll see signs of new life all around us. And if we can just be patient (and diligent!), the pandemic will soon be a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, every one of us can “goose” the process of making this world a brighter place. You know that old trick of talking yourself into a good mood by forcing negative thoughts out of your head and focusing on positive ones? Well, that’s what we all need to do, very deliberately, with positive thoughts that manifest as outward gestures toward others—not the folks we already know and love (though of course, we should be extra nice to them too), but the folks we don’t know. The total strangers. 

Starting today, let’s regard every stranger we meet with no preconceptions. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt right off the bat. And let’s share our positivity with them through small acts of grace—acts that cost us nothing, or close to it, but that will pay enormous dividends collectively.

Here are some ideas that occurred to us:

Smize.” That’s Tyra Banks’s word for “smile with your eyes”—the only way to smile lately. It takes extra facial muscles, but it’s totally worth the crow’s feet. Before you know it, life will be back to normal, and we can simply smile again.

Hold the door open for people. As we make our way out of this pandemic, this simple gesture shows that you care about someone, by giving them one less thing to have to touch.

Take your neighbor’s newspaper to their door. Older folks, especially, will appreciate not having to navigate treacherous front steps or a long driveway. 

Pick up trash when you take a walk. Just grab a grocery bag and a disposable glove, and pick up litter as you go, until the bag is full. No big deal. But if you walk regularly, just doing that little bit each day will make a noticeable difference over time.

Tip generously. Restaurants have been hit hard by the pandemic, and many servers (who essentially work for tips) have lost the majority of their income. Think of 20 percent as a baseline. Dig deeper and go bigger if you can.

Be a gracious driver. Let people into traffic ahead of you, even if they cheated by passing cars in the chicken lane. Give the “thank you” wave at the slightest courtesy. If road rage is contagious, whatever’s the opposite of road rage can be contagious too.

Give out $5 gift cards. Buy a bunch and give them out to the folks who’ve helped keep your world turning for the past year, like delivery people, mail carriers and teachers. 

We’d love to hear your ideas for spreading positivity. Email them to us at [email protected], and we’ll publish them in this space. 

In the meantime, wishing you the warmth of kindness and grace,

Scott & Daralyn