In January, we read “Small Ways to Make a Big Difference”, an e-book put together by Raam Dev and available for free from his website.

Its at once inspiring, affirming and motivational.  If you want to change the world but can’t figure where to start,  or if you want to do more but can’t decide which step to take next, then this book is bound to have at least one idea that you can put into action.  They may seem like just small steps, but each step leads to another, and another, and another …

My favourite idea from the book is by Ali Dark:

Vote with your money

I want to introduce you to the wall. The wall holds up a raging dam of human

potential. It’s held together with money – the money the same people spend.

Change how you spend money and the wall collapses, and the world changes.

Drastically. Forever.

If you think that soda is bad for people (which it sure as hell is), never, ever, ever,

buy soda. That’s a vote in the ballot box. Same goes for meat, alcohol and other

plagues on humanity.

Want more organic food? Bite the bullet and buy organic. That’s a vote for the

organic industry and more power to them.

Every dollar in your pocket is a vote. Don’t forget it. Every single one is counted.

It’s a failsafe system. It’s perfect democracy.

Since reading this I have begun to really think seriously about how, and where, I spend my money.  Who am I voting for when I make a purchase?  What kind of world do I want to live in?  What am I supporting with every dollar I spend?

The whole book has inspired me to focus on the small things that I can do to make a difference to the world.  I’ve put together my own list of small ways to make a big difference.  I’d love you to share yours!

Be kind

Being unkind serves no useful purpose.  It doesn’t make things better.  It doesn’t advance your cause.  It doesn’t encourage, motivate or inspire.

Remember that everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.  So cut them some slack.  (to paraphrase Plato)

Tell people you love them

There are some things you can never say too often.  ’I love you’ is one of them.  Say it with words, with flowers, with breakfast in bed, with a home cooked meal or a hand made card.  Say it every day.  Nothing is more precious than knowing you are loved.

Give more

Most of us have more than we need and can afford to give more than we currently do.  Make giving a priority.  Put it at the top of your budget and work the rest of your financial commitments around it.  How much you can give doesn’t matter.  Whether its $0.25 or $25, your contribution matters.  It can make a difference!

Speak Out

If you see something that is not right, not fair, or just plain not on, speak out.  Don’t expect someone else to do it.  Don’t wait for someone else to fix it.  Stand up, speak out and change the world.