Do you ever feel like the world is tumbling down, society is crashing, all the good in the world is diminishing rapidly, and there’s just no hope? The news is filled with horror stories, there’s pain and misery left and right, and everyone's going mad?

Same.

To make ourselves feel better, we find a scapegoat and start blaming society. “Society tells us to do this, society is going downhill, society is so messed up.” Well wake up, we are society. You are society. We are not hopeless, it is not inevitable, and it can be fixed. Never have a man’s words been truer than when Michael Jackson sang, “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.” It really is that simple. Being a good person is not rocket science.

1. Smile At Everyone

It’s so easy. Regardless of whatever sort of day you’re having, smiling at people will not only make you happier, but you also don’t know what kind of day they’re having either. They might have just gotten out of the hospital or jail (in which case, be especially nice to them). A simple smile could drastically change someone’s mood, including your own. Resting Bitch Face is not an excuse to be unfriendly. Also, most importantly, it takes 17 muscles to smile, so you can consider it your work out for the day (or year). #littlevictories

2. Don’t Judge People So Quickly

You truly never know what others are going through. Take the time to get to know people truly for who they are. The person you dismissed for looking a certain way could be the very same person dealing with crippling personal issues. Everyone’s fighting battles, be kind. You never know what they’re dealing with. For all you know, their sock could be slowly slipping off in their shoes. Don’t make the pain worse.

3. Just Love

Love genuinely, unconditionally, and endlessly. There are so many great emotions we are capable of feeling, why waste it on hatred? All hatred causes rifts, causes wars, and causes deaths. No one is above anyone else, no one can get by without the love and support from others, including from random strangers. Try and see the best in people because I can guarantee everyone has incredible characteristics that you could not see over your worthless hatred. If everyone just loved each other as much as we love Chipotle and tacos, the world would be an incredibly loving place. #shittingglitter

4. Don’t Talk Behind People’s Backs

Shit talk only starts shit. If you have something to say to someone, try saying it to them first. If you don’t have the courage to, then you probably shouldn’t be making such bold statements to begin with. The way in which you talk about others is a reflection of you, not them. By talking behind their backs, you’re in the perfect position to kiss their ass. Hopefully they didn’t have Chipotle or tacos earlier because, well, good luck back there.

5. Help Others

Sacrifice your own time to help others, even with the smallest of tasks. Hold the door for others and help carry things for others. It’s all about the little things. Rack up your good karma, because you never know when life comes around to bite your booty and you need help from others. Be considerate, be kind, be attentive to those who may need help. Unless they need help plotting a crazy murder, then you should probably not.