Every day this world does something disappointing. There are misfortunes everywhere, and the news constantly spouts negativity like a never-ending fountain of tragedy. It’s no wonder it’s hard to keep a positive attitude at such a confusing time. Not only is the world in turmoil, but also people we interact with every day seem to always have something new to complain about. Negativity is inescapable, and it seems, incurable as well. What is one, singular person to do?

Have you ever noticed if you do something seemingly simple, people will follow? (This seems off topic, but stay with me). Try this social experiment next time you’re bored. You’ll notice if you start doing something small like hum a song or click your pen, I almost guarantee someone will follow suit. By nature, people are followers. But really, it’s not our fault. From a young age, we were taught to “follow the leader” and “follow the rules” or play games such as “Simon Says.” So naturally, as we got older, we kept up the habit that we were raised on. Now as “grown-ups”, we follow people on Twitter, religions, and famous people we want to keep up with. But sadly, we also follow things that are a little more harmful than a risqué celebrity.

The thing is, people are ALWAYS going to follow something. The kicker is following something that can make a positive impact, and not a negative one. It’s so easy to pick up that negative attitude from your friend complaining about something they didn’t want to do or that person that rolled their eyes at you in the grocery store. Obviously, it’s hard to be positive. But things that are worth it are never easy.

If you want to see change in your environment, YOU have to be the one to create it. Contrary to the belief of this generation, people are not going to do the dirty work for you. Maybe you can’t end world hunger or create world peace, but you can make a change in the people you interact with every day. So roll up your sleeves, put on a happy face, and make a change. Because even the simplest smile at a stranger can turn someone’s day around. And maybe, just maybe, you can make a difference.