Every day, you have the power to make the people around you feel good or feel bad, and which you choose defines the kind of person you are and the impact you will have on the world. This month, we challenge every member of the 99 Walks Pack to be a person who leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. Because now more than ever, the world could use a little more light, love, joy, and sparkle.
What do we mean when we encourage you to leave a little sparkle? Nope, we are not suggesting you fill an envelope with glitter and send it to your sister (because it is terrible for the environment and she’d likely never forgive you for the glitter she’d find in every nook and cranny for a decade) or scatter a trail of glitter behind you as you would a trail of breadcrumbs, or coat rocks with glitter and leave them behind.
Instead, this month, let’s aim to brighten the space around us, spread joy, and leave each little corner of our world just a little bit better than we found it.
The ways to leave a little sparkle are infinite, and I have no doubt that over the course of this month, this Pack will uncover — and share — hundreds of ideas. Here are just nine ideas to get us going.
Smile big. Research shows that smiles are contagious, so putting your smile out into the world will have a ripple effect. Smile big so that your smile reaches your eyes, and remember, people can always hear a smile in your voice.
Listen. Most of us spend more time talking — or waiting for our turn to talk — than we do listening. Everyone wants to be heard and everyone has a story to share. This month, strive to collect those stories by truly listening.
Bring the energy. I know, I know. It is hard. Many of us feel depleted and discouraged. You might have to work a little bit harder to bring energy to your days and to share that energy with the people around you. But simply making the conscious, deliberate decision to bring positive energy to your day and to your encounters with others works. Try it.
Surprise the people you love. Everyone loves surprises. Unexpected notes scribbled on the bathroom mirror or stuck to their favorite coffee cup. Flowers delivered for no reason. A haiku just for you. Surprise and delight the people you love throughout the month.
Don’t take it too seriously. Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, it is hard not to take things too seriously. But we need to try. We must balance the serious with the silly. We must be willing to laugh and play. We need to dance around our living room using a hairbrush as a microphone while belting out a favorite song. We have to dance down the sidewalk, leaving a little sparkle in our trail.
Look on the bright side. Yes, you can train your brain to look on the bright side. Yes, gratitude helps. Yes, walking helps. Yes, remembering that you actually can control what you do and where you put your attention helps. Yes, deciding that, at least for this month, you will be a person who looks on the bright side and leaves a little sparkle.
Say thank you. Around here, we talk a lot about gratitude. This month, let’s spread that gratitude by taking the time to say thank you in two ways. First, instead of the reflexive “thank you” you utter when a cashier hands you your change, take a moment to look her in the eye and say thank you like you mean it. Second, make the time to say thank you to the people you love and the people who have had a real impact on your life. Bonus sparkle for telling them why.
Take risks. Being a person who leaves a little sparkle requires that you take risks. You have to risk your heart and your love. You have to risk being silly. You have to risk people shaking their heads at your energy. You have to risk trying new things and pushing outside of your comfort zone. At least for this month, be that person and take those risks.
Make the effort. Okay, I know. Sometimes this is hard. Like I said, many of us are depleted and discouraged. Our endurance and ability to remain positive is being tested. It is easy to surrender, it is harder to make the effort. Make the effort to leave a little sparkle.
This month, we are going to leave a little sparkle wherever we go. We are going to strive to spread joy, love, and light. And, together, we’re going to make a big impact, one little sparkle at a time.
Join thousands of women who are using the 99 Walks walking app to track their goals and find the mental and physical health and wellness they’ve desired. 99 Walks will keep you motivated with a tracking app, an extensive library of walking classes, daily inspiration and a supportive community—plus, you’ll earn an inspirational bracelet when you accomplish your goal! Click here to learn more!